Clearwater, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Clearwater, SC Utility & Living Guide

Clearwater is a census-designated place (CDP) in Aiken County, South Carolina. It lies near North Augusta, South Carolina, and is part of the Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area. Clearwater is located in historic Horse Creek Valley. The population was 4,370 at the time of the 2010 census.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$780/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$160,300
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🌤️ Live Weather — Clearwater
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Clearwater
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Aiken Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Clearwater Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$780/mo
2 Bedrooms$867/mo
3 Bedrooms$1083/mo
Median Home Price$160,300
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Clearwater is stable, with moderate demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen slightly over the past year due to limited inventory.

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 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
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, education, and small manufacturing.
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure, school funding, job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Clearwater Park
  • 🎯
    SC Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Local Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Oakwood area is popular for families due to its proximity to schools and parks. Riverside offers quieter living with larger lots.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

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📊 Clearwater — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$52,991
🏠 Homeownership Rate
57.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
42.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
12.3%
💼 Unemployment Rate
13.2%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electric bills due to air conditioning use, while winter costs are lower with mild temperatures reducing heating needs.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

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

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are present in newer neighborhoods, park access is good, but public transit lacks family-friendly features.

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