Cost of Living in York County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How York County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
York County ranks #2,140 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in York County, South Carolina
York County offers above-average affordability
York County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, with renters paying $1,304 monthly on a median household income of $83,060. The county's strong median income makes even higher rents feel manageable compared to national norms.
York ranks among SC's most affordable counties
At 18.8%, York's rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. Its median rent of $1,304 runs significantly above the state average of $945, yet York's income premium of $83,060 easily supports it.
York leads region in income and affordability
York County's $1,304 median rent is the highest in this cluster, yet its median household income of $83,060 vastly outpaces all neighbors—Spartanburg ($64,195), Saluda ($52,957), and Union ($41,200). This income advantage makes York's higher rents proportionally most affordable.
York households manage housing with ease
York renters pay $1,304 monthly while homeowners spend $1,277, both supported by a median household income of $83,060. At roughly 19% of household income, housing costs leave substantial room for savings, investment, and quality of life improvements.
York County: premium location, smart value
If you're relocating with above-average income, York County delivers the region's strongest affordability, with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio and robust job market. Its $1,304 median rent and $322,700 median home value reflect a thriving county where higher incomes easily support higher housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: York County
Affordability Verdict
York County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,304/month — about 18.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in York County is $1,304/month, while owner costs run $1,277/month. Owning saves approximately $27/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,729/year. With a median household income of $83,060, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in York County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, York County is less affordable than Dorchester County by roughly 6% ($1,304/mo vs $1,381/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in York County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,938
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
The median home in York County may be a stretch
Median home value is $322,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,576 vs. your max of $1,938.
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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