RANK #496 / 996 · POP 169,865 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Aiken County, South Carolina, is often recognized first for its deep equestrian roots and the charming city of Aiken, known as "Thoroughbred Country." Located in western South Carolina, adjacent to the Savannah River and the Georgia border, the county is about 15 miles east of Augusta, Georgia, and an hour's drive from Columbia, South Carolina. This proximity allows for commutes to larger cities while maintaining a distinct small-town feel within Aiken and other communities like North Augusta and Graniteville. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, including the historic Hitchcock Woods with its extensive trail network, and access to the Savannah River for outdoor recreation.
Life in Aiken County balances a relaxed pace with community engagement. Many residents own their homes, and the public schools are considered above average. Commute times average around 25 minutes, with most people driving alone, though public transit options like the Best Friend Express serve Aiken and North Augusta. The economy is seeing growth driven by sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology, including significant investment in data centers. This economic activity contributes to new housing developments and a changing landscape, attracting a mix of families, retirees, and professionals.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Meta Data Center
Meta
|
$800M | Under Construction |
|
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Expansion
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
|
$200M | Under Construction |
|
Shaw Creek Solar Energy Center
NextEra Energy Resources (subsidiary)
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. Expansion
Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc.
|
$75M | Planned |
|
DC BLOX Hyperscale Edge Node
DC BLOX
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Laureate Hotel (Former Farmers and Merchants Bank building conversion)
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Aiken County has a Boom Town Index score of 50/100, ranking #496 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $63,212, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Aiken County is $181,800 with median rent at $973/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3477, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed +1.8% in the past 12 months.