South Carolina Living Report — October 05, 2026

For anyone weighing a move to the South, South Carolina offers a compelling blend of low costs, warm weather, and a growing economy—but the numbers tell a more nuanced story than the postcard scenes of Charleston’s cobblestones or Myrtle Beach’s boardwalks. With a population of 5,142,750 and a median age of 40.0, the state draws a wide cross-section: retirees seeking tax-friendly living, families drawn to suburban school districts, and remote workers lured by the absence of a state income tax on the first dollars earned. Yet a 14.0 percent poverty rate and a median household income of $63,623 per year remind newcomers that affordability is not uniform.

Housing remains the strongest selling point. The median home value sits at $216,200—well below the national average—and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,065 per month. That rent translates to roughly 20 percent of the median household income, a figure that comfortably falls within the widely recommended 30 percent threshold for housing costs. For a single earner making the median income, monthly rent consumes about 20 percent of gross pay; for a dual-income household, the burden drops even lower. This affordability has fueled an influx of out-of-state buyers, particularly from the Northeast and Midwest, who can sell a modest home up north and purchase a larger property in the Palmetto State with cash to spare.

The job market, meanwhile, shows resilience without overheating. As of August 2026, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3 percent, a tick above the national average but historically healthy. Major employment hubs include Greenville’s manufacturing and automotive sector—home to BMW’s largest plant worldwide—alongside Charleston’s booming port and aerospace industries, plus Columbia’s government and healthcare anchor. Remote workers also find the state attractive: fast internet coverage has expanded in suburbs and smaller cities, and Finklick currently tracks 207 cities across South Carolina, giving newcomers granular data on local amenities and costs beyond the major metros.

Quality of life hinges on what you value. The coastal Lowcountry offers marsh views, mild winters, and a slower pace, while the Upstate provides mountain access and four distinct seasons. Traffic in Charleston and Greenville has worsened as growth strains infrastructure, and public transit remains sparse outside urban cores. The median age of 40 suggests a balanced demographic—young professionals mingling with empty-nesters—but families should note that education rankings vary widely by district, with top-tier schools in Lexington and Fort Mill contrasting with struggling rural systems.

Looking ahead

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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 October 05, 2026.