Cost of Living in Chesterfield County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chesterfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chesterfield County ranks #2,270 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chesterfield County, South Carolina
Chesterfield beats national housing stress test
Chesterfield renters spend 19.6% of income on housing, edging below the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. At $776 monthly rent and a median household income of $47,620, Chesterfield delivers genuine affordability for lower-income earners.
Among South Carolina's most affordable counties
Chesterfield's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, beating the South Carolina average by 0.5 percentage points. Its $776 median rent represents the lowest among all eight surveyed counties, offering unmatched housing value across the region.
Chesterfield undercuts every neighboring county
At $776 monthly, Chesterfield rents are $37 cheaper than Clarendon's $728 benchmark and significantly lower than Chester's $918 or Calhoun's $994. Chesterfield also delivers a superior rent-to-income ratio (19.6%) compared to Cherokee (19.9%), Cherokee (19.9%), making it the region's affordability leader.
Lowest rents paired with lowest incomes
Chesterfield renters pay $776 monthly on a median income of $47,620, while homeowners spend $531 monthly for ownership. At 19.6% of income for renters and 13.4% for owners, Chesterfield keeps housing costs within the critical 30% affordability threshold.
Chesterfield is South Carolina's value champion
If affordability is your priority, Chesterfield's $776 rents and 19.6% housing burden are unmatched in the region. Compare it directly to Cherokee and Clarendon to confirm: Chesterfield delivers the lowest monthly housing costs in the state.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chesterfield County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Chesterfield County is affordable. The median rent is $776/month against a median household income of $47,620, putting rent at 19.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chesterfield County pay $776/month on average, compared to $531/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 32%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,757/year. With a median household income of $47,620, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Chesterfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Laurens County where rent averages $847/month, Chesterfield County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chesterfield County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,111
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Chesterfield County
Median home value is $101,400. Estimated monthly cost: $810 vs. your max of $1,111.
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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