Cost of Living in Central, SC
Population 5,299 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Central's demographic profile reads like a college town: median age of 23, and 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree — a share well above the national baseline. Housing and rent cycles track the academic calendar more than the broader South Carolina economy. Around 31% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Central is about 65 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke 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 Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Central
The median home value in Central is $228,500 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $973/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,262/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 51.6°F. Overall, Central has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.
Central 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 | 52 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 89 | 87 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.51 | 4.16 | 4.67 | 3.78 | 3.49 | 4.40 | 3.65 | 4.91 | 3.68 | 3.60 | 3.64 | 4.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Central, SC?
Central has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.
What is average rent in Central, SC?
The median gross rent in Central is $973 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Central?
The median home value in Central is $228,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Central?
The median household income in Central is $58,262 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Central, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Central is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Central, SC affordable?
Yes, Central is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Central?
Central has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 51.6°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Central at a Glance
- Population
- 5,299
- Median Income
- $58,262
- Home Value
- $228,500
- Median Rent
- $973/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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