Poverty in South Carolina
What is the poverty rate in South Carolina?
The poverty rate in South Carolina is 16.6%. One out of every 6 residents of South Carolina lives in poverty.
How many people in South Carolina live in poverty?
790,657 of 4,751,345 residents reported income levels below the poverty line in the last year.
How does the Poverty Rate in South Carolina compare to the national average?
South Carolina ranks 40th in Poverty Rate at 16.6%(poverty rankings by state).The Poverty Rate of South Carolina is moderately higher than the national average of 14.6%.
South Carolina Poverty Rate County Map
South Carolina Poverty Rate By Sex
What is the poverty rate for men vs women living in South Carolina?
Male
The Poverty Rate for men who live in South Carolina is 15.0%.
Female
The Poverty Rate for women who live in South Carolina is 18.2%.
Poverty Rate Disparity for Male vs Female Residents of South Carolina
Female residents of South Carolina are meaningfully(21%) more likely to live in poverty than males.
343,117 of 2,288,162 males in South Carolina live below the poverty line.
447,540 of 2,463,183 females in South Carolina live below the poverty line.
South Carolina Poverty Rate By Age
What's the Poverty Rate in South Carolina By Age?
Breakdown of South Carolina Poverty Rate By Age
- Children Under 6 in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 27.4%.
- Children 6 to 11 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 25.3%.
- Adolescents 12 to 17 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 21.0%.
- Adults 18 to 59 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 16.1%.
- Adults 60 to 74 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 9.9%.
- 75 to 84 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 10.1%.
- Over 85 Years Old in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 13.0%.
Historical South Carolina Poverty Rate
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY % Change | National |
|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
18.2% | 15.3% | |
2011 |
18.9% | 4.0% | 15.9% |
2012 |
18.3% | 3.0% | 15.9% |
2013 |
18.6% | 1.0% | 15.8% |
2014 |
18.0% | 3.0% | 15.5% |
2015 |
16.6% | 8.0% | 14.7% |
2016 |
15.3% | 9.0% | 14.0% |
2017 |
15.4% | 0.0% | 13.4% |
South Carolina Poverty Rate By Race
| Race | Population | Poverty Rate | National Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black |
1,282,197 |
26.7% | 25.2% | 26.2% |
American Indian |
14,611 |
22.2% | 26.8% | 0.3% |
Asian |
69,794 |
14.9% | 11.9% | 1.4% |
Pacific Islander |
2,775 |
22.9% | 19.0% | 0.1% |
Other |
72,235 |
32.5% | 23.8% | 1.5% |
Two Or More Races |
98,519 |
27.0% | 18.4% | 2.0% |
White |
3,044,748 |
11.2% | 10.3% | 62.2% |
Hispanic |
257,204 |
28.6% | 22.2% | 5.3% |
What's the Poverty Rate in South Carolina By Race?
26.7% of Black residents of South Carolina live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of black residents in South Carolina is the same as than the national average. 342,247 of 1,282,197 black South Carolinians live below the poverty line. Approximately 26.2% of the total population of South Carolina are black.
14.9% of Asian residents of South Carolina live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of asian residents in South Carolina is the same as than the national average. 10,369 of 69,794 asian South Carolinians live below the poverty line. Approximately 1.4% of the total population of South Carolina is asian.
11.2% of White residents of South Carolina live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of white residents in South Carolina is the same as than the national average. 340,084 of 3,044,748 white South Carolinians live below the poverty line. Approximately 62.2% of the total population of South Carolina are white.
28.6% of Hispanic residents of South Carolina live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of hispanic residents in South Carolina is dramatically higher than the national average of 22.2%. 73,604 of 257,204 hispanic South Carolinians live below the poverty line. Approximately 5.3% of the total population of South Carolina are hispanic.
South Carolina Poverty Rate By School Enrollment
Understanding where poverty hits hardest in South Carolina can be better understood by segmenting poverty by whether or not the resident is in school or not.
- Enrolled in School in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 23.4%.
- Not Enrolled in School in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 13.9%.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in school is moderately higher than the national average of 20.1%. This translates to 265,899 of 1,136,493 South Carolinians enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 23.2% of the total population of South Carolina are currently enrolled in school.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents not enrolled in school is moderately higher than the national average of 12.2%. This translates to 478,072 of 3,448,874 South Carolinians not enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 70.5% of the total population of South Carolina are currently not enrolled in school.
Poverty for younger ages in South Carolina is seen as the most undesirable for the future of the community.
