Wealth Index
Wealthier than 71% of counties in South Carolina
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Aiken County | South Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,221 | $66,957 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $57,119 | $53,955 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 5.7% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 10.2% | 9.9% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Aiken County is about 2% higher than in South Carolina. Income has been growing faster in Aiken County (5.7%/yr) than in South Carolina (5.2%/yr).
About 10% of adults in Aiken County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, about the same as the South Carolina average of 10%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina grew by 53.5% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $68,221 in 2023. That's an average of about 5.7% per year.
Economic Inequality in Aiken County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Aiken County | South Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.562 | 0.557 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $67,171 | $60,785 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $46,957 | $47,591 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 30.1% | 21.7% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Aiken County, it is 0.562, about the same as South Carolina's 0.557, so income here is about as evenly distributed as there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 43% more than women's income in Aiken County, South Carolina. Over a 35-year career, a 43% wage gap accumulates to roughly $707,490 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Aiken County, South Carolina has widened from about 26% to 30% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $8,431 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Aiken County | South Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 5.6% | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 8.9% | 10.0% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Approximately 4,529 people are unemployed in Aiken County, South Carolina.
The average commute time in Aiken County is 22 minutes, about the same as in South Carolina.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Aiken County, South Carolina has fallen from 8.3% to 5.6% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Aiken County, South Carolina has an overall wealth index grade of C, making it about on par with South Carolina, and about on par with the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Aiken County, South Carolina.
How Wealthy Is Aiken County, South Carolina?
Aiken County has a wealth index grade of C. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a C grade means residents are close to the U.S. average. The median household income is $68,221, about 2% higher than the South Carolina average of $66,957.
What is the current median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina?
As of 2023, the median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina is $68,221.
What was the median household income in Aiken County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina was $68,221.
What was the median household income in Aiken County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina was $53,969.
What is the Gini coefficient in Aiken County, South Carolina?
The Gini coefficient in Aiken County is 0.562. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Aiken County, South Carolina?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Aiken County, South Carolina has widened from about 26% to 30% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $8,431 since 2009.