Pickens County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Pickens County, South Carolina is 132,604 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $59,411, the median home value is $216,000, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Pickens County has grown 15.8% since 2010 (119,344 → 138,207), a +1.05% annualized rate.
132,604
Population
+1.05%
Annual growth
267
People / sq mi
$59,411
Median Income
$216,000
Median Home Value
Pickens County covers 497 sq mi of land at 266.8 people per square mile.
About Pickens County, SC
Pickens County skews on age — the median resident is 36.2, younger than the national median. With 132,604 residents, Pickens County is a county in South Carolina. It ranks #14 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household here earns about $59,411, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $216,000, with typical rent around $936.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.3%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Pickens County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pickens County had a population of 119,344 in 2010 and 138,207 in 2024, a 15.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 138,207 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.06%.
138,207
Population (2024)
119,344
Population (2010)
138,207
Peak (2024)
1.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 119,344 |
| 2011 | 119,735 |
| 2012 | 119,863 |
| 2013 | 119,333 |
| 2014 | 120,651 |
| 2015 | 121,637 |
| 2016 | 123,180 |
| 2017 | 123,590 |
| 2018 | 125,176 |
| 2019 | 126,974 |
| 2020 | 131,689 |
| 2021 | 132,139 |
| 2022 | 134,405 |
| 2023 | 136,704 |
| 2024 | 138,207 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.0% |
| Black or African American | 6.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
17.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 17.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,411$-7,407 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,867 |
| Per-capita income | $33,075 |
| Poverty rate | 9.1%-1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pickens County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
78.2%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
27.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$216,000$-20,700 vs state
Median home value
$936
Median rent
70.5%
Homeownership rate
57,695
Total housing units
89.1%
Occupied
10.9%
Vacant
29.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
35.4%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.3%
High School+
27.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pickens County, South Carolina has a population of 132,604 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 267 people per square mile.
The population of Pickens County has grown 15.8% since 2010 (119,344 → 138,207), a +1.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pickens County, South Carolina is $59,411, with mean (average) household income of $82,867 and per-capita income of $33,075. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pickens County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.0%), Black or African American (6.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pickens County, South Carolina is 36.2 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Pickens County is $216,000 and median monthly rent is $936. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 57,695 total housing units, 10.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pickens County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Pickens County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Pickens County, SC Climate
Pickens County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C (59°F) and receives about 1485 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.2°C
Avg Temp
1485
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 136 mm |
| February | 6° / 44° | 125 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 153 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 107 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 128 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 114 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 126 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 126 mm |
| September | 21° / 71° | 111 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 117 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 117 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 125 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Pickens County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Pickens County, SC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pickens County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.