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
Saluda County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 18,958. It ranks #40 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 43.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Saluda County is $52,957, below the US median of $74,580. 19.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,200, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 78.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Saluda County reflects 19.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.6 minutes each way.
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
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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.