2023 Sumter County, South Carolina Demographics | Data & Analysis

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

Sumter 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
104,853
Median Age
37.3 years
Median Household Income
$55,990
Bachelor's Degree+
23.16%
Uninsured Rate
10.5%
Total Households
41,181
Total Workers
40,885
Citizenship Rate
98.9%
Total Veterans
10,251
Top Veteran Era
Post-9/11 Only
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Families in Poverty
3,395
SNAP Recipients
16.25%
Households w/ SNAP
6,690

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

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

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is 104,853. The median age of the population in Sumter County, South Carolina is 37.3 years. The median age for males is 34.4 years, and for females it is 39.2 years.

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

Population Percentage by Age Group in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.49%
5–17 years (children) 17.41%
18–24 years (young adults) 9.79%
25–34 years 13.84%
35–54 years 22.51%
55–64 years 12.59%
65 years and over (seniors) 17.38%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Sumter County, South Carolina

The total dependency ratio in Sumter County, South Carolina is 70.29. The youth dependency ratio is 40.69, and the old-age dependency ratio is 29.60. 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, including Sumter (29150) (38,525), Sumter (29154) (29,659), and Sumter (29153) (15,101).


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

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

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

The Diversity Index for Sumter County, South Carolina is calculated at 59.19, suggesting a moderate 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 Sumter County, South Carolina by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
Black/African American Alone 45.97%
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 43.98%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 4.29%
Two or More Races 3.63%
Asian Alone 1.47%
Some Other Race Alone 0.51%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.08%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.07%

Sumter County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $55,990. This figure is based on a total of 41,181 households.

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

Household Income Distribution in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 19.02%
$20,000 to $34,999 12.76%
$35,000 to $49,999 13.72%
$50,000 to $74,999 18.70%
$75,000 to $149,999 25.59%
$150,000 or more 10.20%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Sumter County, South Carolina, explore the data for: Sumter (29154) ($62,105), Sumter (29153) ($61,753), and Sumter (29150) ($48,845).


Sumter County, South Carolina 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is based on a total of 27,489 properties.

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

Property Value Distribution in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 5.41%
$25,000 to $49,999 6.10%
$50,000 to $99,999 18.55%
$100,000 to $199,999 35.51%
$200,000 to $499,999 31.64%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.63%
$1,000,000 or more 0.16%

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

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, totaling 69,534 individuals.

89.12% of Sumter 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 23.16%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 10.88%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 32.21%
Some college or associate's degree 33.75%
Bachelor's Degree 14.03%
Graduate or professional degree 9.13%

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

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina shows that 10.5% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 10,444 individuals out of a total population of 99,063 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 29.8% for males and 15.7% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 16.7% of males and 12.6% 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, uninsured rates for children are 2.9% for males and 2.5% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.8% for males and 1.2% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 2.9% 2.5%
18-34 years 29.8% 15.7%
35-64 years 16.7% 12.6%
65+ years 0.8% 1.2%

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

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina shows that 98.9% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 103,670 individuals out of a total population of 104,853 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 95.9% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 1.7% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (1,741 individuals), while 1.1% are non-citizens (1,183 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 95.9%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.4%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.9%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 1.7%
Not a U.S. citizen 1.1%
Total U.S. Citizens 98.9%

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

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina show that 92.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 41,123 workers out of a total workforce of 44,507 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (80 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.5%) and bicycling (0.2%).

4.5% of workers in Sumter County, South Carolina report working from home. An additional 1.2% 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 92.4% 41,123
Public transportation 0.2% 80
Bicycle 0.2% 80
Walked 1.5% 656
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.2% 555
Worked from home 4.5% 2,013
Total Workers - 44,507

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

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina totals 40,885 workers. Of these, 19,575 (47.9%) are male and 21,310 (52.1%) are female.

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

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 14,358 (35.1%) 12,976 (31.7%)
Private Non-Profit 785 (1.9%) 2,608 (6.4%)
Government (All Levels) 2,960 (7.2%) 4,884 (11.9%)
  • Local Government 1,191 1,548
  • State Government 755 2,102
  • Federal Government 1,014 1,234
Self-Employed 1,267 (3.1%) 757 (1.9%)

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 Sumter County, South Carolina.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Sumter 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 10,251 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Sumter County, South Carolina.

The largest group of veterans served during Post-9/11 Only, accounting for 2,128 veterans (20.8% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Vietnam Era Only, with 2,002 veterans (19.5%).

