Cost of Living in Pickens, SC
Population 3,386 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pickens 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Pickens lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Athens-Clarke County. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pickens
The median home value in Pickens is $196,400 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,534/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 51.6°F. Overall, Pickens has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Pickens 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 | 52 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 89 | 87 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.51 | 4.16 | 4.67 | 3.78 | 3.49 | 4.40 | 3.65 | 4.91 | 3.68 | 3.60 | 3.64 | 4.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pickens, SC?
Pickens has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pickens, SC?
The median gross rent in Pickens is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pickens?
The median home value in Pickens is $196,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pickens?
The median household income in Pickens is $58,534 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pickens, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pickens is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Pickens, SC affordable?
Yes, Pickens 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 Pickens?
Pickens 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.
Pickens at a Glance
- Population
- 3,386
- Median Income
- $58,534
- Home Value
- $196,400
- Median Rent
- $874/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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