Cost of Living in Barnwell, SC
Population 4,616 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Barnwell's median household income of $43,239 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (33% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 15.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Barnwell is about 40 miles east of Augusta-Richmond County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Barnwell
The median home value in Barnwell is $137,300 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $545/month, 59% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,239/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 74.8°F and lows of 52.9°F. Overall, Barnwell has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
Barnwell has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 68 | 76 | 83 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 84 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 36 | 38 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 64 | 53 | 43 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.56 | 3.69 | 3.93 | 3.32 | 3.00 | 5.28 | 4.40 | 5.13 | 4.81 | 2.66 | 2.54 | 3.90 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Barnwell, SC?
Barnwell has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Barnwell, SC?
The median gross rent in Barnwell is $545 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Barnwell?
The median home value in Barnwell is $137,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Barnwell?
The median household income in Barnwell is $43,239 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Barnwell, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Barnwell is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Barnwell, SC affordable?
Yes, Barnwell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Barnwell?
Barnwell has average high temperatures of 74.8°F and average lows of 52.9°F. Annual precipitation is 46.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Barnwell at a Glance
- Population
- 4,616
- Median Income
- $43,239
- Home Value
- $137,300
- Median Rent
- $545/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs