Cost of Living in Cheraw, SC

Population 5,024 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

47
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Cheraw's median household income of $27,275 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 (35% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 14.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Cheraw is about 60 miles west of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 37
Rent 61

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

About the Cost of Living in Cheraw

The median home value in Cheraw is $113,400 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $806/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,275/year is 63% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.9%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 52.1°F. Overall, Cheraw has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$113,400
63% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$158,323
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$806/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.7x
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 44.8%
Renter-occupied 55.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$806
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,420/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
17.3 min
36% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.0%
Carpooled
2.6%
Walked
5.6%
Work from home
1.1%

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
$27,275
63% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,499
Unemployment Rate
14.9%
210% above avg
Poverty Rate
35.4%
Labor Force Participation
55.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.8%
Graduate degree 6.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.1
Male median age 41.3
Female median age 47.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.7°F
Avg Low
52.1°F
Annual Precip
40.2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 555967768389929085766658
Low °F 343642505968727064524136
Precip" 3.112.573.252.693.314.173.863.794.922.692.942.88

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
66.3%
Good air days/yr
134
Max AQI recorded
268
PM2.5 days
97
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cheraw, SC?

Cheraw has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.

What is average rent in Cheraw, SC?

The median gross rent in Cheraw is $806 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Cheraw?

The median home value in Cheraw is $113,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Cheraw?

The median household income in Cheraw is $27,275 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Cheraw, SC?

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

Is Cheraw, SC affordable?

Yes, Cheraw is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Cheraw?

Cheraw has average high temperatures of 74.7°F and average lows of 52.1°F. Annual precipitation is 40.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Cheraw at a Glance

Population
5,024
Median Income
$27,275
Home Value
$113,400
Median Rent
$806/mo
Unemployment
14.9%
Avg High Temp
74.7°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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🗺️ County data for South Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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