Effingham, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,311
-8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,067/yr
-2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,367
-0.6% year-over-year change

Effingham population

How many people live in Effingham

Effingham is home to 9,311 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.6% of Effingham locals are male, and 46.4% are female.

Total population
9,311
-8.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.6%
4,989
Female
46.4%
4,322
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,989 53.6% -5.4%
Female 4,322 46.4% -12.2%
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 Effingham is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,864 20% -2.6%
15 to 24 1,169 12.6% -5.3%
25 to 44 2,260 24.3% -13.7%
45 to 64 2,298 24.7% -16.0%
Over 65 1,719 18.5% 1.7%
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 Effingham, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.2% of locals are Caucasian, 39% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,214 99% -8.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 87 0.9% -6.5%
Non-citizens 10 0.1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
58.2%
Black or African American
39%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 5,422 58.2%
Black or African American 3,635 39%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.2%
Asian 61 0.7%
Two or more races 98 1%
Other 79 0.8%

Households in Effingham

A peek inside Effingham households

Effingham has 3,587 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,587
-2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,400
Family households
2,187
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,400 39% 18.3%
Family households 2,187 61% -12.6%
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 Effingham

The housing landscape of Effingham

Effingham's housing consists of 4,367 units, with 62.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 35.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,367
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,745 62.9%
1 unit, attached 17 0.4%
3 or 4 units 40 0.9%
Mobile home 1,558 35.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
150
12.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Effingham

In Effingham, the median construction year is 1992. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 68 1.6% -31.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 1.6% 9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 101 2.3% -24.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 549 12.6% 32.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 540 12.4% -6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 712 16.3% -15.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 813 18.6% -5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 970 22.2% 12.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 392 9% -2.7%
Built in 2020 or later 150 3.4% 12.8%
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.

Effingham occupancy rates

Out of the 3,587 occupied housing units in Effingham, 79.6% are owner-occupied, while 20.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,587
-2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
730
Owner occupied
2,857
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 730 20.4% -0.3%
Owner occupied 2,857 79.6% -3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
17.9%
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.

Effingham housing costs

Housing costs in Effingham come to a median of $869 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $991.

Median housing costs per month
$869/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 Effingham
$991/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 Effingham

Effingham education at a glance

About 50% of the population in Effingham went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 11% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 342 4.8% 0.9%
High school diploma 3,526 50% -8.7%
College diploma 1,228 17.4% -22.2%
Associate degree 754 10.7% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 776 11% -16.1%
Graduate degree 423 6% -6.8%
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 Effingham

How much people earn in Effingham

The average annual household income in Effingham was $69,403 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,067, reflecting a -2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Effingham
$69,403/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Effingham
$52,067/year
-2.5% year-over-year change

Effingham income by age

In Effingham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,443. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,214 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,973, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,173 in earnings. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,973 2.0%
25 - 44 $82,443 -8.6%
45 - 64 $62,214 14.8%
Over 65 $36,173 1.5%
Above poverty level
7,805
Below poverty level
1,163
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,805 87% -11.3%
Below poverty level 1,163 13% 13.9%

Employment in Effingham

Workforce and job types in Effingham

61.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,459
Blue collar
1,521
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,459 61.8% -9.0%
Blue collar 1,521 38.2% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 543 13.6% -15.6%
Private companies 2,391 60.1% -11.1%
Governmental workers 461 11.6% -24.7%
Not for profit companies 585 14.7% 54.0%

Transportation in Effingham

How people get around in Effingham

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,768 100% -9.0%
Walk 1 0% 0.0%
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 Effingham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29541 9,326 3,593 $52,067 $69,558

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FAQs about Effingham demographics 

What is the total population of Effingham?

Effingham has a total population of 9,311 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 -8.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Effingham?

The gender ratio in Effingham is as follows:
  • 53.6% males (4,989 residents)
  • 46.4% females (4,322 residents)

What is the median age in Effingham?

The median age in Effingham is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Effingham?

The age distribution in Effingham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (1,864 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (1,169 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (2,260 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (2,298 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (1,719 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Effingham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Effingham is as follows:
  • White: 58.2% (5,422 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39% (3,635 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1% (98 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (79 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Effingham.

How many housing units are there in Effingham?

There are 4,367 housing units in Effingham, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Effingham has a total of 3,587 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Effingham?

Effingham has a median household income of $52,067, representing a -2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Effingham?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.8% (2,459 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.2% (1,521 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (543 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (2,391 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (461 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.7% (585 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