RANK #457 / 996 · POP 131,106 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Pickens County, South Carolina, distinguishes itself with its deep Appalachian heritage and ownership of a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Sassafras Mountain, the state's highest peak. Located in the northwestern part of the state, approximately 30 minutes from Greenville, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to larger cities. Commuting to Greenville is feasible, taking around 30 minutes by car. The community is characterized by its natural beauty, with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, biking, fishing, and watersports on Lakes Jocassee, Keowee, and Hartwell, as well as at Table Rock State Park.
Life in Pickens County offers a small-town feel, where residents often know each other. The public school system is highly rated, with test scores consistently above state and national averages. The local economy is driven by manufacturing, education, and tourism. Clemson University, located within the county, is a major employer and contributes to the educational landscape. Recent economic developments include investments from companies like ElringKlinger Group, an automotive supplier establishing and expanding its operations in Easley, focusing on electric battery components and creating new jobs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Pickens County has a Boom Town Index score of 54/100, ranking #457 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.4% and a median household income of $57,628, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Pickens County is $196,600 with median rent at $896/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2931, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.4%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.28% of Pickens County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.