Metro areas in South Carolina: income, rent and home values
South Carolina has 10 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Charlotte, NC with 2.9 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Charleston, SC ($93,054). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Spartanburg, SC (29.2%) and the largest in Florence, SC (40.5%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Spartanburg, SC (+21.4%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 2,938,830 | $89,067 | $1,641 | $415,300 | 30.7% |
| Greenville, SC | 1,014,101 | $72,282 | $1,322 | $316,800 | 31.3% |
| Charleston, SC | 889,263 | $93,054 | $1,855 | $429,100 | 31.2% |
| Columbia, SC | 880,080 | $76,375 | $1,357 | $273,600 | 31.3% |
| Augusta, GA | 642,511 | $71,159 | $1,383 | $259,900 | 33.3% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 427,551 | $71,086 | $1,441 | $323,600 | 32.6% |
| Spartanburg, SC | 407,656 | $67,670 | $1,238 | $267,300 | 29.2% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 242,966 | $84,390 | $1,875 | $508,000 | 39.9% |
| Florence, SC | 201,392 | $58,138 | $1,024 | $201,200 | 40.5% |
| Sumter, SC | 105,067 | $63,029 | $1,155 | $190,600 | 31.1% |
Includes 2 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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South Carolina at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in South Carolina for renters?+
Spartanburg, SC, where renters spend a median 29.2% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in South Carolina has the highest income?+
Charleston, SC, with a median household income of $93,054 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in South Carolina?+
10 metropolitan statistical areas in South Carolina have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.