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

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 2,128 20.8%
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 2,002 19.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,865 18.2%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,674 16.3%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,461 14.3%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 299 2.9%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 284 2.8%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 233 2.3%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 174 1.7%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 67 0.7%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 35 0.3%
Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II 29 0.3%
Total Veterans 10,251 100.0%

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.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Sumter 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 26,739 families in Sumter County, South Carolina.

Of these families, 3,395 (12.7%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 10,342 families (38.7%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 13,002 families (48.6%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

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

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,611 6.0%
50-74% of Poverty 820 3.1%
75-99% of Poverty 964 3.6%
100-124% of Poverty 1,241 4.6%
125-149% of Poverty 1,327 5.0%
150-174% of Poverty 1,108 4.1%
175-184% of Poverty 637 2.4%
185-199% of Poverty 916 3.4%
200-299% of Poverty 5,113 19.1%
300-399% of Poverty 4,180 15.6%
400-499% of Poverty 2,658 9.9%
500%+ of Poverty 6,164 23.1%
Total Families 26,739 100.0%

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.


Sumter 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 Sumter 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 41,181 total households in Sumter County, South Carolina. Of these, 6,690 households (16.25%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 3,019 (45.13%) have children under 18 years, while 3,671 (54.87%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Sumter County, South Carolina, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 821 (12.27%) 343 (5.13%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 126 (1.88%) 238 (3.56%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 2,072 (30.97%) 856 (12.80%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 2,234 (33.39%)

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 Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.49%
5–17 years (children)17.41%
18–24 years (young adults)9.79%
25–34 years13.84%
35–54 years22.51%
55–64 years12.59%
65 years and over (seniors)17.38%

The racial and ethnic composition of Sumter County, South Carolina is dominated by: Black/African American Alone: 45.97%, White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 43.98%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 4.29%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Sumter County, South Carolina is $55,990. 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 19.02%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 12.76%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 13.72%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 18.70%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 25.59%, High Income ($150,000+): 10.20%.

Approximately 23.76% of households in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is: Less than $25,000: 5.41%, $25,000-$49,999: 6.10%, $50,000-$99,999: 18.55%, $100,000-$199,999: 35.51%, $200,000-$499,999: 31.64%, $500,000-$999,999: 2.63%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.16%.

There are 27,489 owner-occupied housing units in Sumter County, South Carolina. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 2.79% of owner-occupied housing units in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, 23.16% 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 Sumter County, South Carolina (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 10.88%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 32.21%, Some college or associate's degree: 33.75%, Bachelor's degree: 14.03%, Graduate or professional degree: 9.13%.

In Sumter County, South Carolina, 89.12% 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, 10.5% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 10,444 individuals out of a total population of 99,063 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Sumter County, South Carolina. For young adults (18-34 years), 29.8% of males and 15.7% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 16.7% of males and 12.6% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Sumter County, South Carolina have uninsured rates of 2.9% for males and 2.5% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.8% for males and 1.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Sumter 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 104,853 people, 103,670 are U.S. citizens.

Sumter County, South Carolina has 1,741 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.7% 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is: 95.9% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.7% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 1.1% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Sumter County, South Carolina, 92.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 44,507 total workers, 41,123 use personal vehicles for their commute.

80 workers in Sumter County, South Carolina use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.2% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Sumter County, South Carolina include: 4.5% work from home, 1.5% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 1.2% 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 Sumter 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, Sumter County, South Carolina has 40,885 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 35.1% of male workers and 31.7% of female workers in this category.

In Sumter County, South Carolina, there are 2,960 male government workers and 4,884 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 7.2% of male workers and 11.9% of female workers.

Self-employment in Sumter County, South Carolina includes 1,267 males (3.1%) and 757 females (1.9%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Sumter County, South Carolina, 6,690 households (16.25% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 41,181 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Sumter County, South Carolina, 3,019 (45.13%) 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 Sumter County, South Carolina include diverse household types. Among households with children, 2,072 (30.97%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 821 (12.27%) 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 Sumter 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 10,251 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Sumter 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 Sumter County, South Carolina is Post-9/11 Only, with 2,128 veterans (20.8% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Vietnam Era Only, with 2,002 veterans (19.5%).

"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 Sumter 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 73.0% of all veterans in Sumter County, South Carolina. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 7,479 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, 3,395 families (12.7% 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 26,739 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 Sumter 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, Sumter County, South Carolina has 10,342 families (38.7%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 3,676 families (13.7%) 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 Sumter County, South Carolina, 1,611 families (6.0%) 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, 13,002 families (48.6%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.