Cheraw, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,960
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$26,689/yr
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,601
3.4% year-over-year change

Cheraw population

How many people live in Cheraw

Cheraw is home to 4,960 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Cheraw locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
4,960
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
2,338
Female
52.9%
2,622
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,338 47.1% -8.8%
Female 2,622 52.9% 6.6%
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 Cheraw is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 30.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
30.4%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 791 16% 0.4%
15 to 24 542 10.9% -0.4%
25 to 44 1,173 23.6% 1.5%
45 to 64 1,510 30.4% -7.1%
Over 65 944 19% 3.7%
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 Cheraw, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40.2% of locals are Caucasian, 54.5% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,712 95% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 151 3% -31.1%
Non-citizens 97 2% -11.8%
Racial breakdown
White
40.2%
Black or African American
54.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,996 40.2%
Black or African American 2,705 54.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.3%
Asian 52 1%
Two or more races 191 3.8%

Households in Cheraw

A peek inside Cheraw households

Cheraw has 2,245 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.6% are families, while the remaining 53.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,245
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,200
Family households
1,045
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,200 53.4% 15.9%
Family households 1,045 46.6% -6.6%
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 Cheraw

The housing landscape of Cheraw

Cheraw's housing consists of 2,601 units, with 61.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,601
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,610 61.9%
1 unit, attached 19 0.7%
2 units 93 3.6%
3 or 4 units 231 8.9%
5 to 9 units 332 12.8%
10 to 19 units 67 2.6%
20 to 49 units 46 1.8%
50 or more units 20 0.8%
Mobile home 183 7%
Homes built since 2020
36
2.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cheraw

In Cheraw, the median construction year is 1970. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 280 10.8% -14.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 181 7% -17.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 296 11.4% 13.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 555 21.3% -6.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 479 18.4% 33.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 250 9.6% 2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 304 11.7% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 152 5.8% 22.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 68 2.6% 44.7%
Built in 2020 or later 36 1.4% 2.9%
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.

Cheraw occupancy rates

Out of the 2,245 occupied housing units in Cheraw, 47.8% are owner-occupied, while 52.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,245
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,171
Owner occupied
1,074
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,171 52.2% -1.6%
Owner occupied 1,074 47.8% 11.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
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.

Cheraw housing costs

Housing costs in Cheraw come to a median of $750 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $800.

Median housing costs per month
$750/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 Cheraw
$800/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 Cheraw

Cheraw education at a glance

About 43% of the population in Cheraw went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.6% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 164 4.2% 0.0%
High school diploma 1,686 43% -11.4%
College diploma 773 19.7% 9.7%
Associate degree 493 12.6% 20.2%
Bachelor's degree 510 13% -13.4%
Graduate degree 290 7.4% 26.6%
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 Cheraw

How much people earn in Cheraw

The average annual household income in Cheraw was $51,862 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $26,689, reflecting a -2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cheraw
$51,862/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cheraw
$26,689/year
-2.1% year-over-year change

Cheraw income by age

In Cheraw, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $25,205. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $30,030 overall. Overall, 63.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $25,205 6.6%
45 - 64 $30,030 -12.4%
Over 65 $20,882 N/A
Above poverty level
2,962
Below poverty level
1,720
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,962 63.3% -4.2%
Below poverty level 1,720 36.7% 2.9%

Average renter income in Cheraw

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cheraw, their median household income was $19,665 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 48.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,665
Rent-to-income ratio
48.8%
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 Cheraw

Workforce and job types in Cheraw

The job market in Cheraw is powered by 1,949 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,949
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,097
Blue collar
852
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,097 56.3% 3.3%
Blue collar 852 43.7% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 127 6.5% -1.6%
Private companies 1,376 70.6% -0.4%
Governmental workers 290 14.9% 9.4%
Not for profit companies 156 8% -10.9%
Unemployment rate
11.8%
-24.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cheraw stands at 11.8%, 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 Cheraw

How people get around in Cheraw

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% 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 1,630 87.1% 4.2%
Motorcycle 2 0.1% -50.0%
Walk 87 4.6% -17.9%
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 Cheraw by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29520 13,206 5,526 $42,308 $63,307

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FAQs about Cheraw demographics 

What is the total population of Cheraw?

Cheraw has a total population of 4,960 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 Cheraw?

The gender ratio in Cheraw is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (2,338 residents)
  • 52.9% females (2,622 residents)

What is the median age in Cheraw?

The median age in Cheraw is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cheraw?

The age distribution in Cheraw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (791 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (542 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (1,173 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.4% (1,510 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (944 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cheraw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cheraw is as follows:
  • White: 40.2% (1,996 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54.5% (2,705 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (52 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (191 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Cheraw.

How many housing units are there in Cheraw?

There are 2,601 housing units in Cheraw, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cheraw has a total of 2,245 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cheraw?

Cheraw has a median household income of $26,689, representing a -2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.2% in Cheraw, with a workforce of 1,949 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.3% (1,097 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.7% (852 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (127 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (1,376 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (290 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (156 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