USC, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

USC, SC Utility & Living Guide

Living in Union, SC offers a small-town charm with close-knit community vibes.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$700/mo
Sales Tax7%
COL Index85 (-15% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$120,000
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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

Union County Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Union County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$700/mo
2 Bedrooms$850/mo
3 Bedrooms$1000/mo
Median Home Price$120,000
Property Tax Rate0.6%
Avg Childcare/mo$600

Union, SC offers affordable housing with a median home price well below national averages. The market is stable with modest demand from retirees and young families.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

85

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-15% below national average

Groceries

80

Transportation

75

Healthcare

90

Childcare/mo

$600

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7%
Property Tax Rate0.6%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0%</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

5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$600/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red (strongly Republican)
Business Momentum
Low with key industries in textiles and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Job opportunities, aging infrastructure, healthcare access
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; car-dependent but sidewalks are improving in downtown areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Union County Museum
  • 🎯
    Foster Park
  • 🎯
    Union County YMCA

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Downtown Union offers historic charm, while newer developments near US-176 provide modern amenities. Both areas are family-friendly.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

No strict zoning laws, but building permits required for new constructions. No local income tax.

Union's economy is slowly diversifying beyond manufacturing. Local incentives are attracting small businesses and light industry.

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 USC — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC costs can spike electric bills by 30%, while winter heating is minimal due to mild winters.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Union County millage rate: 0.6%. No additional local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10 with explanation: improving sidewalks downtown, limited park access, no elevators in transit

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