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Moving to South Carolina in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to South Carolina.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to South Carolina.
Are you thinking of moving to South Carolina?
South Carolina is located in the southeastern region of the USA. The state has a rich history and it is one of the original colonies of the US. The climate in South Carolina is sub-tropical with hot humid summers and mild winters. The economy of South Carolina is on the growth path with a diverse job market. The state is home to several Fortune 500 companies. The cost of living in South Carolina is relatively low and you can find jobs in different growing sectors. The state has many schools, colleges and universities that offer quality education for all levels. If you are planning to move to South Carolina, then learn everything in detail before moving there. To simplify the transition, Van Lines Move has prepared a moving guide for South Carolina. This guide will help you learn everything about the state before your move.
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South Carolina Demographics
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Quick Facts of South Carolina
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Top reasons to move to South Carolina
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Pros & Cons of Living in South Carolina
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Best Places to Live in South Carolina
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Best Neighborhoods in the South Carolina
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Cost of living in South Carolina
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South Carolina job market
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Major industries in South Carolina
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Top Career Options in South Carolina
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Best things to do in South Carolina
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Schools in South Carolina
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Type of insurance required in South Carolina
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Taxes in South Carolina
South Carolina Demographics
South Carolina is a state with a diverse population and rich history. People from different parts of the world call it their home and create a blended culture. You can explore different demographic details about South Carolina in this section-
Male vs Female Population of South Carolina 2022
| Gender | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,421,827 | 48.7% |
| Female | 2,538,468 | 51.3% |
| Total | 4,960,295 | 100% |
Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in South Carolina 2022
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | 121,091 | 117,230 |
| 5-9 | 119,056 | 115,327 |
| 10-14 | 117,007 | 113,125 |
| 15-19 | 115,739 | 112,006 |
| 20-24 | 109,122 | 111,956 |
| 25-29 | 105,391 | 110,989 |
| 30-34 | 103,356 | 109,124 |
| 35-39 | 101,491 | 107,258 |
| 40-44 | 99,623 | 106,348 |
| 45-49 | 97,754 | 105,043 |
| 50-54 | 95,657 | 103,225 |
| 55-59 | 93,445 | 101,045 |
| 60-64 | 89,105 | 97,768 |
| 65-69 | 79,682 | 90,938 |
| 70-74 | 69,667 | 83,598 |
| 75-79 | 56,692 | 71,322 |
| 80-84 | 40,319 | 53,110 |
| 85 and over | 32,713 | 47,202 |
Population Distribution by Ethnicity in South Carolina 2022
| Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,417,922 | 68.9% |
| Black or African American | 1,310,974 | 26.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 282,115 | 5.7% |
| Asian | 69,189 | 1.4% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 19,129 | 0.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 5,783 | 0.1% |
| Two or more races | 75,283 | 1.5% |
Please note that these figures are estimates based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Quick Facts of South Carolina
Let us check out some unique features of South Carolina
- Columbia is the capital of South Carolina.
- The nickname of South Carolina is “The Palmetto State”.
- South Carolina is home to various historic sites, beautiful beaches, and several other tourist destinations.
- South Carolina is the home producer of tobacco, peaches and peanuts.
- The state is home to many famous people like Reese Witherspoon, James Brown and more.
- South Carolina is home to the world’s first national park
- The state is home to various professional sports teams like the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the Carolina Panthers (NFL), and more
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in South Carolina.
Top reasons to move to South Carolina
Some top reasons that encourage you to move to South Carolina are-
- The cost of living in South Carolina is relatively affordable as compared to other states of the USA.
- South Carolina has beautiful beaches and you can find variety among them like rocky beaches, sandy beaches, and secluded beaches.
- The job market in South Carolina is diverse as you can find several Fortune 500 companies and a strong manufacturing and tourism industry.
- The southern hospitality of South Carolina is famous as people are friendly and warm.
