Mountain Rest, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Mountain Rest, SC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$658/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$255,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Mountain Rest
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Mountain Rest
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Mountain Rest Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Oconee County Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$658/mo
2 Bedrooms$732/mo
3 Bedrooms$915/mo
Median Home Price$255,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Mountain Rest is competitive, with demand driven by retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. Prices have risen steadily 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
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in tourism, forestry, and small-scale agriculture.
Top Local Concerns
Road maintenance, broadband access, preserving rural character
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Chattooga River
  • 🎯
    Oconee State Park
  • 🎯
    Mountain Rest Community Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Areas near Oconee State Park and along Highway 28 are popular for families due to proximity to nature and schools.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

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📊 Mountain Rest — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$88,250
🏠 Homeownership Rate
90.3%
🔑 Renter Rate
9.7%
📉 Poverty Rate
4.4%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Electricity costs rise in summer due to air conditioning. Winter heating costs are minimal as many homes use wood stoves.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Property tax millage rate: 100 mills. No local surtaxes in Oconee County.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

5/10: Limited sidewalks, good park access, no public transit elevators.

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