Cost of Living in Brookdale, SC

Population 4,061 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Brookdale run well below national norms — a median of $34,279 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $85,000). At 14.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Brookdale is about 35 miles south of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 65% lower than Columbia's $244,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 54

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Brookdale

The median home value in Brookdale is $85,400 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $711/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,279/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.7%, 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 75.8°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, Brookdale has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$85,400
72% below avg
Median Rent
$711/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$807
1 BR
$841
2 BR
$1,028
3 BR
$1,294
4 BR
$1,567
Owner-occupied 47.9%
Renter-occupied 52.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$711
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,325/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.2%
Carpooled
4.5%
Walked
3.2%
Bicycle
1.7%
Work from home
10.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.5%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.5%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$34,279
54% below avg
Per Capita Income
$17,219
Unemployment Rate
14.7%
206% above avg
Poverty Rate
36.1%
Labor Force Participation
45.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.7%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.4
Male median age 26.7
Female median age 40.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.8°F
Avg Low
54.2°F
Annual Precip
43.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586269778489929086776760
Low °F 373945526169727166554439
Precip" 3.633.343.602.853.354.674.954.213.983.162.703.23

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brookdale, SC?

Brookdale has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Brookdale, SC?

The median gross rent in Brookdale is $711 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brookdale?

The median home value in Brookdale is $85,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Brookdale?

The median household income in Brookdale is $34,279 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brookdale, SC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brookdale is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.

Is Brookdale, SC affordable?

Yes, Brookdale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Brookdale?

Brookdale has average high temperatures of 75.8°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Brookdale at a Glance

Population
4,061
Median Income
$34,279
Home Value
$85,400
Median Rent
$711/mo
Unemployment
14.7%
Avg High Temp
75.8°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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