- The state is rich in history it is one of the original thirteen colonies and has the site of the Civil War- Fort Sumter.
- The climate is appealing as there are mild winters and hot humid summers.
- The public school system in South Carolina is ranked 31st in the USA and has various top schools and colleges
- A strong culture and abundance of outdoor activities attract people towards South Carolina.
Pros & Cons of Living in South Carolina
Each state has some best features and some worst features and it is very important to know about both sides before deciding on moving there. In this section, we have listed different pros and cons of South Carolina-
| Pros of moving to South Carolina | Cons of moving to South Carolina |
|---|---|
| The cost of living is relatively lower than the other parts of the country | Property taxes are comparatively high |
| Climate is subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters | Summers can be very hot, temperature can range between 90s and 100s |
| Strong economy with diverse job market | Wages are lower than in the other parts of the country |
| Rich history, beautiful beaches and southern hospitality are prime features | Traffic can be bad in cities like Columbia and Charleston |
| Abundant outdoor activities and plenty of museums, theatres and art galleries | State is prone to extreme weather conditions including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. |
| One of the best public school systems |
Best Places to Live in South Carolina
Moving to a new state is challenging in many ways and finding the best place to make your home is one of those challenges. So, in this section we have listed some of the best places in South Carolina considering their population, median home value and unemployment rate. Study the table to find the best place for you-
| Place | Population | Unemployment Rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant | 94,362 | 3.5% | $389,200 |
| Tega Cay | 10,373 | 3.4% | $478,800 |
| Mauldin | 25,052 | 3.6% | $190,600 |
| Greenville | 69,365 | 3.9% | $237,800 |
| Simpsonville | 24,677 | 3.8% | $279,900 |
| Spartanburg | 37,744 | 4.2% | $213,500 |
| Summerville | 50,342 | 3.7% | $303,100 |
| Goose Creek | 46,861 | 4.2% | $264,000 |
| Rock Hill | 74,801 | 4.1% | $228,900 |
| Florence | 37,552 | 4.3% | $212,600 |
Tip: When you've got a home to move in South Carolina, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Best Neighborhoods in the South Carolina
When you move to a new state or city, you wish to find a home away from your family and friends. A perfect neighborhood will help you find a new home, friends, family and everything you need. So, select your neighborhood carefully before moving there-
- Sullivan's Island, Charleston: This neighborhood is known for its charming downtown, beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. This island is a barrier island which is just off the coast of Charleston.
- Mount Pleasant, Charleston: If you are looking for a neighborhood with top schools, near the beach and a family-friendly environment, then Mount Pleasant is a perfect location. This is one of the best suburbs of Charleston.
- Daniel Island, Charleston: This neighborhood is a planned community that offers high-quality life, unlimited amenities and excellent schools.
- Forest Acres, Columbia: This neighborhood is a suburb of Columbia. It is known for family friendly environment and excellent schools. It is in proximity to the city center.
- Irmo, Columbia: This is one of the top suburbs of Columbia. It is known for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to the city center.
- Simpsonville, Greenville: If you are looking for a suburb in Greenville, then Simpsonville is the only destination for you. It has excellent schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to the city center.
- Mauldin, Greenville: Another neighborhood in Greenville is Mauldin, which is also a suburb. This neighborhood offers a family-friendly environment and excellent schools.
You can pick the neighborhood that suits your family's requirements.
Cost of living in South Carolina
The cost of living in South Carolina is relatively lower than the national average. The cost of living in South Carolina is 87.7 when compared to the national average of 100. This implies that the goods and services in South Carolina are 12.3% less expensive than the other parts of the country. Before moving to a new state or city, it is important to learn about the cost of living in that area. This will help you in planning your move efficiently. You can set your moving budget and estimate the cost of your move.
