Effingham, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Effingham, SC Utility & Living Guide

Effingham may refer to:

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$800/mo
Sales Tax8%
COL Index85 (-5% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Santee Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Effingham Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Florence County Solid Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$950/mo
3 Bedrooms$1100/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.57%
Avg Childcare/mo$600

Effingham’s housing market is affordable with a mix of older homes and new developments. Demand is steady but inventory remains limited.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

85

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-5% below national average

Groceries

82

Transportation

78

Healthcare

88

Childcare/mo

$600

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8%
Property Tax Rate0.57%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + Local 1%</p>

South Carolina has progressive income tax rates from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

6/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$600/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Strongly conservative with Republican majority
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, retail, and light manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, job opportunities, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; car-dependent but sidewalks are improving in town center.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Effingham Park
  • 🎯
    Florence County Library
  • 🎯
    local youth sports leagues

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The town center offers walkability, while newer subdivisions like Pinewood Estates provide family-friendly amenities.

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📊 Effingham — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage can increase electric bills by 30%. Winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Effingham ZIP 29541: Property tax millage rate of 294.5 mills (county + school district). No local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Decent sidewalks in town center but limited park accessibility. Few dedicated family facilities.

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