IncomeBy County

Fairfield County, South Carolina

Income Data

-18% vs. South Carolina average
$46,972
Median Household Income
$32,111
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$46,972
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,111
-19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Carolina
#35 / 46
by median household income

How Fairfield County Compares

Fairfield County$46,972
South Carolina Average$57,006
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$46,972
Median Household Income
$32,111
Per Capita Income
$129,100
Median Home Value
36.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Fairfield County, South Carolina

Fairfield's income trails the nation

Fairfield County's median household income of $46,972 falls 37% below the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the lower-income tier nationally. Per capita income of $32,111 aligns with state and national averages, suggesting income concentration among fewer households. Fairfield faces economic challenges typical of rural, under-resourced American counties.

Among South Carolina's lowest-earning counties

Fairfield ranks near the bottom of South Carolina's 46 counties with median household income 18% below the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $32,111 matches the state average, but the lower median household figure indicates income inequality within the county. Fairfield residents experience tighter financial constraints than most South Carolinians.

Chester and Union counties earn similarly

Neighboring Chester County records median income near Fairfield's $46,972, while Union County trails slightly. Richland County to the south substantially outearns Fairfield due to Columbia's economic center. Fairfield's rural position limits access to higher-wage employment hubs.

Housing costs squeeze Fairfield budgets

Fairfield's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% is among the state's worst, meaning housing absorbs nearly one-fourth of household income. Median home values of $129,100, while modest, still demand significant resources from families earning under $47,000 annually. Cost-of-living pressures here exceed most other South Carolina counties.

Focus on stable employment first

Fairfield households should prioritize stable, well-paying employment before aggressive wealth building; economic stability precedes investment. Free or low-cost financial literacy programs through nonprofits and government agencies can help residents maximize every dollar. Building even small emergency savings cushions opens doors to better financial opportunities over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Fairfield County, South Carolina?
The median household income in Fairfield County, South Carolina is $46,972, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Fairfield County?
The per capita income in Fairfield County is $32,111, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $46,972.
How does Fairfield County compare to the South Carolina average?
Fairfield County's median household income of $46,972 is lower than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $32,111, compared to the state average of $32,382.
What is the per capita income in Fairfield County, South Carolina?
The per capita income in Fairfield County, South Carolina is $32,111, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Fairfield County a low-income area in South Carolina?
Fairfield County's median household income of $46,972 is below the South Carolina average of $57,006. The per capita income of $32,111 is also lower than the state average of $32,382. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Fairfield County rank for income in South Carolina?
Fairfield County ranks #35 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $46,972 and per capita income of $32,111, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Fairfield County

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County median: $46,972 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-37%

vs. Fairfield County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Carolina Average▼ 18% below
vs. National Median▼ 37% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,914) vs. median rent ($910/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$46,989
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$46,953
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Buffalo County
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$47,000
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Covington County
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$47,001
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Vance County
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$46,943
+0%
Crittenden County
Kentucky
$47,003
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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