Living in Central, South Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Central · Census data 2020–2024
Central has 5,320 residents with a median age of 24. The median household income is $60,258 (13% lower than the South Carolina median), the median home value is $256,600, the median rent is $876/month.
Central at a glance
- Population
- 5,320
- Median age
- 24State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $60,258State: $69,324
- Median home value
- $256,600State: $259,000
- Median rent
- $876/moState: $1,180
- Homeowners
- 26.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 56.1%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Central a good place to live?
Pros: Home values about the same as the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 4.4%.
Cons: Median household income 13% lower than the South Carolina median; a poverty rate of 30.3%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Central
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Central the median home value is $256,600, 23% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $876 per month, which is 27.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,414 a month in housing costs.
Central median household income
The median household income in Central is $60,258 and the income per person is $23,440. 30.3% of residents live below the poverty line (South Carolina: 14.1%).
Housing in Central: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,266
- Owner-occupied
- 26.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 73.6%
- Vacant
- 14.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1988
- Average household size
- 2.52
Central demographics
- Population
- 5,320
- Median age
- 24
- Under 18
- 22%
- 65 and older
- 7.3%
- Households
- 1,942
- Foreign-born
- 9.1%
- Veterans
- 1.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Central ›
Education in Central
56.1% of adults 25 and older in Central have a bachelor's degree or higher (South Carolina: 32.1%), and 18.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Central
- Unemployment rate
- 4.4%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 6.9%
- Drive alone
- 82%
- Public transit
- 2.3%
- Walk to work
- 3.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 82.5%
Central vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central | 5,320 | $60,258 | $256,600 | $876 |
| Clemson | 18,072 | $49,520 | $398,400 | $1,007 |
| Norris | 784 | $50,750 | $183,100 | $913 |
| Pendleton | 3,594 | $61,901 | $250,500 | $1,034 |
| Liberty | 3,350 | $42,206 | $174,300 | $687 |
| Six Mile | 931 | $96,250 | $338,700 | $800 |
| Sandy Springs | 1,105 | $70,833 | $309,700 | $976 |
| Newry | 412 | $45,407 | $303,400 | — |
| Utica | 1,339 | $55,179 | $145,400 | $1,073 |
More for people moving to Central
Central ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Central: FAQ
What is the median household income in Central, SC?
The median household income in Central is $60,258, 13% lower than the South Carolina median of $69,324 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Central?
The median home value in Central is $256,600, compared with $259,000 in South Carolina.
How much is rent in Central?
The median gross rent in Central is $876 per month, about 27.2% of household income.
Is Central, SC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values about the same as the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 4.4%. Minuses: median household income 13% lower than the South Carolina median; a poverty rate of 30.3%.
What is the median age in Central?
The median age in Central is 24 years (South Carolina: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Central?
The average commute to work in Central is 23 minutes; 6.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Central?
The unemployment rate in Central is 4.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Central?
56.1% of adults in Central have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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