Cost of Living in Fountain Inn, SC
Population 11,307 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fountain Inn sits on the smaller end of the South Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fountain Inn lies roughly 85 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Athens-Clarke County. Housing prices track closely with Athens-Clarke County's $272,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fountain Inn
The median home value in Fountain Inn is $255,400 — 16% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,072/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,021/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fountain Inn has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 53 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 4.12 | 3.84 | 4.48 | 4.04 | 4.07 | 3.90 | 4.82 | 4.66 | 3.73 | 3.59 | 3.84 | 4.58 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fountain Inn, SC?
Fountain Inn has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fountain Inn, SC?
The median gross rent in Fountain Inn is $1,072 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fountain Inn?
The median home value in Fountain Inn is $255,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fountain Inn?
The median household income in Fountain Inn is $72,021 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fountain Inn, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fountain Inn is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Fountain Inn, SC affordable?
Yes, Fountain Inn is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fountain Inn?
Fountain Inn has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 49.7". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fountain Inn at a Glance
- Population
- 11,307
- Median Income
- $72,021
- Home Value
- $255,400
- Median Rent
- $1,072/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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South Carolina Rankings
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