Central, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,320
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,258/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,266
4.8% year-over-year change

Central population

How many people live in Central

Central is home to 5,320 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Central locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
5,320
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
2,630
Female
50.6%
2,690
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,630 49.4% 1.6%
Female 2,690 50.6% -0.7%
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 Central is 24, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 31.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.2% of the population, while another 10.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
24
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
31.8%
25 to 44
31.2%
45 to 64
10.6%
Over 65
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,017 19.1% 10.1%
15 to 24 1,694 31.8% -14.2%
25 to 44 1,659 31.2% 19.2%
45 to 64 564 10.6% -16.8%
Over 65 386 7.3% 16.6%
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 Central, 88.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 63.1% of locals are Caucasian, 10.7% are African American and 8.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,724 88.8% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 161 3% -11.5%
Non-citizens 435 8.2% -10.1%
Racial breakdown
White
63.1%
Black or African American
10.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
8.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.8%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 3,359 63.1%
Black or African American 570 10.7%
Asian 474 8.9%
Two or more races 841 15.8%
Other 76 1.4%

Households in Central

A peek inside Central households

Central has 1,942 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 45.5% are families, while the remaining 54.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,942
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,058
Family households
884
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,058 54.5% 0.9%
Family households 884 45.5% 4.7%
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 Central

The housing landscape of Central

Central's housing consists of 2,266 units, with 33.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,266
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 766 33.8%
1 unit, attached 74 3.3%
2 units 223 9.8%
3 or 4 units 163 7.2%
5 to 9 units 202 8.9%
10 to 19 units 625 27.6%
20 to 49 units 57 2.5%
50 or more units 138 6.1%
Mobile home 18 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
66
46.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Central

In Central, the median construction year is 1988. About 8.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 196 8.6% -5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 66 2.9% 6.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 41 1.8% -21.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 171 7.6% 40.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 227 10% 39.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 533 23.5% 56.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 424 18.7% -16.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 486 21.4% -17.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 56 2.5% -27.3%
Built in 2020 or later 66 2.9% 46.7%
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.

Central occupancy rates

Out of the 1,942 occupied housing units in Central, 26.4% are owner-occupied, while 73.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,942
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,429
Owner occupied
513
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,429 73.6% -1.9%
Owner occupied 513 26.4% 17.9%
Unoccupied housing units
14.3%
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.

Central housing costs

Housing costs in Central come to a median of $937 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $876.

Median housing costs per month
$937/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 Central
$876/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 Central

Central education at a glance

About 26.7% of the population in Central went to high school, while 27.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 26.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 0.5% -66.1%
High school diploma 1,108 26.7% -5.4%
College diploma 1,135 27.3% -15.0%
Associate degree 321 7.7% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,082 26.1% 13.4%
Graduate degree 485 11.7% 22.2%
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 Central

How much people earn in Central

The average annual household income in Central was $66,142 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,258, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Central
$66,142/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Central
$60,258/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Central income by age

In Central, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,775. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,500 overall. Overall, 69.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,169 -23.0%
25 - 44 $66,775 8.2%
45 - 64 $42,500 4.8%
Above poverty level
3,206
Below poverty level
1,422
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,206 69.3% 0.4%
Below poverty level 1,422 30.7% -5.4%

Average renter income in Central

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Central, their median household income was $39,514 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,514
Rent-to-income ratio
26.6%
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 Central

Workforce and job types in Central

The job market in Central is powered by 2,385 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.6% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 28.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,385
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,976
Blue collar
409
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,976 82.8% 3.6%
Blue collar 409 17.2% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
4.6%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
28.1%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 109 4.6% -2.7%
Private companies 1,433 60.1% -3.1%
Governmental workers 671 28.1% 5.7%
Not for profit companies 172 7.2% 67.0%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Central stands at 4.4%, 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 Central

How people get around in Central

Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,977 87.2% 1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 51 2.2% -53.6%
Motorcycle 8 0.4% N/A
Walk 73 3.2% -13.1%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Central by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29630 15,982 6,973 $55,264 $68,806

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FAQs about Central demographics 

What is the total population of Central?

Central has a total population of 5,320 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Central?

The gender ratio in Central is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (2,630 residents)
  • 50.6% females (2,690 residents)

What is the median age in Central?

The median age in Central is 24.

What is the age distribution of the population in Central?

The age distribution in Central is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (1,017 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 31.8% (1,694 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.2% (1,659 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 10.6% (564 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.3% (386 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Central?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central is as follows:
  • White: 63.1% (3,359 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.7% (570 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 8.9% (474 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.8% (841 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (76 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.8% of the population in Central.

How many housing units are there in Central?

There are 2,266 housing units in Central, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Central has a total of 1,942 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Central?

Central has a median household income of $60,258, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Central, with a workforce of 2,385 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (1,976 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (409 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.6% (109 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (1,433 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.1% (671 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (172 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