Pickens, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Pickens, SC Utility & Living Guide

Pickens, formerly called Pickens Courthouse, is a city in and the county seat of Pickens County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Pickens had a population of 3,388. Pickens changed its classification from a town to a city in 1998, but it was not reported to the Census Bureau unt

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$801/mo
Sales Tax7%
COL Index85 (15% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$191,100
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🌤️ Live Weather — Pickens
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Pickens
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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

City of Pickens Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Pickens County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$801/mo
2 Bedrooms$890/mo
3 Bedrooms$1112/mo
Median Home Price$191,100
Property Tax Rate0.57%
Avg Childcare/mo$700

The housing market in Pickens is affordable compared to national averages, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Demand has been steady due to the town’s proximity to Clemson University.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

85

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

15% below national average

Groceries

90

Transportation

88

Healthcare

95

Childcare/mo

$700

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7%
Property Tax Rate0.57%
<p>State 6% + County 1%</p>

South Carolina income tax rates range from 0% to 7% based on income brackets.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

65

Higher = safer
School Rating

6/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$700/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Strongly Republican
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in manufacturing, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, job opportunities, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; mostly car-dependent. Sidewalks exist in downtown but are inconsistent in residential areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Hagood Mill Historic Site
  • 🎯
    Table Rock State Park
  • 🎯
    Pickens County Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area offers walkability and community events, while neighborhoods near Hagood Creek provide more space and nature access. West Pickens has newer developments with family-friendly amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

No strict zoning laws, but historic district guidelines apply in downtown. Short-term rental regulations are minimal.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Pickens — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$43,452
🏠 Homeownership Rate
65.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
34.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
18.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electric bills due to AC usage (avg $150), while winter heating costs are minimal (avg $90) as most homes use electric heat.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Pickens County millage rate: 0.57%. No additional local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Downtown has decent sidewalks but lacks curb cuts in some areas. Parks are accessible but some trails are unpaved.

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