Cost of Living in Cherokee County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cherokee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cherokee County ranks #2,108 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cherokee County, South Carolina
Cherokee offers rare housing relief below national stress
Cherokee County renters spend just 19.9% of income on housing, falling below both the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. With rents at $813 monthly and a median income of $49,047, Cherokee delivers the rare combination of affordability and accessibility.
Among South Carolina's most affordable counties
Cherokee's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's most housing-secure counties. Its $813 median rent trails the state average by $132 monthly, offering genuine relief for budget-conscious households.
Cherokee stays affordable versus Calhoun and Chester
Renters in Cherokee pay $813 monthly compared to $994 in Calhoun County and $918 in Chester County, saving $100–$180 per month. Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% also beats Calhoun's 21.0% and Chester's 21.5%, making it the region's affordability champion.
Housing takes smallest share of income here
Cherokee renters dedicate $813 monthly to housing while earning a median $49,047 annually; homeowners pay $560 monthly for ownership costs. At 19.9% for renters and 13.7% for owners, Cherokee's housing burden remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold.
Cherokee is South Carolina's affordability sweet spot
If you're seeking the best housing value in the region, Cherokee delivers rents under $850 and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. Compare it directly to neighboring Calhoun and Chester to see how much you'll save by choosing Cherokee.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cherokee County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cherokee County is affordable. The median rent is $813/month against a median household income of $49,047, putting rent at 19.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cherokee County is $813/month, while owner costs run $560/month. Owning saves approximately $253/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,000/year. With a median household income of $49,047, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cherokee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Cherokee County is less affordable than Kershaw County by roughly 7% ($813/mo vs $872/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cherokee County
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,144
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cherokee County
Median home value is $135,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,079 vs. your max of $1,144.
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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