Cost of Living in Colleton County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Colleton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Colleton County ranks #3,015 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Colleton County, South Carolina
Colleton faces steeper housing burden than U.S. norm
Colleton County renters spend 22.3% of income on housing—well above the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% baseline. With a median household income of $48,779 and rents at $905 monthly, Colleton residents feel acute housing pressure despite modest rents.
Among South Carolina's most strained counties
Colleton's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, surpassing the South Carolina average by 2.2 percentage points. Only Darlington (22.2%) comes close to matching Colleton's housing burden, signaling genuine affordability stress across this region.
Colleton's burden exceeds nearby alternatives
Colleton renters face a 22.3% housing burden and $905 rent, exceeding Chesterfield (19.6% / $776) and Clarendon (17.9% / $728) by substantial margins. Moving to adjacent counties could save renters $150–$180 monthly while cutting housing burden by 2–4 percentage points.
Housing takes a worrisome share of income
Colleton renters spend $905 monthly on a median income of $48,779, while homeowners pay $762 for ownership costs. At 22.3% of income for renters and 18.7% for owners, Colleton's housing burden edges toward the 30% affordability threshold, constraining residents' ability to cover other essentials.
Colleton may strain budgets; explore neighbors
Colleton's 22.3% housing burden makes it one of South Carolina's most strained markets for renters and owners alike. If affordability matters, compare Colleton to nearby Chesterfield and Clarendon, which offer rents $130–$180 lower and superior housing burden ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Colleton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Colleton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $905/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Colleton County is $905/month, while owner costs run $762/month. Owning saves approximately $143/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,657/year. With a median household income of $48,779, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Colleton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Edgefield County where rent averages $854/month, Colleton County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Colleton County
Rent Burden
22.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,138
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
The median home in Colleton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $145,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,165 vs. your max of $1,138.
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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