Wagener, South Carolina Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Wagener, South Carolina is located in the southwestern part of Aiken County and has a population of around 1,500 people. The city has a moderate climate with average temperatures in the mid-70s during the summer months and mid-50s during the winter months. The city is situated on the Savannah River and has a long history dating back to the late 1700s when it was founded. Politically, Wagener is part of South Carolina’s Second Congressional District and is represented by Republican Jeff Duncan.

The economy of Wagener is mainly based on agriculture and manufacturing, with some small businesses providing services to locals. The city also has two public schools: Wagener-Salley High School and Wagener Primary School, which provide education for students from grades K through 12. There are also several private schools in the area such as St. Paul Catholic School and Augusta Christian Schools that are popular choices for families in the area.

Some of the most notable landmarks in Wagener include its historic downtown district, which features many buildings that were built in late 19th century style architecture, as well as several churches that were built over a hundred years ago. Other attractions include Fort Wagenor Park, which features a replica fort from Revolutionary War times, and Sandstone Creek Park, which offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, there are several museums located within the city limits that offer visitors a chance to learn more about local history such as Fort Wagenor Museum or Aiken County Historical Museum.

Population: 863. Estimated population in July 2024: 872 (+1.0% change)
Males: 404 (46.8%), Females: 459 (53.2%)

Aiken County

Zip code: 29164

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.3 years
Median household income: $24,773
Median house value: $64,100

Population by Race

Races in Wagener:

  • Black (61.5%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (37.3%)
  • Hispanic (0.9%)
  • Two or more races (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (24.0%), Irish (2.9%), German (2.4%).

Elevation: 466 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Population by Education

Wagener, South Carolina is a small town located in Aiken County with a population of around 1,200 people according to the 2010 United States Census. The town is mainly composed of families and retirees, with a median age of 42 years old. The racial makeup of Wagener is 81.5% White, 14.8% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian and 2.7% from other races. The median household income in Wagener is $33,171 compared to the state average of $46,898 while the per capita income is $17,908 compared to the state average of $25,338. Out of the total population, 12.9% are below poverty level and 10% receive public assistance from government programs such as food stamps and Medicaid. Education levels in Wagener are slightly lower than the state average with 78.5% having completed high school or higher and 5.6% having earned a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 84% and 24%, respectively for South Carolina as a whole.

For population 25 years and over in Wagener

  • High school or higher: 67.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.2%
  • Unemployed: 9.6%
  • Mean travel time to work: 36.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Wagener town

  • Never married: 32.4%
  • Now married: 43.2%
  • Separated: 6.0%
  • Widowed: 8.4%
  • Divorced: 10.0%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +77 (+9.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Wagener:

  • AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 25 miles; AIKEN, SC)
  • BARNWELL COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 30 miles; BARNWELL, SC)
  • LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER (about 31 miles; WEST COLUMBIA, SC)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Wagener:

  • COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN (about 26 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Abbreviation: CAE)
  • MC ENTIRE ANGS (about 45 miles; EASTOVER, SC; Abbreviation: MMT)
  • AUGUSTA RGNL AT BUSH FIELD (about 46 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Abbreviation: AGS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Wagener:

  • CORPORATE (about 13 miles; PELION, SC; Abbreviation: 6J0)
  • LEXINGTON COUNTY (about 22 miles; GASTON, SC; Abbreviation: 7J1)
  • AIKEN MUNI (about 23 miles; AIKEN, SC; Abbreviation: AIK)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Wagener:

  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT AIKEN (about 25 miles; AIKEN, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,636)
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA (about 34 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Full-time enrollment: 19,682)
  • MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 35 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Full-time enrollment: 5,958)
  • BENEDICT COLLEGE (about 37 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,880)
  • SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 42 miles; ORANGEBURG, SC; Full-time enrollment: 3,971)
  • AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 47 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,778)
  • AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 49 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,300)

Schools

Public high school in Wagener:

  • WAGENER SALLEY HIGH (Students: 351; Location: 272 MAIN STREET SO.; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Wagener:

  • CYRIL B BUSBEE ELEMENTARY (Students: 572; Location: 236 MAIN STREET SO.; Grades: PK – 05)
  • A L CORBETT MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 290; Location: 10 A.L. CORBETT CIRCLE; Grades: 06 – 08)