Cost of Living in Bamberg County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bamberg County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bamberg County ranks #2,586 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bamberg County, South Carolina
Bamberg rents modest, but income runs low
Bamberg County residents spend 22.1% of income on rent—above the national average of roughly 30% when measured as a percentage—yet the real challenge is modest median income of $43,206. This combination means Bamberg renters dedicate a significant share of limited earnings to housing.
Slightly above South Carolina's affordability line
Bamberg's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% exceeds South Carolina's average of 20.1%, making it less affordable than most state counties. At $794 monthly rent, Bamberg costs more than Abbeville or Barnwell, straining households with below-average incomes.
Pricier rents than nearby Barnwell County
Bamberg's $794 median rent runs $99 above neighboring Barnwell's $695, despite Bamberg's median income of $43,206 being $1,406 higher. This suggests tighter housing affordability pressures in Bamberg compared to its less costly neighbor.
Renters feel the squeeze more than owners
Bamberg households earning $43,206 allocate 22.1% to rent while homeowners spend roughly 14.4% on mortgages, creating a two-tiered affordability problem. Renters in Bamberg face steeper burdens than homeowners, limiting their ability to build wealth through property ownership.
Bamberg suits budget-conscious homebuyers
Relocating to Bamberg makes sense if you're buying: median homes run just $96,000 and ownership costs sit below rent burdens. But renters should compare Bamberg's 22.1% rent ratio to more affordable Abbeville or Barnwell before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bamberg County
Affordability Verdict
Bamberg County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $794/month — about 22.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bamberg County is $794/month, while owner costs run $519/month. Owning saves approximately $275/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,243/year. With a median household income of $43,206, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Bamberg County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bamberg County sits 6% less expensive than Laurens County ($847/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bamberg County
Rent Burden
22.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,008
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bamberg County
Median home value is $96,000. Estimated monthly cost: $766 vs. your max of $1,008.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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