South CarolinaPop. 32,521Small cities
Is Aiken a Good Place to Live? Aiken, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Aiken ranks #641 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #116 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.9%, #6 of 182), and trails on high unemployment (4.7%, #148 of 184) and high violent crime (451 per 100,000, #131 of 174).
Aiken by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Aiken's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Aiken?
Aiken's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,180/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,880, 8% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Aiken | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.9#310 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $280,880#327 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,387/mo#243 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $286,800#493 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,180/mo#419 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.5%#288 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Aiken housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Aiken is in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Aiken safe?
Aiken recorded 451 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #784 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #131 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aiken Police Department. Property crime runs 3,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Aiken | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 451#784 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,402#1000 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Aiken?
The median household in Aiken earns $76,746, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 17% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Aiken | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $76,746#678 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17%#983 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3.9%#35 of 1,132 | +1.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Aiken?
The median resident of Aiken is 46.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 47.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #307 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Aiken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 46.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 47.7%#307 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Aiken's schools and health?
Aiken's 10 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $11,967 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 14.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Aiken | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,967#964 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.3%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,534 students are enrolled in Aiken's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Aiken?
The average commute in Aiken is 24.2 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.7% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Aiken scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.7°F and winters 47.2°F, with 50.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Aiken | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.1% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.2% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56.2 | 34.6 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 60.4 | 37.5 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 67.8 | 43.5 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 76.4 | 51.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 83.8 | 60.5 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 69.1 | 5.4 |
| Jul | 92.5 | 72.1 | 5.6 |
| Aug | 90.4 | 70.5 | 5 |
| Sep | 85.3 | 64.9 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 52.6 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 66.5 | 41.3 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 58.6 | 36 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aiken 5se.
| Measure | Aiken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 64.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 47.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 50.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aiken 5se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Aiken?
Aiken County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Aiken County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Aiken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#194 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Aiken County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Aiken County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0072% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0087% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.053% | 14% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Aiken compare with similar-size cities?
Aiken is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #116 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,521.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #641 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 | 24.2 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #709 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 | 22.1 min |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #542 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 | 20 min |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #1311 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #1040 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 | 14.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Aiken compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Aiken ranks #7 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 56 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 6% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical South Carolina home.
| City | Rank in SC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #1 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #2 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #3 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #4 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #5 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #6 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #7 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #8 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #9 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #10 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #11 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #12 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #13 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #14 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #15 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #16 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #17 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #18 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #19 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #20 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 |
All 20 South Carolina cities we track, by overall score. South Carolina statewide: median income $72,350, violent crime 387.6 per 100,000.
How is Aiken's score calculated?
Aiken scores 56 out of 100, #641 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Aiken. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Aiken's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
53.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Aiken. Similar-size median 52.2.
56.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Aiken's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Aiken's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
76.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Aiken. Similar-size median 46.7.
42.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Aiken. Similar-size median 44.2.
77.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Aiken. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Aiken's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
74.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Aiken's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Aiken has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Aiken
Is Aiken, SC a good place to live?
Aiken ranks #641 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #116 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.9%, #6 of 182), and trails on high unemployment (4.7%, #148 of 184) and high violent crime (451 per 100,000, #131 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Aiken?
Aiken's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,180/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,880, 8% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Aiken?
Aiken recorded 451 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #784 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #131 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aiken Police Department. Property crime runs 3,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Aiken?
The median household in Aiken earns $76,746, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 17% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Aiken?
Median rent in Aiken is $1,180/mo (Census), #419 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,387/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Aiken?
The typical home value in Aiken is $280,880, up 3.5% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $286,800.
How are the public schools in Aiken?
Aiken's 10 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $11,967 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Aiken?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Aiken?
Aiken averages 64.1°F over the year, 80.7°F in summer and 47.2°F in winter, with 50.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Aiken walkable?
Aiken scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Aiken at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Aiken County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Aiken?
Aiken County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Aiken?
Aiken has 32,521 residents. The median resident of Aiken is 46.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 47.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #307 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Aiken compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Aiken ranks #7 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 56 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 6% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Aiken?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Aiken's population of 32,521 are Sherwood, AR (#743 overall), Bethel Park, PA (#24 overall), Eagle, ID (#279 overall), Opelika, AL (#709 overall), and Elizabethtown, KY (#542 overall). Aiken is #641.