2023 Marlboro County, South Carolina Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Marlboro County, South Carolina, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Marlboro County, South Carolina Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
26,285
Median Age
41.2 years
Median Household Income
$36,293
Bachelor's Degree+
8.73%
Uninsured Rate
14.1%
Total Households
9,729
Total Workers
9,206
Citizenship Rate
98.9%
Total Veterans
1,348
Top Veteran Era
Between Gulf War & Vietnam
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Families in Poverty
865
SNAP Recipients
18.71%
Households w/ SNAP
1,820

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Marlboro County, South Carolina by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Marlboro County, South Carolina is 26,285. The median age of the population in Marlboro County, South Carolina is 41.2 years. The median age for males is 39.3 years, and for females it is 45.0 years.

The age distribution of the population in Marlboro County, South Carolina by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.25%
5–17 years (children) 14.83%
18–24 years (young adults) 7.92%
25–34 years 13.86%
35–54 years 25.20%
55–64 years 14.29%
65 years and over (seniors) 18.65%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Marlboro County, South Carolina

The total dependency ratio in Marlboro County, South Carolina is 63.20. The youth dependency ratio is 32.77, and the old-age dependency ratio is 30.43. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Marlboro County, South Carolina, including Bennettsville (29512) (17,408), and Cheraw (29520) (12,860).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Marlboro County, South Carolina?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Marlboro County, South Carolina
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Marlboro County, South Carolina is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Marlboro County, South Carolina is calculated at 61.00, suggesting a high level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Marlboro County, South Carolina by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
Black/African American Alone 49.10%
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 37.93%
Two or More Races 5.54%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 3.40%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 2.67%
Some Other Race Alone 0.99%
Asian Alone 0.38%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Marlboro County, South Carolina over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $36,293. This figure is based on a total of 9,729 households.

The distribution of household income in Marlboro County, South Carolina across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 31.03%
$20,000 to $34,999 17.57%
$35,000 to $49,999 15.44%
$50,000 to $74,999 16.19%
$75,000 to $149,999 15.25%
$150,000 or more 4.52%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Marlboro County, South Carolina, explore the data for: Cheraw (29520) ($41,786), and Bennettsville (29512) ($39,515).


Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Marlboro County, South Carolina is based on a total of 6,129 properties.

The property value distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 15.88%
$25,000 to $49,999 16.02%
$50,000 to $99,999 31.96%
$100,000 to $199,999 21.42%
$200,000 to $499,999 12.61%
$500,000 to $999,999 1.97%
$1,000,000 or more 0.13%

Educational Attainment in Marlboro County, South Carolina (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Marlboro County, South Carolina, totaling 18,924 individuals.

81.53% of Marlboro County, South Carolina population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 8.73%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 18.47%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 49.64%
Some college or associate's degree 23.16%
Bachelor's Degree 5.99%
Graduate or professional degree 2.74%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Marlboro County, South Carolina?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Marlboro County, South Carolina shows that 14.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,379 individuals out of a total population of 23,905 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 29.1% for males and 18.2% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 21.0% of males and 18.7% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Marlboro County, South Carolina, uninsured rates for children are 9.8% for males and 4.6% for females, while seniors have rates of 2.7% for males and 0.6% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 9.8% 4.6%
18-34 years 29.1% 18.2%
35-64 years 21.0% 18.7%
65+ years 2.7% 0.6%

Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Marlboro County, South Carolina based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Marlboro County, South Carolina shows that 98.9% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 26,002 individuals out of a total population of 26,285 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 96.9% were born in the United States, 0.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 1.0% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (261 individuals), while 1.1% are non-citizens (283 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 96.9%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.2%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.8%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 1.0%
Not a U.S. citizen 1.1%
Total U.S. Citizens 98.9%

Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Marlboro County, South Carolina show that 95.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 8,599 workers out of a total workforce of 9,021 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.3% (24 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (0.9%) and bicycling (0.4%).

2.3% of workers in Marlboro County, South Carolina report working from home. An additional 0.7% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 95.3% 8,599
Public transportation 0.3% 24
Bicycle 0.4% 38
Walked 0.9% 85
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.7% 66
Worked from home 2.3% 209
Total Workers - 9,021

Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Marlboro County, South Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Marlboro County, South Carolina totals 9,206 workers. Of these, 4,330 (47.0%) are male and 4,876 (53.0%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Marlboro County, South Carolina is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 3,332 (36.2%) 3,428 (37.2%)
Private Non-Profit 191 (2.1%) 365 (4.0%)
Government (All Levels) 490 (5.3%) 871 (9.5%)
  • Local Government 206 409
  • State Government 172 378
  • Federal Government 112 84
Self-Employed 309 (3.4%) 204 (2.2%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Marlboro County, South Carolina.


Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Marlboro County, South Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 1,348 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Marlboro County, South Carolina.

The largest group of veterans served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, accounting for 515 veterans (38.2% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Vietnam Era Only, with 342 veterans (25.4%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Marlboro County, South Carolina is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 515 38.2%
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 342 25.4%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 222 16.5%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 129 9.6%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 93 6.9%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 20 1.5%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 11 0.8%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 11 0.8%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 5 0.4%
Total Veterans 1,348 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Marlboro County, South Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 4,959 families in Marlboro County, South Carolina.

Of these families, 865 (17.4%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 2,487 families (50.2%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 1,607 families (32.4%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Marlboro County, South Carolina is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 454 9.2%
50-74% of Poverty 194 3.9%
75-99% of Poverty 217 4.4%
100-124% of Poverty 343 6.9%
125-149% of Poverty 241 4.9%
150-174% of Poverty 344 6.9%
175-184% of Poverty 176 3.5%
185-199% of Poverty 177 3.6%
200-299% of Poverty 1,206 24.3%
300-399% of Poverty 502 10.1%
400-499% of Poverty 432 8.7%
500%+ of Poverty 673 13.6%
Total Families 4,959 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Marlboro County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Marlboro County, South Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 9,729 total households in Marlboro County, South Carolina. Of these, 1,820 households (18.71%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 677 (37.20%) have children under 18 years, while 1,143 (62.80%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 153 (8.41%) 140 (7.69%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 46 (2.53%) 21 (1.15%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 455 (25.00%) 113 (6.21%)
Nonfamily Households 23 (1.26%) 869 (47.75%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Marlboro County, South Carolina. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Marlboro County, South Carolina is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.25%
5–17 years (children)14.83%
18–24 years (young adults)7.92%
25–34 years13.86%
35–54 years25.20%
55–64 years14.29%
65 years and over (seniors)18.65%

The racial and ethnic composition of Marlboro County, South Carolina is dominated by: Black/African American Alone: 49.10%, White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 37.93%, Two or More Races: 5.54%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Marlboro County, South Carolina is $36,293. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Marlboro County, South Carolina is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 31.03%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 17.57%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 15.44%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 16.19%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 15.25%, High Income ($150,000+): 4.52%.

Approximately 12.85% of households in Marlboro County, South Carolina earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Marlboro County, South Carolina is: Less than $25,000: 15.88%, $25,000-$49,999: 16.02%, $50,000-$99,999: 31.96%, $100,000-$199,999: 21.42%, $200,000-$499,999: 12.61%, $500,000-$999,999: 1.97%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.13%.

There are 6,129 owner-occupied housing units in Marlboro County, South Carolina. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 2.10% of owner-occupied housing units in Marlboro County, South Carolina are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 8.73% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Marlboro County, South Carolina (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 18.47%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 49.64%, Some college or associate's degree: 23.16%, Bachelor's degree: 5.99%, Graduate or professional degree: 2.74%.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 81.53% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 14.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,379 individuals out of a total population of 23,905 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Marlboro County, South Carolina. For young adults (18-34 years), 29.1% of males and 18.2% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 21.0% of males and 18.7% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Marlboro County, South Carolina have uninsured rates of 9.8% for males and 4.6% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 2.7% for males and 0.6% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 98.9% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 26,285 people, 26,002 are U.S. citizens.

Marlboro County, South Carolina has 261 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.0% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Marlboro County, South Carolina is: 96.9% were born in the United States, 0.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 1.1% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 95.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 9,021 total workers, 8,599 use personal vehicles for their commute.

24 workers in Marlboro County, South Carolina use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.3% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Marlboro County, South Carolina include: 2.3% work from home, 0.9% walk to work, 0.4% bicycle, and 0.7% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Marlboro County, South Carolina. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Marlboro County, South Carolina has 9,206 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 36.2% of male workers and 37.2% of female workers in this category.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, there are 490 male government workers and 871 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 5.3% of male workers and 9.5% of female workers.

Self-employment in Marlboro County, South Carolina includes 309 males (3.4%) and 204 females (2.2%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 1,820 households (18.71% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 9,729 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Marlboro County, South Carolina, 677 (37.20%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Marlboro County, South Carolina include diverse household types. Among households with children, 455 (25.00%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 153 (8.41%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Marlboro County, South Carolina, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 1,348 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Marlboro County, South Carolina. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Marlboro County, South Carolina is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 515 veterans (38.2% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Vietnam Era Only, with 342 veterans (25.4%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Marlboro County, South Carolina provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 65.4% of all veterans in Marlboro County, South Carolina. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 882 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 865 families (17.4% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 4,959 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Marlboro County, South Carolina, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Marlboro County, South Carolina has 2,487 families (50.2%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 928 families (18.7%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, 454 families (9.2%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 1,607 families (32.4%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.