Cost of Living in Kershaw County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kershaw County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kershaw County ranks #2,330 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kershaw County, South Carolina
Kershaw delivers the state's best affordability
Kershaw County renters spend just 16.3% of their income on housing—the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this entire dataset and well below the 20.1% state average. With $872 monthly rent against $64,343 median income, Kershaw offers genuine relief for budget-conscious households.
Most affordable county in this dataset
Kershaw's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the most manageable housing market among these eight counties, beating the state average by nearly 4 percentage points. The combination of reasonable rents and solid local incomes creates an unusually stable housing market.
Balanced alternative to pricier coastal peers
Kershaw's $872 rent falls between Horry County ($1,181) and rural Hampton ($815), positioning it as a goldilocks option for those wanting access without premium pricing. Compared to similarly-sized Laurens ($847), Kershaw costs just $25 more monthly while maintaining comparable affordability ratios.
Mortgages slight premium over rents
Kershaw homeowners pay $934 monthly compared to renters' $872, a manageable $62 difference that reflects stable property values. The median home value of $191,900 sits mid-range in this dataset, offering accessibility for first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike.
Kershaw punches above its weight in value
Relocating households seeking the best combination of affordability and stability should prioritize Kershaw, where the housing market won't strain even modest incomes. Whether renting or buying, you'll enjoy breathing room in your budget that peers in pricier counties simply don't have.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kershaw County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Kershaw County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $872/month in gross rent, with 33.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $872/month rent versus $934/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $62/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,029/year. With a median household income of $64,343, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Kershaw County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hampton County where rent averages $815/month, Kershaw County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kershaw County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,501
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
The median home in Kershaw County may be a stretch
Median home value is $191,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,532 vs. your max of $1,501.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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