Saluda County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Saluda County, South Carolina is 18,958 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $52,957, the median home value is $123,200, and the median age is 43.0.
The population of Saluda County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (19,905 → 19,452), a -0.16% annualized rate.
18,958
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$52,957
Median Income
$123,200
Median Home Value
Saluda County covers 453 sq mi of land at 41.8 people per square mile.
About Saluda County, SC
The poverty rate is what most separates Saluda County from the typical county: 19.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 18,958 residents, Saluda County is a county in South Carolina. It ranks #40 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,957, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 19.7%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $123,200, with typical rent around $814.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Saluda County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Saluda County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Saluda County had a population of 19,905 in 2010 and 19,452 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,381 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
19,452
Population (2024)
19,905
Population (2010)
20,381
Peak (2019)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,905 |
| 2011 | 19,797 |
| 2012 | 19,858 |
| 2013 | 20,053 |
| 2014 | 20,061 |
| 2015 | 20,155 |
| 2016 | 20,171 |
| 2017 | 20,262 |
| 2018 | 20,333 |
| 2019 | 20,381 |
| 2020 | 18,908 |
| 2021 | 18,908 |
| 2022 | 19,086 |
| 2023 | 19,300 |
| 2024 | 19,452 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.1% |
| Black or African American | 22.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.0
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,957$-13,861 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,636 |
| Per-capita income | $29,590 |
| Poverty rate | 19.7%+9.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Saluda County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
29.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,200$-113,500 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
9,420
Total housing units
79.7%
Occupied
20.3%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.9%
With health insurance
88.8%
With broadband internet
20.2%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
83.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.0%
High School+
19.8%
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
Saluda County, South Carolina has a population of 18,958 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Saluda County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (19,905 → 19,452), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Saluda County, South Carolina is $52,957, with mean (average) household income of $72,636 and per-capita income of $29,590. 19.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Saluda County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.1%), Black or African American (22.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Saluda County, South Carolina is 43.0 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Saluda County is $123,200 and median monthly rent is $814. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,420 total housing units, 20.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Saluda County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Saluda County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
More from South Carolina
Population 537,575
Population 418,725
Population 414,711
Population 368,937
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.