Summerville, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
51,654
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,046/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,776
2.6% year-over-year change

Summerville population

How many people live in Summerville

Summerville is home to 51,654 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Summerville locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
51,654
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
24,450
Female
52.7%
27,204
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,450 47.3% 1.4%
Female 27,204 52.7% 0.2%
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 Summerville is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,831 19% -2.4%
15 to 24 5,965 11.6% 0.2%
25 to 44 13,990 27.1% -1.7%
45 to 64 13,498 26.1% 0.9%
Over 65 8,370 16.2% 9.7%
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 Summerville, 92.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.3% of locals are Caucasian, 19.9% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 47,554 92.1% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,975 5.8% 17.8%
Non-citizens 1,125 2.2% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
65.3%
Black or African American
19.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 33,712 65.3%
Black or African American 10,290 19.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 195 0.4%
Asian 984 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 92 0.2%
Two or more races 4,769 9.2%
Other 1,612 3.1%

Households in Summerville

A peek inside Summerville households

Summerville has 21,228 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.4% are families, while the remaining 35.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,228
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,551
Family households
13,677
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,551 35.6% 8.1%
Family households 13,677 64.4% 0.1%
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 Summerville

The housing landscape of Summerville

Summerville's housing consists of 22,776 units, with 63.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
22,776
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,532 63.8%
1 unit, attached 1,561 6.8%
2 units 499 2.2%
3 or 4 units 666 2.9%
5 to 9 units 1,933 8.5%
10 to 19 units 1,256 5.5%
20 to 49 units 660 2.9%
50 or more units 578 2.5%
Mobile home 1,091 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
505
152.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Summerville

In Summerville, the median construction year is 2001. About 3.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 32.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 753 3.3% 7.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 0.3% 6.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 471 2.1% -14.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 982 4.3% 13.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,034 8.9% 6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,373 14.8% -6.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,161 13.9% 7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,475 32.8% 1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,959 17.4% -1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 505 2.2% 152.5%
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.

Summerville occupancy rates

Out of the 21,228 occupied housing units in Summerville, 69.1% are owner-occupied, while 30.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,228
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,568
Owner occupied
14,660
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,568 30.9% -0.5%
Owner occupied 14,660 69.1% 4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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.

Summerville housing costs

Housing costs in Summerville come to a median of $1,443 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,526.

Median housing costs per month
$1,443/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 Summerville
$1,526/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 Summerville

Summerville education at a glance

About 33.5% of the population in Summerville went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 764 1.9% 4.0%
High school diploma 13,354 33.5% 3.5%
College diploma 9,407 23.6% -4.9%
Associate degree 4,109 10.3% -3.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,333 18.4% -0.8%
Graduate degree 4,886 12.3% 19.8%
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 Summerville

How much people earn in Summerville

The average annual household income in Summerville was $99,934 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,046, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Summerville
$99,934/year
4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Summerville
$81,046/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Summerville income by age

In Summerville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,487. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,609 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,059, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,038 in earnings. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,059 33.6%
25 - 44 $78,487 2.4%
45 - 64 $113,609 6.7%
Over 65 $57,038 2.2%
Above poverty level
45,555
Below poverty level
5,149
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 45,555 89.8% 0.9%
Below poverty level 5,149 10.2% -1.7%

Average renter income in Summerville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Summerville, their median household income was $46,583 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,583
Rent-to-income ratio
39.3%
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 Summerville

Workforce and job types in Summerville

The job market in Summerville is powered by 26,288 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 62.9% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,288
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
21,005
Blue collar
5,283
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,005 79.9% 0.7%
Blue collar 5,283 20.1% 3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
62.9%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,598 9.9% 14.8%
Private companies 16,537 62.9% -0.6%
Governmental workers 5,207 19.8% 0.6%
Not for profit companies 1,946 7.4% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-0.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Summerville stands at 4.9%, 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 Summerville

How people get around in Summerville

In Summerville, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,807 86.7% -1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 36 0.1% 176.9%
Motorcycle 177 0.7% 30.1%
Bicycle 25 0.1% 150.0%
Walk 254 1% 2.8%
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 Summerville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29483 59,186 22,195 $85,750 $102,889
29485 58,507 22,107 $82,987 $105,143

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FAQs about Summerville demographics 

What is the total population of Summerville?

Summerville has a total population of 51,654 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Summerville?

The gender ratio in Summerville is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (24,450 residents)
  • 52.7% females (27,204 residents)

What is the median age in Summerville?

The median age in Summerville is 38.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Summerville?

The age distribution in Summerville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (9,831 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (5,965 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (13,990 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (13,498 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.2% (8,370 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Summerville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Summerville is as follows:
  • White: 65.3% (33,712 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.9% (10,290 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (195 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (984 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (92 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (4,769 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (1,612 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.1% of the population in Summerville.

How many housing units are there in Summerville?

There are 22,776 housing units in Summerville, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Summerville has a total of 21,228 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Summerville?

Summerville has a median household income of $81,046, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Summerville, with a workforce of 26,288 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (21,005 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (5,283 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (2,598 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.9% (16,537 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (5,207 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (1,946 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