Clemson, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Clemson, SC Utility & Living Guide

Clemson is a city in Pickens and Anderson counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. Clemson is adjacent to Clemson University, and is identified with it. In 2015, the Princeton Review cited the town of Clemson as ranking #1 in the United States for "town-and-gown" relations with its resident uni

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$866/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$347,800
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🌤️ Live Weather — Clemson
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Clemson
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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

City of Clemson Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Clemson Sanitation Services
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$866/mo
2 Bedrooms$963/mo
3 Bedrooms$1203/mo
Median Home Price$347,800
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Clemson is competitive due to its proximity to Clemson University. Prices have been rising steadily, with demand outpacing supply in recent 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 ranging from 0% to 7% based on income brackets.

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
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in education, healthcare, and technology
Top Local Concerns
Housing affordability, traffic congestion, student housing impact
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited but stroller-friendly with accessible buses and sidewalks in downtown areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    South Carolina Botanical Garden
  • 🎯
    Clemson Area Transit
  • 🎯
    Nettles Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Highlands and Calhoun Fields are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Downtown Clemson is walkable but more student-oriented.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

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📊 Clemson — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$50,263
🏠 Homeownership Rate
35.7%
🔑 Renter Rate
64.3%
📉 Poverty Rate
36.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.3%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in summer due to high AC usage. Winter heating costs are moderate, with milder temperatures reducing extreme fluctuations.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by district, with Clemson city adding a small surtax for local services.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: Good sidewalk quality in downtown and near parks, but some areas lack accessibility. Transit options are limited but improving.

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