Cost of Living in Liberty, SC

Population 3,337 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $42,077, median household incomes in Liberty land roughly 44% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Liberty is about 70 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 55

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

About the Cost of Living in Liberty

The median home value in Liberty is $162,800 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $725/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,077/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 51.6°F. Overall, Liberty has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$162,800
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$261,259
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$725/mo
45% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.7x
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 76.4%
Renter-occupied 23.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$725
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,339/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
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.9%
Carpooled
11.7%
Work from home
5.8%

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
$42,077
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,300
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
Labor Force Participation
62.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.7%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.9
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 38.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.2°F
Avg Low
51.6°F
Annual Precip
49"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 525664727985898782726254
Low °F 343643505966706964524236
Precip" 4.514.164.673.783.494.403.654.913.683.603.644.50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Liberty, SC?

Liberty has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Liberty, SC?

The median gross rent in Liberty is $725 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Liberty?

The median home value in Liberty is $162,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Liberty?

The median household income in Liberty is $42,077 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Liberty, SC?

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

Is Liberty, SC affordable?

Yes, Liberty is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Liberty?

Liberty has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 51.6°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Liberty at a Glance

Population
3,337
Median Income
$42,077
Home Value
$162,800
Median Rent
$725/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
71.2°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
View all cities in South Carolina →
🗺️ County data for South Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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