South CarolinaPop. 26,263Small cities
Is Carolina Forest a Good Place to Live? Carolina Forest, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carolina Forest ranks #1149 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high rents ($1,668/mo, #179 of 208).
Carolina Forest by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carolina Forest's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Carolina Forest: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Carolina Forest safe?
What is the cost of living in Carolina Forest?
Carolina Forest's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,668/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $336,800.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $336,800#620 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,668/mo#849 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26.9%#1144 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.
Is Carolina Forest safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Carolina Forest alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Carolina Forest crime rate or rank it on safety. South Carolina as a whole records 388 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Carolina Forest?
The median household in Carolina Forest earns $74,436, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above South Carolina ($72,350). 13% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $74,436#718 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
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 Carolina Forest?
The median resident of Carolina Forest is 40.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #596 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 35.5%#596 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 69.6% | 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 Carolina Forest's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Carolina Forest to describe its public schools. 30.8% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.8%#444 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.8%#756 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Carolina Forest?
The average commute in Carolina Forest is 22 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carolina Forest scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78°F and winters 46.2°F, with 53.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | 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% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.5% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.7% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.5% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.1#1228 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 | 55.5 | 33.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 35.5 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 63.7 | 41.8 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 71.5 | 50.6 | 3.4 |
| May | 78.8 | 59.7 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 84.5 | 67.9 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 87.4 | 71.6 | 6.6 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 70 | 6.3 |
| Sep | 83 | 65 | 6.8 |
| Oct | 75.6 | 53.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 66.4 | 42.2 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 58.6 | 36.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Myrtle Beach.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 46.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.6 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 Myrtle Beach.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carolina Forest?
Horry County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Horry County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Carolina Forest | 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 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.38%#1163 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 Horry County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Horry County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.26% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0051% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0072% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% 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 Carolina Forest compare with similar-size cities?
Carolina Forest 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 26,263.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #554 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 | 23.5 min |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 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 Carolina Forest compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Carolina Forest ranks #16 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 3% above the South Carolina median.
| 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 Carolina Forest's score calculated?
Carolina Forest scores 46.7 out of 100, #1149 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Carolina Forest. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
34.3 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carolina Forest. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Carolina Forest's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
67.1 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carolina Forest. Similar-size median 46.7.
48.6 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carolina Forest. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carolina Forest's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
34.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Carolina Forest alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Carolina Forest.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Carolina Forest.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carolina Forest'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 Carolina Forest 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 Carolina Forest
Is Carolina Forest, SC a good place to live?
Carolina Forest ranks #1149 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high rents ($1,668/mo, #179 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Carolina Forest?
Carolina Forest's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,668/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $336,800.
Is Carolina Forest safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Carolina Forest alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Carolina Forest crime rate or rank it on safety. South Carolina as a whole records 388 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Carolina Forest?
The median household in Carolina Forest earns $74,436, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above South Carolina ($72,350). 13% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Carolina Forest?
Median rent in Carolina Forest is $1,668/mo (Census), #849 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 26.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carolina Forest?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Carolina Forest is $336,800, #620 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Carolina Forest?
We have too few school records for Carolina Forest to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Carolina Forest?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carolina Forest?
Carolina Forest averages 62.4°F over the year, 78°F in summer and 46.2°F in winter, with 53.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carolina Forest walkable?
Carolina Forest scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 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 Carolina Forest at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Horry County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carolina Forest?
Horry County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Carolina Forest?
Carolina Forest has 26,263 residents. The median resident of Carolina Forest is 40.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #596 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carolina Forest compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Carolina Forest ranks #16 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 3% above the South Carolina median.
What cities are similar in size to Carolina Forest?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carolina Forest's population of 26,263 are South Portland, ME (#80 overall), Paducah, KY (#1018 overall), Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Oxford, MS (#554 overall), and Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall). Carolina Forest is #1149.