Living in Clemson, South Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Clemson · Census data 2020–2024
Clemson has 18,072 residents with a median age of 24.8. The median household income is $49,520 (29% lower than the South Carolina median), the median home value is $398,400, the median rent is $1,007/month.
Clemson at a glance
- Population
- 18,072
- Median age
- 24.8State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $49,520State: $69,324
- Median home value
- $398,400State: $259,000
- Median rent
- $1,007/moState: $1,180
- Homeowners
- 34.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 59.4%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Clemson a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4.5%.
Cons: Median household income 29% lower than the South Carolina median; home values 54% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 36%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Clemson
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Clemson the median home value is $398,400, 20% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,007 per month, which is 39.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,017 a month in housing costs.
Clemson median household income
The median household income in Clemson is $49,520 and the income per person is $37,246. 36% of residents live below the poverty line (South Carolina: 14.1%).
Housing in Clemson: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,738
- Owner-occupied
- 34.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 65.7%
- Vacant
- 10%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1989
- Average household size
- 2.27
Clemson demographics
- Population
- 18,072
- Median age
- 24.8
- Under 18
- 11.1%
- 65 and older
- 13.3%
- Households
- 7,868
- Foreign-born
- 6.9%
- Veterans
- 5.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Clemson ›
Education in Clemson
59.4% of adults 25 and older in Clemson have a bachelor's degree or higher (South Carolina: 32.1%), and 34.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Clemson
- Unemployment rate
- 4.5%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 9.8%
- Drive alone
- 69.7%
- Public transit
- 3.5%
- Walk to work
- 6.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.9%
Clemson vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 18,072 | $49,520 | $398,400 | $1,007 |
| Central | 5,320 | $60,258 | $256,600 | $876 |
| Pendleton | 3,594 | $61,901 | $250,500 | $1,034 |
| Norris | 784 | $50,750 | $183,100 | $913 |
| Utica | 1,339 | $55,179 | $145,400 | $1,073 |
| Newry | 412 | $45,407 | $303,400 | — |
| Sandy Springs | 1,105 | $70,833 | $309,700 | $976 |
| Six Mile | 931 | $96,250 | $338,700 | $800 |
| Seneca | 8,993 | $52,022 | $240,000 | $807 |
More for people moving to Clemson
Clemson ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Clemson: FAQ
What is the median household income in Clemson, SC?
The median household income in Clemson is $49,520, 29% lower than the South Carolina median of $69,324 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Clemson?
The median home value in Clemson is $398,400, compared with $259,000 in South Carolina.
How much is rent in Clemson?
The median gross rent in Clemson is $1,007 per month, about 39.4% of household income.
Is Clemson, SC a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4.5%. Minuses: median household income 29% lower than the South Carolina median; home values 54% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 36%.
What is the median age in Clemson?
The median age in Clemson is 24.8 years (South Carolina: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Clemson?
The average commute to work in Clemson is 19 minutes; 9.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Clemson?
The unemployment rate in Clemson is 4.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Clemson?
59.4% of adults in Clemson have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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