Union County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Union County, South Carolina is 26,990 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $41,200, the median home value is $100,000, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Union County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (28,914 → 26,678), a -0.57% annualized rate.
26,990
Population
-0.57%
Annual growth
53
People / sq mi
$41,200
Median Income
$100,000
Median Home Value
Union County covers 514 sq mi of land at 52.6 people per square mile.
About Union County, SC
Remote work is unusually rare in Union County: 2.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Union County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 26,990. It ranks #34 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $41,200, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 17.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $100,000, with typical rent around $770.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 13.5%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 28,914 in 2010 and 26,678 in 2024, a -7.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,914 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.57%.
26,678
Population (2024)
28,914
Population (2010)
28,914
Peak (2010)
-0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,914 |
| 2011 | 28,654 |
| 2012 | 28,193 |
| 2013 | 27,991 |
| 2014 | 27,912 |
| 2015 | 27,731 |
| 2016 | 27,651 |
| 2017 | 27,433 |
| 2018 | 27,327 |
| 2019 | 27,221 |
| 2020 | 27,182 |
| 2021 | 27,028 |
| 2022 | 26,787 |
| 2023 | 26,751 |
| 2024 | 26,678 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.2% |
| Black or African American | 29.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
52.8%
Female
47.2%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,200$-25,618 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,786 |
| Per-capita income | $26,723 |
| Poverty rate | 17.9%+7.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
80.4%
Public transit
2.5%
Work from home
27.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$100,000$-136,700 vs state
Median home value
$770
Median rent
69.3%
Homeownership rate
13,508
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
30.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
87.9%
With broadband internet
16.4%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
20.8%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.7%
High School+
13.5%
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
Union County, South Carolina has a population of 26,990 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 53 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (28,914 → 26,678), a -0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, South Carolina is $41,200, with mean (average) household income of $58,786 and per-capita income of $26,723. 17.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.2%), Black or African American (29.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union County, South Carolina is 44.3 years. Residents are 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
The median home value in Union County is $100,000 and median monthly rent is $770. 69.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,508 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, South Carolina is manufacturing, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Union County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Union County, SC Climate
Union County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.8°C (60°F) and receives about 1217 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.8°C
Avg Temp
1217
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 114 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 104 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 128 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 80 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 93 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 104 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 109 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 103 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 97 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 89 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 94 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 Union County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Union County, SC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Union 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.