- Enrolled in Nursery School in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 21.2%.
- Enrolled in Elementary School(Grades 1-4) in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 25.9%.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in nursery school is moderately higher than the national average of 18.0%. This translates to 13,241 of 62,384 South Carolinians enrolled in nursery school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.3% of the total population of South Carolina is currently enrolled in nursery school.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) is meaningfully higher than the national average of 21.2%. This translates to 63,018 of 243,531 South Carolinians enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.0% of the total population of South Carolina are currently enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4).
Poverty for developing children and young adults in South Carolina can have drastic impacts on graduation and college attendance rates.
- Enrolled in Middle School(Grade 5-8) in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 22.9%.
- Enrolled in High School (Grades 9-12) in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 20.2%.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) is meaningfully higher than the national average of 19.0%. This translates to 54,973 of 240,024 South Carolinians enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.9% of the total population of South Carolina are currently enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8).
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) is moderately higher than the national average of 17.7%. This translates to 49,867 of 246,641 South Carolinians enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.0% of the total population of South Carolina are currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12).
Adult students in college, graduate or professional schools generally bring employers, revenue and higher living wages post-graduation and are seen as a positive to the community.
- Enrolled in Undergraduate School in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 25.9%.
- Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School in South Carolina have a Poverty Rate of 16.1%.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in undergraduate school is moderately higher than the national average of 23.4%. This translates to 57,106 of 220,437 South Carolinians enrolled in undergraduate school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.5% of the total population of South Carolina are currently enrolled in undergraduate school.
The Poverty Rate of South Carolina residents enrolled in graduate or professional school is slightly lower than the national average of 17.2%. This translates to 8,529 of 52,867 South Carolinians enrolled in graduate or professional school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.1% of the total population of South Carolina is currently enrolled in graduate or professional school.
South Carolina Poverty Rate By Place of Birth
What is the poverty rate for residents of South Carolina born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born?
16.5%
The Poverty Rate for residents of South Carolina who were born citizens of the United States is 16.5%.
19.9%
The Poverty Rate for residents of South Carolina who were born citizens of a country other than the US is 19.9%.
Poverty Rate for residents of South Carolina born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born
Foreign-born residents of South Carolina have a higher poverty rate than those who were born US citizens.
Of the 4,519,109 residents of South Carolina who were born citizens of the United States, 744,396 (16.5%) had income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Conversely, 46,261 (19.9%) of 232,236 residents of South Carolina who were born citizens of a country other than the US reported income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
South Carolina Poverty Rate By City
| City | Rank | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
Abbeville |
220th |
39.9% | 5,103 |
Aiken |
82nd |
15.9% | 30,277 |
Anderson |
130th |
23.2% | 27,011 |
Batesburg-Leesville |
158th |
26.2% | 5,440 |
Beaufort |
102nd |
19.3% | 13,413 |
Belvedere |
111th |
