Clemson, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,072
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,520/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,738
3.7% year-over-year change

Clemson population

How many people live in Clemson

Clemson is home to 18,072 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55% of Clemson locals are male, and 45% are female.

Total population
18,072
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55%
9,949
Female
45%
8,123
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,949 55% -1.0%
Female 8,123 45% 5.4%
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 Clemson is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.6% are children under 15, then 43% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.2% of the population, while another 14.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
24.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.6%
15 to 24
43%
25 to 44
21.2%
45 to 64
14.9%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,379 7.6% 10.6%
15 to 24 7,765 43% -2.0%
25 to 44 3,838 21.2% 6.7%
45 to 64 2,687 14.9% -0.6%
Over 65 2,403 13.3% 5.2%
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 Clemson, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.4% of locals are Caucasian, 8.1% are African American and 5.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,686 92.3% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 551 3% -3.3%
Non-citizens 835 4.6% 4.6%
Racial breakdown
White
78.4%
Black or African American
8.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 14,165 78.4%
Black or African American 1,471 8.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 38 0.2%
Asian 965 5.3%
Two or more races 1,288 7.1%
Other 145 0.8%

Households in Clemson

A peek inside Clemson households

Clemson has 7,868 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 33% are families, while the remaining 67% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,868
4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,270
Family households
2,598
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,270 67% 4.5%
Family households 2,598 33% 3.8%
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 Clemson

The housing landscape of Clemson

Clemson's housing consists of 8,738 units, with 38.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,738
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,388 38.8%
1 unit, attached 495 5.7%
2 units 738 8.4%
3 or 4 units 812 9.3%
5 to 9 units 870 10%
10 to 19 units 1,222 14%
20 to 49 units 633 7.2%
50 or more units 542 6.2%
Mobile home 38 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
249
23.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clemson

In Clemson, the median construction year is 1989. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 124 1.4% -20.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 174 2% -18.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 679 7.8% 7.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 439 5% -2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,421 16.3% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,614 18.5% 2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,534 17.6% 15.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,072 12.3% -14.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,432 16.4% 29.6%
Built in 2020 or later 249 2.8% 23.3%
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.

Clemson occupancy rates

Out of the 7,868 occupied housing units in Clemson, 34.3% are owner-occupied, while 65.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,868
4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,172
Owner occupied
2,696
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,172 65.7% 6.2%
Owner occupied 2,696 34.3% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.0%
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.

Clemson housing costs

Housing costs in Clemson come to a median of $1,044 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,007.

Median housing costs per month
$1,044/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 Clemson
$1,007/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 Clemson

Clemson education at a glance

About 19.4% of the population in Clemson went to high school, while 32.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 19.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 271 1.7% 8.0%
High school diploma 3,114 19.4% 3.1%
College diploma 5,192 32.3% 3.5%
Associate degree 1,032 6.4% 8.0%
Bachelor's degree 3,180 19.8% -9.4%
Graduate degree 3,271 20.4% 4.3%
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 Clemson

How much people earn in Clemson

The average annual household income in Clemson was $84,719 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,520, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clemson
$84,719/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clemson
$49,520/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Clemson income by age

In Clemson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $63,889. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,917 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $16,426, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,677 in earnings. Overall, 63.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $16,426 10.7%
25 - 44 $63,889 -21.0%
45 - 64 $99,917 9.9%
Over 65 $64,677 4.5%
Above poverty level
11,420
Below poverty level
6,450
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,420 63.9% 1.9%
Below poverty level 6,450 36.1% 1.3%

Average renter income in Clemson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clemson, their median household income was $35,082 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,082
Rent-to-income ratio
34.4%
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 Clemson

Workforce and job types in Clemson

The job market in Clemson is powered by 8,758 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 54.2% are employed by private companies, and 30% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,758
-3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
7,754
Blue collar
1,004
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,754 88.5% -4.2%
Blue collar 1,004 11.5% 8.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
54.2%
Governmental workers
30%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 856 9.8% 0.9%
Private companies 4,749 54.2% 3.6%
Governmental workers 2,630 30% -10.2%
Not for profit companies 523 6% -21.8%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clemson stands at 4.5%, 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 Clemson

How people get around in Clemson

Commuting methods vary: 79.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 6,484 79.4% -0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 287 3.5% -34.8%
Motorcycle 9 0.1% -25.0%
Bicycle 38 0.5% -71.6%
Walk 494 6% 2.5%
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.

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

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29631 16,849 6,556 $48,800 $90,600
29634 6,048 25 $0 $0

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FAQs about Clemson demographics 

What is the total population of Clemson?

Clemson has a total population of 18,072 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 +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clemson?

The gender ratio in Clemson is as follows:
  • 55% males (9,949 residents)
  • 45% females (8,123 residents)

What is the median age in Clemson?

The median age in Clemson is 24.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clemson?

The age distribution in Clemson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.6% (1,379 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 43% (7,765 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.2% (3,838 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.9% (2,687 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (2,403 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clemson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clemson is as follows:
  • White: 78.4% (14,165 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.1% (1,471 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (38 residents)
  • Asian: 5.3% (965 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (1,288 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (145 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in Clemson.

How many housing units are there in Clemson?

There are 8,738 housing units in Clemson, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Clemson has a total of 7,868 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clemson?

Clemson has a median household income of $49,520, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.5% in Clemson, with a workforce of 8,758 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.5% (7,754 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.5% (1,004 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (856 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.2% (4,749 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30% (2,630 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (523 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