Cost of Living in Golden Grove, SC

Population 3,084 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Golden Grove offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $162,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $71,694, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 0.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Golden Grove lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Athens-Clarke County. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 84

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

About the Cost of Living in Golden Grove

The median home value in Golden Grove is $161,600 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,102/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,694/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.4%, below 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 73.1°F and lows of 53.4°F. Overall, Golden Grove has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$161,600
47% below avg
Median Rent
$1,102/mo
16% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.2x
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 80.7%
Renter-occupied 19.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,102
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,716/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
28.1 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.3%
Carpooled
26.2%
Work from home
6.5%

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
$71,694
4% below avg
Per Capita Income
$41,534
Unemployment Rate
0.4%
91% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Labor Force Participation
69.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.9%
Graduate degree 7.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 42.3
Female median age 40.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.1°F
Avg Low
53.4°F
Annual Precip
47"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 545865758188918984746456
Low °F 353844526168727165544437
Precip" 4.003.714.253.633.863.865.164.003.453.233.604.29

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
45.8%
Good air days/yr
126
Max AQI recorded
229
PM2.5 days
134
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Golden Grove, SC?

Golden Grove has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in Golden Grove, SC?

The median gross rent in Golden Grove is $1,102 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Golden Grove?

The median home value in Golden Grove is $161,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Golden Grove?

The median household income in Golden Grove is $71,694 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Golden Grove, SC?

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

Is Golden Grove, SC affordable?

Yes, Golden Grove is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Golden Grove?

Golden Grove has average high temperatures of 73.1°F and average lows of 53.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Golden Grove at a Glance

Population
3,084
Median Income
$71,694
Home Value
$161,600
Median Rent
$1,102/mo
Unemployment
0.4%
Avg High Temp
73.1°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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