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Bamberg County, SC growth snapshot

Bamberg County had an estimated 12,796 residents in 2025, down 3.5% (463 fewer people) since 2020. That is slower than South Carolina as a whole (+8.5%), and the 138th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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How we compute every number

Headline numbers

New homes permitted

24

2025

1.9 per 1,000 residents

Small base: the change swings on a few homes or people, so we don't show it.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025. Housing units authorized by building permits in the year.

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 30 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 3,560 jobs in 2025, +4.0% since 2020 (93rd of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $930.

Unemployment averaged 5.9% in 2025, 1.0 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 24 new homes in 2025, or 1.9 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $44,370 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +3.6% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 2,750th.

Bamberg County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202512,796−40
202412,836−128
202312,964+17
202212,947−177
202113,124−135
202013,259–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Bamberg County

Bamberg County lost 463 people since 2020; the biggest drag was natural change (−531).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−97−531
International migrationfrom and to other countries+26+129
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+30−70
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+1+9
Total change−40−463

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn South CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth42nd of 462,750th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents34th of 461,500th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth45th of 463,044th of 3,092
Median household income42nd of 462,949th of 3,107
Average weekly wage41st of 46–
Lowest unemployment rate37th of 462,866th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents37th of 461,595th of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Bamberg County's population change (−3.5%) was ahead of 1 of its 5 neighbouring counties and behind 4.

4 of its 5 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Bamberg County's $44,370 (2020–24).

Bamberg County, SC and its 5 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Bamberg County, SC This county12,796−3.5%2.31.9$44,370
Orangeburg County, SC83,177−0.9%4.21.3$45,675
Barnwell County, SC20,653+0.4%5.41.5$46,626
Allendale County, SC7,355−7.4%−17.50.5$32,328
Hampton County, SC18,174−1.9%0.80.9$44,711
Colleton County, SC39,382+2.2%0.01.9$51,114

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 46 South Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Bamberg County?

About 12,796 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Bamberg County growing?

No. Its population fell 3.5% between 2020 and 2025, about 463 fewer people (Census Bureau population estimates). South Carolina as a whole changed +8.5% over the same years. That ranks 138th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Bamberg County?

On net, about 30 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Bamberg County?

Employers there reported 3,560 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +4.0% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $930 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Bamberg County?

It averaged 5.9% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Bamberg County?

Building permits authorized 24 new housing units in 2025, 1.9 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Bamberg County?

$44,370 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Bamberg County compare with other South Carolina counties?

Among South Carolina counties it ranks 42nd of 46 for population growth; 34th of 46 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 45th of 46 for private-sector job growth; 42nd of 46 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 2,750th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.