Little River, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,771
12.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,786/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,351
7.5% year-over-year change

Little River population

How many people live in Little River

Little River is home to 11,771 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Little River locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
11,771
12.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
5,590
Female
52.5%
6,181
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,590 47.5% 12.2%
Female 6,181 52.5% 12.9%
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 Little River is 61, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.4% are children under 15, then 7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.9% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
61.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.4%
15 to 24
7%
25 to 44
14.9%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
42.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 986 8.4% 15.6%
15 to 24 827 7% 55.7%
25 to 44 1,750 14.9% 9.1%
45 to 64 3,236 27.5% 11.2%
Over 65 4,972 42.2% 9.1%
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 Little River, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.4% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,966 93.2% 7.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 437 3.7% 96.0%
Non-citizens 368 3.1% 493.6%
Racial breakdown
White
83.4%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 9,822 83.4%
Black or African American 757 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.1%
Asian 74 0.6%
Two or more races 912 7.8%
Other 189 1.6%

Households in Little River

A peek inside Little River households

Little River has 5,886 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,886
11.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,517
Family households
3,369
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,517 42.8% 6.9%
Family households 3,369 57.2% 15.0%
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 Little River

The housing landscape of Little River

Little River's housing consists of 8,351 units, with 45.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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
8,351
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,825 45.8%
1 unit, attached 634 7.6%
2 units 166 2%
3 or 4 units 198 2.4%
5 to 9 units 1,120 13.4%
10 to 19 units 972 11.6%
20 to 49 units 820 9.8%
50 or more units 92 1.1%
Mobile home 524 6.3%
Homes built since 2020
839
86.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Little River

In Little River, the median construction year is 1996. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 10% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 46 0.6% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 35 0.4% -45.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 84 1% 71.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 366 4.4% -10.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,333 27.9% 11.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,305 27.6% 4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,606 19.2% -8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 737 8.8% 13.7%
Built in 2020 or later 839 10% 86.0%
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.

Little River occupancy rates

Out of the 5,886 occupied housing units in Little River, 76.6% are owner-occupied, while 23.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 29.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,886
11.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,375
Owner occupied
4,511
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,375 23.4% 12.3%
Owner occupied 4,511 76.6% 11.1%
Unoccupied housing units
29.5%
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.

Little River housing costs

Housing costs in Little River come to a median of $1,020 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,528.

Median housing costs per month
$1,020/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 Little River
$1,528/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 Little River

Little River education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Little River went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 17.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 122 1.2% -26.1%
High school diploma 3,745 35.5% 14.7%
College diploma 3,000 28.4% 12.0%
Associate degree 1,085 10.3% 2.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,844 17.5% 19.6%
Graduate degree 764 7.2% 4.4%
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 Little River

How much people earn in Little River

The average annual household income in Little River was $81,416 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,786, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Little River
$81,416/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Little River
$65,786/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Little River income by age

In Little River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,802. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,655 overall. Overall, 87.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $82,802 -1.1%
45 - 64 $69,655 -1.0%
Over 65 $59,569 -1.6%
Above poverty level
10,190
Below poverty level
1,441
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,190 87.6% 9.3%
Below poverty level 1,441 12.4% 38.8%

Average renter income in Little River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Little River, their median household income was $43,551 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,551
Rent-to-income ratio
42.1%
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 Little River

Workforce and job types in Little River

The job market in Little River is powered by 4,509 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, 14.7% run their own businesses, 69.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,509
11.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,735
Blue collar
774
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,735 82.8% 10.3%
Blue collar 774 17.2% 14.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
69.1%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 661 14.7% 7.1%
Private companies 3,115 69.1% 10.8%
Governmental workers 519 11.5% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 214 4.8% 10.9%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
31.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Little River stands at 4.2%, 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 Little River

How people get around in Little River

Commuting methods vary: 81.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 3,566 81.9% 12.0%
Taxicab 35 0.8% -22.2%
Railroad 9 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 35 0.8% -7.9%
Walk 29 0.7% 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.

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FAQs about Little River demographics 

What is the total population of Little River?

Little River has a total population of 11,771 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 +12.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Little River?

The gender ratio in Little River is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (5,590 residents)
  • 52.5% females (6,181 residents)

What is the median age in Little River?

The median age in Little River is 61.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Little River?

The age distribution in Little River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.4% (986 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7% (827 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.9% (1,750 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (3,236 residents)
  • Over 65: 42.2% (4,972 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Little River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Little River is as follows:
  • White: 83.4% (9,822 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (757 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (74 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (912 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (189 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Little River.

How many housing units are there in Little River?

There are 8,351 housing units in Little River, reflecting a +7.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Little River has a total of 5,886 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Little River?

Little River has a median household income of $65,786, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Little River?

The employment rate is 95.8% in Little River, with a workforce of 4,509 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (3,735 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (774 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (661 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.1% (3,115 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (519 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.8% (214 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