Cost of Living in Orangeburg County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Orangeburg County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Orangeburg County ranks #2,802 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Orangeburg County, South Carolina
Orangeburg's rent-income strain
Orangeburg County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Carolina's average of 20.1%, reflecting median income of $43,214 paired with $804/month rent. While rents are moderate, income constraints mean nearly 1 in 4 housing dollars goes to rent.
Orangeburg's affordability challenge
At 22.3% rent-to-income, Orangeburg ranks among South Carolina's less affordable counties, though not as tight as Marion (23.1%) or Marlboro (22.7%). The county's $804 rent is closer to state average, but income lags peers like Pickens and Richland.
Orangeburg between low and mid
Orangeburg's $43,214 income and 22.3% rent-to-income sit between the Pee Dee's struggling lower-income counties ($34k–$36k) and the Upstate's stronger earners ($59k–$61k). Rent of $804/month is notably higher than Marion/Marlboro but lower than Upstate counties.
Rent and ownership splits
Orangeburg renters pay $804/month while homeowners spend $568/month on median homes worth $109,700. On $43,214 income, renters face 22.3% housing burden while homeowners enjoy more favorable terms—ownership offers meaningful relief.
Orangeburg: path to ownership
Orangeburg's moderate rents and affordable home values ($109,700 median) create genuine ownership opportunities for renters earning $43,214. Job seekers should target positions offering income growth toward $55,000+, where affordability stress drops significantly.
Cost of Living Advisory: Orangeburg County
Affordability Verdict
Orangeburg County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $804/month — about 22.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $804/month rent versus $568/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $236/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,343/year. With a median household income of $43,214, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Orangeburg County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Orangeburg County sits 8% less expensive than Kershaw County ($872/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Orangeburg County
Rent Burden
22.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,008
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Orangeburg County
Median home value is $109,700. Estimated monthly cost: $876 vs. your max of $1,008.
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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