Cost of Living in Clearwater, SC
Population 3,124 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clearwater is a smaller South Carolina community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,669 and housing costs ($157,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 8.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Clearwater sits roughly 13 miles northeast of Augusta-Richmond County. Housing prices track closely with Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clearwater
The median home value in Clearwater is $156,500 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $835/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,669/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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 76.8°F and lows of 57.3°F. Overall, Clearwater has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Clearwater 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 | 58 | 62 | 69 | 78 | 85 | 91 | 94 | 92 | 87 | 78 | 68 | 60 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 49 | 56 | 64 | 71 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 58 | 48 | 42 |
| Precip" | 3.77 | 3.47 | 3.98 | 2.91 | 2.82 | 4.72 | 4.80 | 5.02 | 4.03 | 2.69 | 2.75 | 3.82 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clearwater, SC?
Clearwater has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clearwater, SC?
The median gross rent in Clearwater is $835 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clearwater?
The median home value in Clearwater is $156,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Clearwater?
The median household income in Clearwater is $50,669 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clearwater, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clearwater is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Clearwater, SC affordable?
Yes, Clearwater is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Clearwater?
Clearwater has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 57.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Clearwater at a Glance
- Population
- 3,124
- Median Income
- $50,669
- Home Value
- $156,500
- Median Rent
- $835/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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