South CarolinaPop. 27,263Small cities
Is Conway a Good Place to Live? Conway, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Conway ranks #1072 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #12 of 182) and low rents ($866/mo, #16 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (7.1%, #183 of 184) and high poverty (21%, #173 of 208).
Conway by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Conway'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 Conway?
Conway'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 $866/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $288,359, 6% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Conway | 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 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $288,359#346 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 | $1,897/mo#653 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $260,900#418 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $866/mo#62 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% | 18.3%#275 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.
Conway 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. Conway is in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Conway safe?
Conway recorded 324 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #594 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Conway Police Department. Property crime runs 1,741 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Conway | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 324#594 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,741#596 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 Conway?
The median household in Conway earns $56,650, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 7.1% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Conway | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $56,650#1117 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 7.1%#1029 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% | +2.8%#56 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 Conway?
The median resident of Conway is 32.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1177 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Conway | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 19.6%#1177 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 65.4% | 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 Conway's schools and health?
Conway's 11 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,222 spent per pupil. 32.7% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Conway | 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 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,222#805 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.7%#587 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13.7%#1007 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. 7,695 students are enrolled in Conway's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Conway?
The average commute in Conway is 24 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 2.8% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Conway scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80°F and winters 48.6°F, with 55.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Conway | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.8% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.8% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.5% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.3#1203 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 | 58.1 | 35.2 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 60.6 | 38.1 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 68 | 43.6 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 75.8 | 51.9 | 3.2 |
| May | 82.6 | 60.6 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 87.7 | 68.7 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 90.8 | 72.4 | 6.9 |
| Aug | 89.1 | 71.2 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 84.8 | 66 | 6 |
| Oct | 76.9 | 54.8 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 68.2 | 44.1 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 60.6 | 38.6 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Conway.
| Measure | Conway | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 64.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 48.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 55.2 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 Conway.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Conway?
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 | Conway | 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 Conway compare with similar-size cities?
Conway is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #170 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,263.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #1072 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 | 24 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 min |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #520 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 | 24.2 min |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #410 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data | 28.9 min |
| Jenks, OKPop. 27,102 | #185 | 64.9 | $111,004 | $1,602/mo | 99 | 20.5 min |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #577 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 | 13.5 min |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #711 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 | 28.6 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 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 Conway compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Conway ranks #14 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 22% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Conway's score calculated?
Conway scores 48.5 out of 100, #1072 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 Conway. Similar-size median 52.9.
26.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Conway's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
73.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Conway. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Conway's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Conway's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
80.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Conway. Similar-size median 46.7.
26.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Conway. Similar-size median 44.2.
58.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Conway. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Conway's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
34.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Conway'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 Conway 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 Conway
Is Conway, SC a good place to live?
Conway ranks #1072 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #12 of 182) and low rents ($866/mo, #16 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (7.1%, #183 of 184) and high poverty (21%, #173 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Conway?
Conway'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 $866/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $288,359, 6% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Conway?
Conway recorded 324 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #594 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Conway Police Department. Property crime runs 1,741 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Conway?
The median household in Conway earns $56,650, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 7.1% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Conway?
Median rent in Conway is $866/mo (Census), #62 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,897/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Conway?
The typical home value in Conway is $288,359, up 0.1% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $260,900.
How are the public schools in Conway?
Conway's 11 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,222 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Conway?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Conway?
Conway averages 64.5°F over the year, 80°F in summer and 48.6°F in winter, with 55.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Conway walkable?
Conway scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 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 Conway 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 Conway?
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 Conway?
Conway has 27,263 residents. The median resident of Conway is 32.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1177 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Conway compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Conway ranks #14 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 22% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Conway?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Conway's population of 27,263 are New Iberia, LA (#1298 overall), Fremont, NE (#560 overall), Clinton, MS (#520 overall), Kuna, ID (#410 overall), and Jenks, OK (#185 overall). Conway is #1072.