| City: | Elko, South Carolina |
| County: | Barnwell County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:11:41 PM |
| Population: | 136 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 803 / 839 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.3818, -81.3747 |
| Land Area: | 2.019 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
The surrounding area relies on rural carrier routes rather than traditional street delivery. US Highway 78 provides the main transportation corridor through the area, while a handful of local roads connect scattered properties. At 42.5 years, the median age sits close to South Carolina's statewide average. The community's 2.09 people per household reflects typical family sizes for rural areas in the region.
The street network centers on US Highway 78, the main transportation corridor through rural Barnwell County. With only two named routes in the postal database, this reflects a sparse settlement pattern where most properties maintain PO Box addresses rather than physical street locations. One building name appears in postal records: Postmaster, referencing the post office itself.
ZIP Code 29826 has 136 residents and 65 households (average 2.09 persons per household). The median age is 42.5 years, slightly older than the state (40.5) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 55.9% male and 44.1% female, which is much higher than the state male share (48.3%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (74.3%, much higher than the state average of 25.0% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (16.2%, much lower than the state average of 63.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 6.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (25.0%) and national averages (12.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 136Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 241Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 67.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 65Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $78,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.09Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.62Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 80 | 82 | 142 | 130 | 121 | 125 | 159 | 119 | 147 | 321 | 233 | 219 | 194 | 241 |
| Decennial Census | 164 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 136 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 42.5
Male Median Age: 48
Female Median Age: 40.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Female | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 6 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| White: | 22 | 16.30% |
| Black: | 101 | 74.81% |
| Hispanic:* | 9 | 6.67% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 2.22% |
| Total: | 135 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 76 | 55.88% | 48.0 years |
| Females: | 60 | 44.12% | 40.5 years |
| Total: | 136 | 100% | 42.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 241 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 241 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 241 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $14,792 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,009. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $15,625 for nonfamily households (a difference of $15,625). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $58,250, which is higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $58,250 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 51.9%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 55.6%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Production (43.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $14,792 | $19,167 | $14,286 | $19,250 | $18,542 | $28,125 | $31,563 | $31,875 | $17,009 | $0 | $0 | $19,233 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $16,667 | $17,917 | $18,250 | $18,000 | $18,542 | $28,750 | $28,750 | $31,250 | $0 | $33,750 | $36,771 | $39,318 | $42,045 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $13,958 | $26,250 | $13,750 | $29,063 | $0 | $0 | $40,481 | $31,406 | $16,100 | $16,453 | $16,056 | $18,494 | $18,494 | $15,625 |
| Median Male Income | $26,458 | $26,667 | $26,136 | $26,136 | $0 | $35,417 | $37,500 | $38,750 | $40,714 | $44,028 | $55,179 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $30,208 | $30,250 | $0 | $11,875 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $30,781 | $29,063 | $31,563 | $34,792 | $50,000 | $55,625 | $58,250 |
| Employed: | 48 | 23.08% |
| Unemployed: | 60 | 28.85% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 100 | 48.08% |
| Total: | 208 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 20 | 41.67% |
| Service: | 7 | 14.58% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 21 | 43.75% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 48 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $78,600, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $63,600 (424.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21,500. The median gross rent is $1,643, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,413), is up $1,057 (180.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,239. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.23% (40.00% with a mortgage, 60.00% free-and-clear) and renters 30.77% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $15,000 | $14,800 | $45,000 | $75,000 | $73,800 | $56,400 | $54,300 | $53,100 | $57,100 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $78,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 6 | 30.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 7 | 35.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 3 | 15.00% |
| No Rent: | 4 | 20.00% |
| Total: | 20 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $586 | $578 | $584 | $582 | $660 | $369 | $438 | $419 | $404 | $406 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,643 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 18 | 27.69% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 27 | 41.54% |
| Renter Occupied: | 20 | 30.77% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 65 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 65 | 73.86% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 23 | 26.14% |
| Total Housing Units: | 88 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 42 | 47.73% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 46 | 52.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 88 | 100% |
In 2024, 3.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 64.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 25.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 21.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 58.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 14.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 51.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 17.40 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is pre-K (55.81%). College enrollment is 6.98%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 36 | 26.67% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 12 | 8.89% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 59 | 43.70% |
| Some college, no degree: | 16 | 11.85% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 5.19% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 5 | 3.70% |
| Total: | 135 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 87 | 64.44% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 5 | 3.70% |
| Private Insurance: | 51 | 20.08% |
| Public Insurance: | 141 | 55.51% |
| No Insurance: | 62 | 24.41% |
| Total: | 254 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 192 | 75.59% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 55.0% | 66.7% | 80.0% | 78.6% | 69.0% | 50.0% | 34.2% | 25.0% | 20.7% | 9.4% | 10.3% | 11.8% | 3.3% | 14.8% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 24 | 55.81% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 8 | 18.60% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 8 | 18.60% |
| College or graduate school: | 3 | 6.98% |
| Total: | 43 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 24 | 55.81% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 16 | 37.21% |
ZIP Code 29826 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 13 people with an annual payroll of $440,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 324Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $89,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $440,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 13Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 29826 is located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 29826. It covers 2.019 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.005 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 2.019 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.005 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 3022.17 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4523335Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Elko town; South CarolinaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 29826 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.