Pickens, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,155
-6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,000/yr
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,489
2.5% year-over-year change

Pickens population

How many people live in Pickens

Pickens is home to 3,155 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.5% of Pickens locals are male, and 59.5% are female.

Total population
3,155
-6.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.5%
1,279
Female
59.5%
1,876
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,279 40.5% -20.4%
Female 1,876 59.5% 5.5%
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 Pickens is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 30.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
30.1%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 569 18% -25.7%
15 to 24 387 12.3% -16.1%
25 to 44 686 21.7% -6.2%
45 to 64 951 30.1% 1.4%
Over 65 562 17.8% 14.7%
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

At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.7% of locals are Caucasian, 10.6% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,124 99% -5.9%
Non-citizens 31 1% -52.3%
Racial breakdown
White
71.7%
Black or African American
10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.6%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 2,261 71.7%
Black or African American 335 10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.6%
Asian 42 1.3%
Two or more races 459 14.6%
Other 40 1.3%

Households in Pickens

A peek inside Pickens households

Pickens has 1,328 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.5% are families, while the remaining 42.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,328
11.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
564
Family households
764
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 564 42.5% 44.2%
Family households 764 57.5% -4.1%
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 Pickens

The housing landscape of Pickens

Pickens's housing consists of 1,489 units, with 72.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,489
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,074 72.1%
2 units 85 5.7%
3 or 4 units 49 3.3%
5 to 9 units 112 7.5%
10 to 19 units 28 1.9%
50 or more units 44 3%
Mobile home 97 6.5%
Homes built since 2020
39
254.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pickens

In Pickens, the median construction year is 1964. About 21.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 323 21.7% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 103 6.9% 27.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 238 16% -18.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 186 12.5% 30.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 159 10.7% -12.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 138 9.3% 50.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 126 8.5% 26.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 152 10.2% -11.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 1.7% -63.8%
Built in 2020 or later 39 2.6% 254.6%
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.

Pickens occupancy rates

Out of the 1,328 occupied housing units in Pickens, 68% are owner-occupied, while 32% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,328
11.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
425
Owner occupied
903
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 425 32% 10.4%
Owner occupied 903 68% 12.4%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
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.

Pickens housing costs

Housing costs in Pickens come to a median of $737 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $828.

Median housing costs per month
$737/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 Pickens
$828/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 Pickens

Pickens education at a glance

About 54% of the population in Pickens went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 97 3.9% 64.4%
High school diploma 1,352 54% -10.9%
College diploma 413 16.5% -9.0%
Associate degree 189 7.6% 9.2%
Bachelor's degree 261 10.4% 19.7%
Graduate degree 192 7.7% 82.9%
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 Pickens

How much people earn in Pickens

The average annual household income in Pickens was $65,565 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,000, reflecting a -6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pickens
$65,565/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pickens
$55,000/year
-6.0% year-over-year change

Pickens income by age

In Pickens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,951. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,793, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $29,917 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,793 N/A
25 - 44 $61,951 -13.5%
45 - 64 $54,688 7.9%
Over 65 $29,917 1.3%
Above poverty level
2,488
Below poverty level
499
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,488 83.3% 0.3%
Below poverty level 499 16.7% -2.9%

Average renter income in Pickens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pickens, their median household income was $24,955 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,955
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
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 Pickens

Workforce and job types in Pickens

The job market in Pickens is powered by 1,440 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,440
8.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,103
Blue collar
337
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,103 76.6% 11.6%
Blue collar 337 23.4% -1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 84 5.8% -47.2%
Private companies 967 67.2% 13.6%
Governmental workers 250 17.4% 27.6%
Not for profit companies 139 9.6% 12.1%
Unemployment rate
1.3%
46.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pickens stands at 1.3%, 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 Pickens

How people get around in Pickens

Commuting methods vary: 96.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 1,357 96.8% 3.9%
Walk 7 0.5% -22.2%
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 Pickens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29671 18,666 7,424 $61,749 $84,333

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FAQs about Pickens demographics 

What is the total population of Pickens?

Pickens has a total population of 3,155 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 -6.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pickens?

The gender ratio in Pickens is as follows:
  • 40.5% males (1,279 residents)
  • 59.5% females (1,876 residents)

What is the median age in Pickens?

The median age in Pickens is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pickens?

The age distribution in Pickens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (569 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (387 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (686 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.1% (951 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (562 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens is as follows:
  • White: 71.7% (2,261 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.6% (335 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.6% (459 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (40 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Pickens?

There are 1,489 housing units in Pickens, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pickens has a total of 1,328 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pickens?

Pickens has a median household income of $55,000, representing a -6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.7% in Pickens, with a workforce of 1,440 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.6% (1,103 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.4% (337 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (84 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (967 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (250 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (139 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