Cost of Living in Barnwell County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barnwell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barnwell County ranks #2,566 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barnwell County, South Carolina
Barnwell's affordability hides income struggles
Barnwell County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits just barely below the national threshold of roughly 30%, but this masks deeper challenges. With median household income of just $41,800—44% below the national average—Barnwell residents face real financial pressure despite modest $695 monthly rents.
Just below South Carolina's affordability average
Barnwell's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% nearly matches South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it in the lower-middle affordability tier. At $695 monthly rent, Barnwell offers some of the state's cheapest rental options for lower-income households.
Cheapest rents in this rural cluster
Barnwell's $695 median rent undercuts Bamberg County by $99 and Abbeville by just $61, making it one of the region's most affordable options. Yet with median income of $41,800—$1,406 below Bamberg—Barnwell's renters feel the pinch more acutely.
Modest costs, but tight household budgets
Barnwell residents earning $41,800 spend 19.9% on rent or roughly 18.6% on mortgage costs, leaving limited income for savings or unexpected expenses. Both renters and owners operate on thin margins, reflecting the county's broader economic challenges.
Barnwell suits those with secure income
Barnwell offers the state's cheapest rents and homes averaging just $97,200, but median income runs among South Carolina's lowest. Relocate here only if your income prospects are strong; compare these economics to higher-wage counties like Aiken or Anderson before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barnwell County
Affordability Verdict
Barnwell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $695/month representing approximately 20.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $695/month rent versus $647/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $48/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,729/year. With a median household income of $41,800, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Barnwell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Barnwell County is more affordable than Abbeville County by roughly 10% ($695/mo vs $634/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barnwell County
Rent Burden
20.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$975
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barnwell County
Median home value is $97,200. Estimated monthly cost: $776 vs. your max of $975.
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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