Cost of Living in Horry County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Horry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Horry County ranks #2,594 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Horry County, South Carolina
Horry rents rise with coastal demand
Horry County renters spend 21.9% of their $64,623 median income on rent—nearly matching the national rate despite earning $10,000 more than most U.S. households. At $1,181 monthly, Horry's rents have climbed 25% above the state average, reflecting growth pressure from coastal migration.
Pricey but still below state strain
Horry's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio sits below South Carolina's 20.1% state average, placing it in the more manageable tier despite charging $1,181 rent. The county's higher median income of $64,623 helps offset the premium coastal living commands.
Premium pricing for beach access
Horry's $1,181 rent ranks among the highest in this region—exceeded only by neighboring Jasper County at $1,307—reflecting the pull of Myrtle Beach and coastal amenities. Compared to inland Laurens ($847) or Kershaw ($872), Horry charges 40% more, though incomes here are proportionally higher.
Mortgages nearly match rents here
Horry homeowners pay $939 monthly compared to renters' $1,181, a smaller gap than most counties and reflecting the competitive housing market. The median home value of $260,500 represents the highest in this dataset, appealing to buyers willing to pay for location and amenities.
Horry works for coastal seekers with stable income
If beach lifestyle and robust local job markets matter more than rock-bottom costs, Horry's affordability ratio is actually reasonable for the Southeast. Plan on earning at least $65,000 to live comfortably, and consider inland pockets to stretch your budget further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Horry County
Affordability Verdict
Horry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,181/month — about 21.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,181/month rent versus $939/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $242/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,243/year. With a median household income of $64,623, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Horry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lexington County where rent averages $1,115/month, Horry County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Horry County
Rent Burden
21.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,508
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
The median home in Horry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $260,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,080 vs. your max of $1,508.
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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