Cost of Living in Kingstree, SC

Population 3,161 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

41
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Kingstree run well below national norms — a median of $28,776 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $127,000). A poverty rate near 35% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, Kingstree is about 55 miles north of North Charleston, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than North Charleston's $268,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 40

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

About the Cost of Living in Kingstree

The median home value in Kingstree is $127,300 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $526/month, 60% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $28,776/year is 61% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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 75.5°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Kingstree has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$127,300
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$111,922
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$526/mo
60% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.2x
Favors renting
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 48.0%
Renter-occupied 52.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$526
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,140/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
31.0 min
15% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.5%
Carpooled
12.7%
Public transit
6.7%
Walked
3.1%
Work from home
13.0%

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
$28,776
61% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,364
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
43% above avg
Poverty Rate
34.5%
Labor Force Participation
38.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.7%
Graduate degree 10.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.5
Male median age 40.6
Female median age 43.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.5°F
Avg Low
53.9°F
Annual Precip
45.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576168778489929085776759
Low °F 363944526169727166544438
Precip" 3.083.003.193.003.714.615.804.864.533.422.633.47

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
11
Public schools
3,363
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kingstree, SC?

Kingstree has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.

What is average rent in Kingstree, SC?

The median gross rent in Kingstree is $526 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Kingstree?

The median home value in Kingstree is $127,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Kingstree?

The median household income in Kingstree is $28,776 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kingstree, SC?

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

Is Kingstree, SC affordable?

Yes, Kingstree is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Kingstree?

Kingstree has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Kingstree at a Glance

Population
3,161
Median Income
$28,776
Home Value
$127,300
Median Rent
$526/mo
Unemployment
6.9%
Avg High Temp
75.5°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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