In this section we will explore the cost of living in South Carolina from different perspectives-
Cost of Living by Categories in South Carolina vs USA 2022
| Category | South Carolina | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 93.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 78.2 | 100 |
| Utilities | 92.1 | 100 |
| Transportation | 90.4 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 95.3 | 100 |
| Other | 93.5 | 100 |
Median House Price in South Carolina vs USA 2022
| Location | Median House Price |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | $315,000 |
| United States | $428,700 |
Median Rent Price in South Carolina vs USA 2022
| Region | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | $1,200 |
| United States | $1,971 |
Source- Council for Community and Economic Research's 2023 Cost of Living Index
Housing Market in South Carolina
The median home value in South Carolina is $235,000 while the national average is $375,000. Currently, the housing market in South Carolina is strong and the demand for homes is high. The cost of houses has increased in the past year by 3.2%. The strong housing market is due to several factors like low-interest rates, shortage of housing supply, growing economy and more.
Source: South Carolina Association of Realtors: South Carolina Housing Market Trends
Average rental cost in South Carolina
The average rental cost in South Carolina ranges between $950 to $1700 which depends on several factors like property size and property type. The average rental cost can also depend on the location of the property. If you are planning to rent an apartment, it is better to research well before reaching any decision.
Source: Apartment List: South Carolina Rent Prices
Median Home Value in South Carolina
The median home value is $287,600 in South Carolina. There has been an increase of 3.2% in the median home value in South Carolina. The housing market is very competitive in the state so for buying a house you have to act quickly.
Source: South Carolina Association of Realtors
South Carolina job market
Most people move across the states to find a better job or start their career. If you are considering moving to South Carolina for a job opportunity, then you are making the right decision. The economy of the state is growing with a strong job market. The unemployment rate is low in South Carolina and as per the latest statistics, it is only 3.6% in July 2023. The job market in South Carolina is growing and several factors are supporting it like an influx of new businesses, a growing economy, and the presence of different industries in the state.
In this section, we have explored the job market in South Carolina-
Number of Households by Income Level in South Carolina in 2022
| Income Level | Number of Households |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 277,044 |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 369,882 |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 361,771 |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 282,621 |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 228,788 |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 141,550 |
| $200,000 or more | 164,663 |
Median Income in South Carolina vs USA in 2022
| Region | Median Income |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | $64,329 |
| United States | $67,521 |
Unemployment Rate in South Carolina vs USA in 2022
| Region | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | 3.7% |
| United States | 3.6% |
Please note that these figures are estimates based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources.
Major industries in South Carolina
When you move to a new state or city and search for a new job, you must also check out the major industries operating in the state. These industries will offer high-paying jobs and you can find better opportunities from time to time. In this section, we have listed all the major industries in South Carolina-
- Trade, transportation and warehousing
- Education and health services
- Healthcare
- Professional services
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality and leisure
You can explore employment opportunities in these sectors.
Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce
Top Career Options in South Carolina
When you move to South Carolina you can find high-paying career options for you. In this section we have compiled data for different job profiles and their average salary and how many employees are available in the market for similar profiles-
| Job title | Average salary | Entry level salary | No. of people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $86,563 | $59,946 | 11,100 |
| Registered Nurse | $71,518 | $58,883 | 26,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,247 | $48,862 | 17,000 |
| Accountant | $61,472 | $56,619 | 15,600 |
| Customer Service Representative | $35,883 | $30,300 | 41,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: The data provided in the table are estimates and the average salaries can vary depending on various factors including company, location, and more.
Biggest companies in South Carolina by city and number of employees
South Carolina has a diverse job market with different types of companies flourishing their business. In this section, we have compiled the data of the biggest companies in South Carolina about their location and company size.
| Company | City | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing | North Charleston | 18,000 |
| Michelin | Greenville | 15,000 |
| BMW | Greer | 11,000 |
| GE Aviation | Greenville | 10,000 |
| Volvo Cars | Ridgeville | 4,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz Vans | North Charleston | 3,000 |
| Lockheed Martin | Greenville | 2,500 |
| Husqvarna | Anderson | 2,500 |
| Capgemini | Charleston | 2,500 |
| ZF Group | Gray Court | 2,500 |
Best things to do in South Carolina
Each state has wonderful places with history and beauty that you can explore. In South Carolina, you can do the following things-
- Visit Sumter Fort which is a national monument. At this place, the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
- Visit Myrtle Beach which is known for its sandy beaches, water parks, amusement parks, and more.
