South CarolinaPop. 30,051Small cities
Is Anderson a Good Place to Live? Anderson, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Anderson ranks #1148 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low household income ($46,933, #192 of 208) and high violent crime (581 per 100,000, #150 of 174).
Anderson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Anderson'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 Anderson?
Anderson's cost of living index is 93.3, 7% below the US level of 100 and #389 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,856, 11% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Anderson | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.3#389 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $273,856#310 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 | $1,263/mo#133 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $218,200#290 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $975/mo#183 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.9%#996 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.
Anderson 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. Anderson is in the Greenville-Anderson, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Anderson safe?
Anderson recorded 581 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% above the US rate of 328 and 50% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #901 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anderson Police Department. Property crime runs 4,138 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Anderson | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 581#901 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 4,138#1055 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 Anderson?
The median household in Anderson earns $46,933, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Anderson | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $46,933#1265 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 21%#1146 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 Anderson?
The median resident of Anderson is 32.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.3%#861 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.1% | 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 Anderson's schools and health?
Anderson's 10 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $13,515 spent per pupil. 37.1% of adults are obese and 14.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Anderson | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,515#762 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.1%#954 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.8%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13.4%#991 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. 4,712 students are enrolled in Anderson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Anderson?
The average commute in Anderson is 22 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.7% of workers take transit and 5.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Anderson scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.7°F and winters 44.9°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Anderson | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.3% | 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% | 3.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.8% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.6#912 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 | 53 | 33 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 56.9 | 36 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 64.7 | 42 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 73.3 | 49.2 | 3.6 |
| May | 80.5 | 58.4 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 66.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 70.2 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 88.8 | 69.5 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 83.2 | 63.4 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 73.4 | 51.3 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 63.2 | 40.7 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 55.2 | 35.5 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anderson Faa Airport.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 44.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 46.3 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 Anderson Faa Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Anderson?
Anderson County's air had a median air quality index of 40, 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 Anderson County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 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% | 0.12%#425 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 Anderson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Anderson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | 0.001% | 98% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0039% | 84% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0072% | 74% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0033% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.082% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0088% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0016% | 44% 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 Anderson compare with similar-size cities?
Anderson is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #180 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 30,051.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #671 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 | 19 min |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #831 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 | 16.2 min |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #1008 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 | 20.4 min |
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #138 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 | 24.2 min |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #1049 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 | 21.3 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #904 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 | 20.1 min |
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #204 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 | 27.2 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 Anderson compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Anderson ranks #15 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 35% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 50% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% 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 Anderson's score calculated?
Anderson scores 46.7 out of 100, #1148 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Anderson. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Anderson's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
40.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Anderson. Similar-size median 52.2.
40.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Anderson's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
56.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Anderson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
80.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Anderson. Similar-size median 46.7.
21.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Anderson. Similar-size median 44.2.
48.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Anderson. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Anderson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
65.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Anderson'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 Anderson 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 Anderson
Is Anderson, SC a good place to live?
Anderson ranks #1148 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low household income ($46,933, #192 of 208) and high violent crime (581 per 100,000, #150 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Anderson?
Anderson's cost of living index is 93.3, 7% below the US level of 100 and #389 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,856, 11% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Anderson?
Anderson recorded 581 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% above the US rate of 328 and 50% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #901 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anderson Police Department. Property crime runs 4,138 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Anderson?
The median household in Anderson earns $46,933, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Anderson?
Median rent in Anderson is $975/mo (Census), #183 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,263/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Anderson?
The typical home value in Anderson is $273,856, up 1.3% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $218,200.
How are the public schools in Anderson?
Anderson's 10 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $13,515 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Anderson?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Anderson?
Anderson averages 61.9°F over the year, 78.7°F in summer and 44.9°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Anderson walkable?
Anderson scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Anderson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Anderson County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Anderson?
Anderson County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Anderson?
Anderson has 30,051 residents. The median resident of Anderson is 32.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Anderson compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Anderson ranks #15 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 35% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 50% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Anderson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Anderson's population of 30,051 are Newark, DE (#671 overall), Morgantown, WV (#831 overall), Paragould, AR (#1008 overall), Bixby, OK (#138 overall), and Hazleton, PA (#1049 overall). Anderson is #1148.