According to a 2023 analysis by 24/7 Wall St., Blackville, a small town in Barnwell County with a population of around 2,100, holds the distinction of being the poorest town in South Carolina.
The median household income in Blackville is just $19,583-significantly lower than the state average of $58,234. Homes in Blackville also have a median value of $67,500, compared to the state average of $181,100.
Additionally, nearly half (45.8%) of households in Blackville receive SNAP benefits, highlighting the extent of economic hardship in the community.
How Blackville Compares
While other cities in South Carolina, such as Clemson, Parker, and Greenwood, have high poverty rates, Blackville stands out due to its extremely low median household income and high reliance on public assistance.
This combination places it at the top of the list for economic struggle among towns in the state.
Summary Table
| Town | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | % Households on SNAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackville | $19,583 | $67,500 | 45.8% |
Blackville’s economic challenges underscore the broader issues of poverty and limited opportunity facing some of South Carolina’s smaller communities.
Sources:
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-south-carolina-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://stacker.com/stories/south-carolina/cities-south-carolina-most-living-poverty
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-south-carolina/