- Explore Charleston for its beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriage, and more.
- Visit Congaree National Park and enjoy the beauty of hardwood forests and swampy wetlands.
- Explore marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium.
- Visit Boeing South Carolina where you can tour the factory and learn how Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is assembled.
Schools in South Carolina
Finding a perfect educational institution for your child is one major challenge during the move. In this section of our South Carolina state guide, we have compiled a list of the best elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities.
| Elementary Schools in South Carolina |
|---|
| East Link Academy, Spartanburg |
| E.L. Wright Middle, Columbia |
| Tigerville Elementary, Taylors |
| Buist Academy, Charleston |
| Lake Murray Elementary School, Lexington |
| Middle Schools in South Carolina |
|---|
| Sterling School, Greenville |
| Augusta Circle Elementary School, Greenville |
| Tigerville Elementary School, Taylors |
| Green Charter School, Greenville |
| Buist Academy, Charleston |
| High Schools in South Carolina |
|---|
| Academic Magnet High School, Charleston |
| Southside High School, Greenville |
| Fort Mill High School , Fort Mill |
| Wando High School, Mount Pleasant |
| J. L. Mann High School, Greenville |
| Colleges and Universities in South Carolina |
|---|
| University of South Carolina, Columbia |
| Clemson University, Clemson |
| College of Charleston, Charleston |
| Furman University, Greenville |
| Wofford College, Spartanburg |
Type of insurance required in South Carolina
Auto Insurance-
In South Carolina, all drivers must have liability insurance which covers the cost of injury and property damage in the event of an accident. The minimum liability coverage required is as follows-
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
You might need to buy uninsured motorist coverage that will protect you and your passengers if you are hit by a car with no insurance.
Other types of Insurance required-
- Homeowners Insurance
- Renters Insurance
- Condo insurance
- Car insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Business Insurance
Additional tips-
- While choosing insurance coverage, consider your requirements and budget. You can compare quotes from different insurance providers.
- The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides all types of information related to insurance in South Carolina. For any details, visit their website.
- Always read the policy carefully and ask your insurance provider as many questions as you want.
- Keep your insurance policy updated, for any change in personal information connect with your insurance provider and update the details.
- If you are in need to file a claim, don’t wait, do it as early as possible.
- Review your coverage regularly as your requirements can change from time to time.
Taxes in South Carolina
Taxes are considered one of the major factors while evaluating the cost of living. So, before moving to South Carolina you must know about the different types of taxes in the state-
- Income Tax- Individual income tax in South Carolina is between 0% to 6.5%. The top rates apply to the taxable income of $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples.
- Sales Tax- The general sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6% and it can go as high as 7.75%. Sales tax is applied to most goods and services that are either rented or purchased.
- Property Tax- In South Carolina, property taxes are assessed and collected by the local governments. The tax rates can vary according to the county and municipality, but they are typically around 1% of the property value.
- Vehicle Registration Fees- The registration fees for the vehicle in South Carolina are determined by the weight and age of the vehicle.
Several taxes in addition to these taxes that you might have to pay in South Carolina are-
- Excise taxes- These taxes are applied on certain goods and services like tobacco, alcohol and fuel.
- Payroll taxes- These taxes are deducted from your paycheck to fund social, security, unemployment insurance and Medicare.
Please note that this is just a general overview of the different types of taxes you may pay in South Carolina. For more specific information, please consult the South Carolina Department of Revenue website.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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