Laurens, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Laurens, SC Utility & Living Guide

Laurens is a city in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Laurens had a population of 9,335. It is the county seat of Laurens County. It is part of the Greenville-Mauldin-Easley metropolitan area.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$666/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$129,200
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🌤️ Live Weather — Laurens
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Laurens
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Laurens Commission of Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Laurens County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$666/mo
2 Bedrooms$741/mo
3 Bedrooms$926/mo
Median Home Price$129,200
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Laurens is relatively affordable compared to nearby cities like Greenville. Demand has been steady, with modest price increases over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure, job opportunities, education
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks are available in downtown areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Laurens County Museum
  • 🎯
    The Ridge
  • 🎯
    Laurens City Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Ridge and downtown Laurens are popular for families due to their proximity to schools and parks. Subdivisions like Woodland Hills offer newer homes with larger lots.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Laurens based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Laurens — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$52,585
🏠 Homeownership Rate
48.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
51.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
22.4%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs rise in summer due to increased air conditioning use. Winter heating costs are lower as temperatures are mild.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by district, with no local surtaxes specific to Laurens county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are present in downtown areas but uneven in some neighborhoods. Parks are accessible but public transit lacks family-friendly features.

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