Sumter, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
43,053
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,592/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,739
-0.0% year-over-year change

Sumter population

How many people live in Sumter

Sumter is home to 43,053 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Sumter locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
43,053
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
21,313
Female
50.5%
21,740
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,313 49.5% -2.0%
Female 21,740 50.5% 2.0%
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 Sumter is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 15.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 20.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
15.6%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
20.6%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,289 21.6% -1.4%
15 to 24 6,727 15.6% 3.2%
25 to 44 10,595 24.6% -5.5%
45 to 64 8,852 20.6% 2.0%
Over 65 7,590 17.6% 5.0%
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 Sumter, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40.3% of locals are Caucasian, 46.4% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 40,047 93% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,107 4.9% 18.2%
Non-citizens 899 2.1% 20.8%
Racial breakdown
White
40.3%
Black or African American
46.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 17,335 40.3%
Black or African American 19,973 46.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 442 1%
Asian 1,206 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0%
Two or more races 2,882 6.7%
Other 1,199 2.8%

Households in Sumter

A peek inside Sumter households

Sumter has 16,081 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,081
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,015
Family households
10,066
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,015 37.4% -4.2%
Family households 10,066 62.6% 0.7%
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 Sumter

The housing landscape of Sumter

Sumter's housing consists of 18,739 units, with 65.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% 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 5.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,739
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,204 65.1%
1 unit, attached 940 5%
2 units 640 3.4%
3 or 4 units 917 4.9%
5 to 9 units 1,106 5.9%
10 to 19 units 928 5%
20 to 49 units 481 2.6%
50 or more units 461 2.5%
Mobile home 1,038 5.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
497
23.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sumter

In Sumter, the median construction year is 1986. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.1% 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 996 5.3% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 501 2.7% -18.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,856 9.9% 0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,753 9.4% -9.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,717 14.5% 7.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,450 13.1% -5.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,050 16.3% 3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,280 12.2% -10.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,639 14.1% 12.0%
Built in 2020 or later 497 2.6% 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.

Sumter occupancy rates

Out of the 16,081 occupied housing units in Sumter, 57.2% are owner-occupied, while 42.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,081
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,878
Owner occupied
9,203
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,878 42.8% -4.1%
Owner occupied 9,203 57.2% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.2%
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.

Sumter housing costs

Housing costs in Sumter come to a median of $992 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,076.

Median housing costs per month
$992/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 Sumter
$1,076/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 Sumter

Sumter education at a glance

About 39.1% of the population in Sumter went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 721 2.3% -6.8%
High school diploma 12,448 39.1% 0.2%
College diploma 7,685 24.1% 3.4%
Associate degree 3,085 9.7% 5.2%
Bachelor's degree 5,007 15.7% 0.2%
Graduate degree 2,915 9.2% -3.6%
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 Sumter

How much people earn in Sumter

The average annual household income in Sumter was $74,735 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,592, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sumter
$74,735/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sumter
$55,592/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Sumter income by age

In Sumter, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,968 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,798, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,155 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,798 -8.2%
25 - 44 $66,143 1.6%
45 - 64 $57,968 5.3%
Over 65 $42,155 12.9%
Above poverty level
33,767
Below poverty level
6,633
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 33,767 83.6% -1.6%
Below poverty level 6,633 16.4% 5.0%

Average renter income in Sumter

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sumter, their median household income was $37,341 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,341
Rent-to-income ratio
34.6%
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 Sumter

Workforce and job types in Sumter

The job market in Sumter is powered by 16,020 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,020
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
11,975
Blue collar
4,045
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,975 74.8% 1.0%
Blue collar 4,045 25.2% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
21.6%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,241 7.8% -5.6%
Private companies 10,045 62.7% -0.3%
Governmental workers 3,457 21.6% 9.4%
Not for profit companies 1,277 8% -1.2%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-15.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sumter stands at 6.6%, 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 Sumter

How people get around in Sumter

Commuting methods vary: 91.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 16,725 91.1% -0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.1% -37.0%
Motorcycle 48 0.3% 2.1%
Bicycle 49 0.3% -38.8%
Walk 324 1.8% 3.5%
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 Sumter by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29150 38,538 14,996 $50,965 $70,509
29153 14,434 6,053 $60,071 $79,987
29154 29,454 11,537 $62,772 $81,158

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FAQs about Sumter demographics 

What is the total population of Sumter?

Sumter has a total population of 43,053 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sumter?

The gender ratio in Sumter is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (21,313 residents)
  • 50.5% females (21,740 residents)

What is the median age in Sumter?

The median age in Sumter is 33.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sumter?

The age distribution in Sumter is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (9,289 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.6% (6,727 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (10,595 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.6% (8,852 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (7,590 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sumter?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sumter is as follows:
  • White: 40.3% (17,335 residents)
  • Black or African American: 46.4% (19,973 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (442 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (1,206 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (2,882 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (1,199 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Sumter.

How many housing units are there in Sumter?

There are 18,739 housing units in Sumter, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sumter has a total of 16,081 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sumter?

Sumter has a median household income of $55,592, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.4% in Sumter, with a workforce of 16,020 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.8% (11,975 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.2% (4,045 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (1,241 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (10,045 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.6% (3,457 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (1,277 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