Richland County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in South Carolina
The population of Richland County, South Carolina is 418,725 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $61,699, the median home value is $224,200, and the median age is 34.2.
The population of Richland County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (385,754 → 430,651), a +0.79% annualized rate.
418,725
Population
+0.79%
Annual growth
553
People / sq mi
$61,699
Median Income
$224,200
Median Home Value
Richland County covers 757 sq mi of land at 552.9 people per square mile.
About Richland County, SC
Richland County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 418,725. It ranks #2 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 34.2, younger than the national median. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median household income in Richland County is $61,699, below the US median of $74,580. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $224,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,185. The homeownership rate of 60.4% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Richland County reflects 41.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 minutes each way.
Richland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richland County had a population of 385,754 in 2010 and 430,651 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 430,651 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
430,651
Population (2024)
385,754
Population (2010)
430,651
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 385,754 |
| 2011 | 389,333 |
| 2012 | 393,205 |
| 2013 | 397,015 |
| 2014 | 400,688 |
| 2015 | 406,455 |
| 2016 | 409,569 |
| 2017 | 412,492 |
| 2018 | 415,159 |
| 2019 | 417,027 |
| 2020 | 415,697 |
| 2021 | 417,306 |
| 2022 | 421,693 |
| 2023 | 425,236 |
| 2024 | 430,651 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 41.3% |
| Black or African American | 47.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.2
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
13.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 13.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,699$-5,119 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,852 |
| Per-capita income | $37,190 |
| Poverty rate | 11.7%+1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richland County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
6.1%
Carpool
72.4%
Public transit
10.5%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$224,200$-12,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,185
Median rent
60.4%
Homeownership rate
185,196
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
39.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.2%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
36.8%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.1%
With a disability
91.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.0%
High School+
41.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Richland County, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Richland County, South Carolina has a population of 418,725 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 553 people per square mile.
The population of Richland County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (385,754 → 430,651), a +0.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richland County, South Carolina is $61,699, with mean (average) household income of $89,852 and per-capita income of $37,190. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (47.3%), White (41.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Richland County, South Carolina is 34.2 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Richland County is $224,200 and median monthly rent is $1,185. 60.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 185,196 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richland County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Richland County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
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Full rankings of South Carolina counties
Statewide data for South Carolina
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.