21.0% | 5,063 |
Bennettsville |
203rd |
34.2% | 8,493 |
Berea |
185th |
30.4% | 14,966 |
Bluffton |
25th |
6.8% | 17,164 |
Boiling Springs |
16th |
5.4% | 9,152 |
Brookdale |
212th |
37.8% | 4,708 |
Burton |
90th |
17.0% | 8,169 |
Camden |
87th |
16.7% | 7,000 |
Cayce |
113th |
21.2% | 13,668 |
Centerville |
18th |
5.6% | 7,004 |
Central |
225th |
40.8% | 5,161 |
Charleston |
73rd |
14.6% | 131,204 |
Cheraw |
206th |
35.1% | 5,702 |
Chester |
162nd |
27.2% | 5,446 |
Clearwater |
189th |
31.0% | 4,657 |
Clemson |
218th |
38.8% | 15,375 |
Clinton |
188th |
30.6% | 8,538 |
Clover |
114th |
21.2% | 5,731 |
Columbia |
122nd |
22.3% | 132,236 |
Conway |
153rd |
25.7% | 21,534 |
Darlington |
152nd |
25.6% | 6,075 |
Dentsville |
84th |
16.5% | 14,204 |
Dillon |
205th |
35.1% | 6,540 |
Easley |
69th |
13.1% | 20,521 |
Edgefield |
184th |
30.3% | 4,738 |
Five Forks |
12th |
4.1% | 17,500 |
Florence |
91st |
17.4% | 37,840 |
Forest Acres |
33rd |
9.1% | 10,466 |
Forestbrook |
3rd |
1.9% | 5,950 |
Fort Mill |
32nd |
8.8% | 14,451 |
Fountain Inn |
48th |
10.8% | 8,455 |
Gaffney |
165th |
27.7% | 12,756 |
Gantt |
173rd |
28.7% | 15,393 |
Garden City |
40th |
9.9% | 9,702 |
Georgetown |
211th |
37.1% | 8,960 |
Goose Creek |
43rd |
10.2% | 41,040 |
Greenville |
77th |
15.3% | 64,061 |
Greenwood |
204th |
34.7% | 23,148 |
Greer |
71st |
13.8% | 28,587 |
Hanahan |
47th |
10.6% | 21,729 |
Hardeeville |
117th |
21.9% | 5,084 |
Hartsville |
201st |
32.9% | 7,694 |
Hilton Head Island |
49th |
10.9% | 39,666 |
Hollywood |
35th |
9.3% | 5,083 |
Homeland Park |
128th |
23.2% | 6,148 |
Irmo |
67th |
13.0% | 11,950 |
Ladson |
59th |
12.5% | 16,511 |
Lake City |
197th |
32.5% | 6,697 |
Lake Murray of Richland |
19th |
5.6% | 6,402 |
Lake Wylie |
10th |
4.1% | 12,170 |
Lancaster |
175th |
29.0% | 8,948 |
Laurel Bay |
81st |
15.7% | 6,572 |
Laurens |
164th |
27.5% | 8,931 |
Lexington |
28th |
7.6% | 20,653 |
Little River |
20th |
5.7% | 9,208 |
Lugoff |
75th |
15.0% | 8,152 |
Marion |
208th |
36.3% | 6,590 |
Mauldin |
21st |
5.9% | 24,813 |
Moncks Corner |
70th |
13.5% | 9,759 |
Mount Pleasant |
17th |
5.4% | 80,661 |
Murrells Inlet |
34th |
9.1% | 8,752 |
Myrtle Beach |
134th |
23.8% | 30,760 |
Newberry |
159th |
26.8% | 10,257 |
North Augusta |
64th |
12.8% | 22,268 |
North Charleston |
124th |
22.8% | 108,186 |
North Myrtle Beach |
53rd |
12.1% | 15,510 |
Oak Grove |
54th |
12.1% | 10,373 |
Orangeburg |
166th |
27.8% | 13,215 |
Parker |
198th |
32.6% | 12,540 |
Piedmont |
30th |
7.8% | 6,155 |
Port Royal |
83rd |
16.0% | 12,218 |
Red Bank |
66th |
13.0% | 9,214 |
Red Hill |
132nd |
23.6% | 15,015 |
Rock Hill |
98th |
18.1% | 70,764 |
Sangaree |
78th |
15.4% | 8,161 |
Sans Souci |
193rd |
31.8% | 9,187 |
Seneca |
105th |
19.9% | 8,199 |
Seven Oaks |
26th |
7.1% | 15,631 |
Simpsonville |
27th |
7.1% | 20,741 |
Socastee |
112th |
21.1% | 23,567 |
Spartanburg |
144th |
24.6% | 37,384 |
St. Andrews |
108th |
20.3% | 21,977 |
Summerville |
46th |
10.4% | 49,122 |
Sumter |
110th |
20.8% | 40,286 |
Taylors |
61st |
12.6% | 22,919 |
Tega Cay |
1st |
1.0% | 9,464 |
Travelers Rest |
86th |
16.6% | 4,965 |
Union |
186th |
30.4% | 7,926 |
Valley Falls |
119th |
22.0% | 6,201 |
Wade Hampton |
51st |
11.3% | 20,213 |
Walterboro |
148th |
25.1% | 5,143 |
Welcome |
95th |
17.9% | 6,891 |
West Columbia |
96th |
18.0% | 17,056 |
Woodfield |
94th |
17.8% | 9,738 |
York |
151st |
25.5% | 8,001 |
Research & Reports
National Poverty Statistics
Where are the most poverty-stricken areas in your state? We breakdown over 3,000 counties nationwide and show the rank the best and worst communities by poverty rate in your area.
See Poverty Statistics
South Carolina Social Security
South Carolina Social Security Statistics
South Carolina Social SecuritySocial Security Payments in South Carolina
How are the Social Security Payments distributed throughout South Carolina? We breakdown social security benefits by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least social security income per capita.
South Carolina Social Security
Food Stamp Recipients in South Carolina
Which areas receive the most food stamp public assistance in South Carolina? We breakdown food stamps by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least food and nutrional supplements given to residents.
South Carolina Food Stamps