Statistic Sumter South Carolina National
Population 40,739 5,275,357 336,919,644
Population density (sq mi) 1,252 175 91
Median age 31.8 38.8 37.7
Male/Female ratio 0.9:1 0.9:1 1.0:1
Married (15yrs & older) 54% 56% 55%
Families w/ Kids under 18 43% 40% 43%
Speak English 93% 93% 79%
Speak Spanish 5% 4% 13%
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Overview of Sumter Demographics

Sumter demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Sumter population is 40,739 and has a population density of 1,252 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 31.8, 54% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 43% have kids under the age of 18. In Sumter, 31% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 10% of households report a median income above $150,000.

Sumter Racial Demographics & Ethnicity

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Sumter are 42.7% White, 49.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.5% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 5.6% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 92.6% of households reported speaking English only, while 4.7% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 4.7% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Sumter racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.

Sumter Population Density

Communities such as Sumter, with population densities higher than the average, play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability by decreasing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Their compact urban development encourages the adoption of energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling, and public transportation, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, densely populated areas tend to cultivate vibrant social and cultural scenes, fueled by a diverse population that contributes to a myriad of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity sparks creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. Sumter has a population density of 1,252, surpassing the national average of 91 people per square mile, as it stands poised to reap the benefits of dense urban living.

Why are Demographics Important?

Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Sumter is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.

Education Allocation: Sumter demographic data can help guide education planning by identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs, helping schools and policymakers allocate resources and develop effective educational programs. It can be an essential tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, or students with disabilities. By disaggregating data by demographic factors, education planners can identify areas of inequity and develop targeted interventions to improve access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Sumter demographic data is invaluable in education for promoting equity, supporting student success, and fostering inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Sumter has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.

Demographics Quick Facts

  • The population density in Sumter is 613% higher than South Carolina
  • The median age in Sumter is 18% lower than South Carolina
  • In Sumter 42.74% of the population is White
  • In Sumter 49.59% of the population is Black
  • In Sumter 2.33% of the population is Asian

Compare Sumter, SC Demographics

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      Sumter racial demographics

      Race Sumter South Carolina National
      White 42.74% 67.27% 73.35%
      Black 49.59% 27.35% 12.63%
      Asian 2.33% 1.42% 5.22%
      American Indian 0.45% 0.32% 0.82%
      Native Hawaiian 0.02% 0.06% 0.18%
      Mixed race 2.88% 2.07% 3.06%
      Other race 1.99% 1.51% 4.75%
      In Sumter, 5.6% of people are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
      Please note: Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in any/all of the applicable race categories above.

      Household income distribution

      Place of birth by citizenship

      Sumter age breakdown

      Marital status

      Age of children in married couples

      Source: The Sumter, SC demographics data displayed above is derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.