Berea, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,862
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,829/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,852
1.9% year-over-year change

Berea population

How many people live in Berea

Berea is home to 16,862 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Berea locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
16,862
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
8,276
Female
50.9%
8,586
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,276 49.1% -0.5%
Female 8,586 50.9% 3.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Berea is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,351 19.9% -0.8%
15 to 24 2,407 14.3% 5.4%
25 to 44 4,145 24.6% -4.1%
45 to 64 3,840 22.8% -1.3%
Over 65 3,119 18.5% 12.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Berea, 80.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 44.4% of locals are Caucasian, 20.8% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. Another 3% are Indigenous American, 0.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,545 80.3% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,166 6.9% 14.1%
Non-citizens 2,151 12.8% -8.7%
Racial breakdown
White
44.4%
Black or African American
20.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.9%
Two or more races
18.2%
Other
11.3%
Value Percent
White 7,486 44.4%
Black or African American 3,511 20.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 511 3%
Asian 235 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 152 0.9%
Two or more races 3,061 18.2%
Other 1,906 11.3%

Households in Berea

A peek inside Berea households

Berea has 6,355 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.6% are families, while the remaining 35.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,355
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,252
Family households
4,103
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,252 35.4% -1.7%
Family households 4,103 64.6% 3.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Berea

The housing landscape of Berea

Berea's housing consists of 6,852 units, with 62.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,852
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,300 62.8%
1 unit, attached 256 3.7%
2 units 241 3.5%
3 or 4 units 446 6.5%
5 to 9 units 726 10.6%
10 to 19 units 247 3.6%
20 to 49 units 145 2.1%
50 or more units 59 0.9%
Mobile home 432 6.3%
Homes built since 2020
169
23.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Berea

In Berea, the median construction year is 1979. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 26 0.4% -69.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 92 1.3% 67.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 756 11% 9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,286 18.8% 10.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,473 21.5% -0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,029 15% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 935 13.6% 2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 436 6.4% -28.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 650 9.5% 13.0%
Built in 2020 or later 169 2.5% 23.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Berea occupancy rates

Out of the 6,355 occupied housing units in Berea, 63.9% are owner-occupied, while 36.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,355
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,296
Owner occupied
4,059
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,296 36.1% -6.1%
Owner occupied 4,059 63.9% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Berea housing costs

Housing costs in Berea come to a median of $995 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,076.

Median housing costs per month
$995/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Berea
$1,076/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Berea

Berea education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Berea went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,499 11.8% 1.8%
High school diploma 5,216 41% -6.9%
College diploma 2,415 19% 4.0%
Associate degree 1,157 9.1% -4.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,685 13.2% 18.5%
Graduate degree 764 6% 17.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Berea

How much people earn in Berea

The average annual household income in Berea was $65,579 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,829, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Berea
$65,579/year
-3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Berea
$49,829/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Berea income by age

In Berea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,936. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,988 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,189, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,707 in earnings. Overall, 77.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,189 16.4%
25 - 44 $62,936 3.5%
45 - 64 $50,988 4.6%
Over 65 $38,707 3.2%
Above poverty level
12,538
Below poverty level
3,707
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,538 77.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 3,707 22.8% 6.5%

Average renter income in Berea

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Berea, their median household income was $32,274 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,274
Rent-to-income ratio
40%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Berea

Workforce and job types in Berea

The job market in Berea is powered by 7,314 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 74.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,314
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,795
Blue collar
2,519
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,795 65.6% 6.2%
Blue collar 2,519 34.4% -17.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
74.1%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 586 8% -5.8%
Private companies 5,418 74.1% -5.3%
Governmental workers 821 11.2% 12.2%
Not for profit companies 489 6.7% 0.4%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Berea stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Berea

How people get around in Berea

In Berea, the average commute time is 25 minutes.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,538 90.4% -6.4%
Taxicab 93 1.3% 132.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Berea demographics 

What is the total population of Berea?

Berea has a total population of 16,862 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Berea?

The gender ratio in Berea is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (8,276 residents)
  • 50.9% females (8,586 residents)

What is the median age in Berea?

The median age in Berea is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Berea?

The age distribution in Berea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (3,351 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (2,407 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (4,145 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (3,840 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (3,119 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Berea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Berea is as follows:
  • White: 44.4% (7,486 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.8% (3,511 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3% (511 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (235 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.9% (152 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.2% (3,061 residents)
  • Other: 11.3% (1,906 residents)

What percentage of the population in Berea are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.3% of the population in Berea.

How many housing units are there in Berea?

There are 6,852 housing units in Berea, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Berea and what is the average household size?

Berea has a total of 6,355 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Berea?

Berea has a median household income of $49,829, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Berea?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Berea, with a workforce of 7,314 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (4,795 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (2,519 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (586 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.1% (5,418 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (821 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (489 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025