Cost of Living in Sumter County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sumter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sumter County ranks #2,864 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumter County, South Carolina
Sumter rents strain household budgets nationwide
Sumter County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here devote a larger share of income to housing than typical Americans. At $1,006 monthly rent against a median household income of $55,990, affordability pressures are real.
Sumter ranks among SC's pricier counties
Sumter's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, signaling tighter affordability within the state context. Its median rent of $1,006 exceeds the statewide average by $61, putting it in the upper tier of SC rental costs.
Sumter rents rival Spartanburg in region
At $1,006 monthly, Sumter's median rent nearly matches Spartanburg County's $1,019, yet Sumter households earn significantly less at $55,990 versus $64,195. This income gap makes Sumter's housing costs proportionally more burdensome than larger neighboring counties.
Housing squeeze in Sumter household budgets
Sumter renters pay $1,006 monthly while homeowners spend $777, drawing from a median household income of $55,990. Over one-fifth of household income goes to rent alone—a tight squeeze that leaves less flexibility for savings and other needs.
Sumter requires careful budget planning
If you're considering Sumter County, factor in that its $1,006 median rent consumes a larger-than-average share of household income. Compare it against nearby Saluda ($814 rent) or Union ($770 rent) to ensure affordability aligns with your financial situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumter County
Affordability Verdict
Sumter County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,006/month — about 21.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sumter County is $1,006/month, while owner costs run $777/month. Owning saves approximately $229/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,300/year. With a median household income of $55,990, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Sumter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Sumter County is more affordable than Anderson County by roughly 6% ($1,006/mo vs $952/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumter County
Rent Burden
21.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,306
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sumter County
Median home value is $159,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,273 vs. your max of $1,306.
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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