Cost of Living in Williamston, SC
Population 4,116 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Williamston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $157,000.
Williamston 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 42% 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 Williamston
The median home value in Williamston is $156,700 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,500/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 72.5°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Williamston has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Williamston 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 | 53 | 57 | 65 | 73 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 49 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 70 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.09 | 3.88 | 4.32 | 3.59 | 3.74 | 4.18 | 3.76 | 3.90 | 3.74 | 3.12 | 3.60 | 4.42 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Williamston, SC?
Williamston has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Williamston, SC?
The median gross rent in Williamston is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Williamston?
The median home value in Williamston is $156,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Williamston?
The median household income in Williamston is $62,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Williamston, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Williamston is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Williamston, SC affordable?
Yes, Williamston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Williamston?
Williamston has average high temperatures of 72.5°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Williamston at a Glance
- Population
- 4,116
- Median Income
- $62,500
- Home Value
- $156,700
- Median Rent
- $860/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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