IncomeBy County

Richland County, South Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+8% vs. South Carolina average
$61,699
Median Household Income
$37,190
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,699
+8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,190
-6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Carolina
#17 / 46
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Richland County Compares

Richland County$61,699
South Carolina Average$57,006
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,699
Median Household Income
$37,190
Per Capita Income
$224,200
Median Home Value
27.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Richland County

Income Verdict

Richland County has a median household income of $61,699 and per capita income of $37,190 — a gap of $24,509, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,185/month and a median household income of $61,699, rent consumes approximately 23.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $61,699, residents of Richland County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $37,190 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Richland County earns approximately 8.2% above the South Carolina state median household income of $57,006, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Richland County, South Carolina

Richland ranks in national middle ground

Richland County's median household income of $61,699 runs 17% below the national median of $74,755, yet outperforms most South Carolina counties. This $13,000 gap reflects Richland's status as South Carolina's largest and most economically diversified county, anchored by Columbia.

Richland leads South Carolina in income

Richland's $61,699 median income stands $4,693 above South Carolina's state average of $57,006 and ranks among the state's top earners. This leadership position reflects Columbia's government, education, and healthcare sectors that support higher wages statewide.

Richland significantly outearns nearby counties

Richland's $61,699 substantially exceeds neighboring Newberry ($59,670) and Pickens ($59,411), reflecting Columbia's urban economic advantage. This income premium reflects the capital city's concentration of stable, well-paying public and private sector jobs.

Housing costs challenge despite higher income

Richland's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% exceeds the 20% affordability benchmark, with renters spending nearly a quarter of median income on housing. A median home value of $224,200 reflects strong demand in Columbia, requiring substantial down payments and competing with national competition for housing.

Richland workers: leverage urban job market

With $61,699 median income and strong career advancement opportunities in Columbia's government and healthcare sectors, Richland workers can direct $400–$500 monthly to retirement and investment accounts. Over 30 years, consistent contributions and employer matches can generate $300,000+ in wealth, supporting comfortable retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Richland County, South Carolina?
The median household income in Richland County, South Carolina is $61,699, 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 Richland County?
The per capita income in Richland County is $37,190, 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 $61,699.
How does Richland County compare to the South Carolina average?
Richland County's median household income of $61,699 is higher than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $37,190, compared to the state average of $32,382.
What is the per capita income in Richland County, South Carolina?
The per capita income in Richland County, South Carolina is $37,190, 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.
Why is Richland County income higher than the South Carolina average?
Richland County's median household income of $61,699 is higher than the South Carolina average of $57,006. This difference of $4,693 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Richland County rank for income in South Carolina?
Richland County ranks #17 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,699 and per capita income of $37,190, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $61,699 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+8%

vs. National Median

-17%

vs. Richland County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Carolina Average▲ 8% above
vs. National Median▼ 17% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.3x

Your monthly income ($5,142) vs. median rent ($1,185/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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$61,705
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$61,709
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$61,688
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Carroll County
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$61,712
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Georgia
$61,723
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Burnett County
Wisconsin
$61,664
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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