South Carolina Living Report — July 12, 2026

With a population of roughly 5.14 million, South Carolina is a state of steady, quiet growth, attracting a diverse mix of newcomers from retirees seeking warmer winters to remote workers hunting for lower costs and families lured by a slower pace of life. The median age hovers at 40.0, suggesting a balanced demographic—neither too young nor too old—and a state that appeals to both career starters and those winding down. But before packing the moving truck, it’s worth unpacking the numbers that define daily life here.

The cost of living remains one of South Carolina’s strongest draws. The median home value sits at $216,200, well below the national average, making homeownership a realistic goal for many. Renters also find relief: the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,065. To put that in perspective, with the state’s median household income of $63,623, a renter spending 30% of that income on housing would have about $1,590 per month to allocate to rent. The actual median rent for a one-bedroom eats up roughly 20% of that median income—a relatively comfortable ratio compared to pricier coastal states. Still, affordability varies sharply by region: the historic charm of Charleston commands a premium, while inland cities like Greenville or Columbia offer more room for the budget.

The job market presents a mixed picture. The unemployment rate as of May 2026 stands at a low 3.8%, signaling strong demand for workers. Major employment sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and a growing tech and logistics hub in the Upstate, anchored by companies like BMW and Boeing. The median household income—$63,623—lags slightly behind the national median, but when paired with lower housing costs, disposable income stretches further. Yet the state’s poverty rate of 14.0% is a reminder that prosperity is not evenly shared; lower-wage service jobs in tourism-heavy areas like Myrtle Beach can leave some residents struggling.

Quality of life in South Carolina revolves around its geography and culture. The coast offers beaches, marshlands, and a subtropical climate that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. The interior, from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont, provides hiking, lakes, and a growing culinary scene. The median age of 40.0 reflects a state that draws people in their prime working years, but also a significant retiree population. Remote workers, enabled by improving broadband in mid-sized cities, flock to places like Greenville or Spartanburg for the lower cost of living without sacrificing

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 207 tracked cities in South Carolina.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 12, 2026.

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