South CarolinaPop. 30,775Small cities
Is Fort Mill a Good Place to Live? Fort Mill, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Mill ranks #44 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (30 per 100,000, #2 of 174) and fast population growth (+6.8%, #4 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($487,500, #182 of 208) and long commutes (26.3 min, #168 of 208).
Fort Mill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Mill'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 Fort Mill?
Fort Mill's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,503/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $523,379, 71% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Fort Mill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $523,379#859 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 | $1,750/mo#550 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $487,500#966 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,503/mo#723 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.8%#59 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.
Fort Mill 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. Fort Mill is in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Fort Mill safe?
Fort Mill recorded 30 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 328 and 92% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #6 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Mill Police Department. Property crime runs 522 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Mill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 30#6 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 522#29 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 Fort Mill?
The median household in Fort Mill earns $121,823, 46% above the US figure of $83,163 and 68% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Mill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $121,823#144 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4.8%#95 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +6.8%#8 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 Fort Mill?
The median resident of Fort Mill is 38.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 57.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #153 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Mill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 57.6%#153 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 83.4% | 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 Fort Mill's schools and health?
Fort Mill's 17 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $12,290 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fort Mill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,290#902 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.8%#349 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. 15,876 students are enrolled in Fort Mill's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Mill?
The average commute in Fort Mill is 26.3 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.3% of workers take transit and 27.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Mill scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.2°F and winters 43.6°F, with 42.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Mill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.3 min#886 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 66% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 27.5% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 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 | 52.4 | 30.9 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 56.5 | 33.7 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 40.4 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 73.5 | 48 | 3.6 |
| May | 80.3 | 57 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 65.6 | 4 |
| Jul | 90.4 | 69.1 | 4 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 68.2 | 4 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 61.9 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 49.4 | 3 |
| Nov | 62.8 | 39 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 55.1 | 33.3 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rock Hill York Co Airport.
| Measure | Fort Mill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 42.4 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 Rock Hill York Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Mill?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 77% 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 York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Mill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 43#494 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% | 0.11%#291 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 York County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, York County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0057% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0045% | 63% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0016% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0077% | 46% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 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 Fort Mill compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Mill is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 30,775.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #44 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 | 26.3 min |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 min |
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #1028 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 | 17.9 min |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #576 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 | 21.7 min |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #1174 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 | 21.3 min |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #429 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data | 30.9 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 |
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 Fort Mill compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Fort Mill ranks #1 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 71 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 68% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 92% below the statewide rate. Homes are 71% above 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 Fort Mill's score calculated?
Fort Mill scores 71 out of 100, #44 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Fort Mill. Similar-size median 52.9.
73.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Mill's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
99.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Mill. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Mill's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Mill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
60.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Mill. Similar-size median 46.7.
84.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Mill. Similar-size median 44.2.
91.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Mill. Similar-size median 47.3.
58.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Mill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
67.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Mill'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 Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill
Is Fort Mill, SC a good place to live?
Fort Mill ranks #44 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (30 per 100,000, #2 of 174) and fast population growth (+6.8%, #4 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($487,500, #182 of 208) and long commutes (26.3 min, #168 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Fort Mill?
Fort Mill's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,503/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $523,379, 71% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Fort Mill?
Fort Mill recorded 30 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 328 and 92% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #6 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Mill Police Department. Property crime runs 522 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Mill?
The median household in Fort Mill earns $121,823, 46% above the US figure of $83,163 and 68% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Mill?
Median rent in Fort Mill is $1,503/mo (Census), #723 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,750/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Mill?
The typical home value in Fort Mill is $523,379, down 1.6% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $487,500.
How are the public schools in Fort Mill?
Fort Mill's 17 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $12,290 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Mill?
The average commute is 26.3 minutes, #886 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Mill?
Fort Mill averages 61°F over the year, 78.2°F in summer and 43.6°F in winter, with 42.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Mill walkable?
Fort Mill scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Fort Mill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fort Mill?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fort Mill?
Fort Mill has 30,775 residents. The median resident of Fort Mill is 38.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 57.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #153 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Mill compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Fort Mill ranks #1 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 71 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 68% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 92% below the statewide rate. Homes are 71% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Mill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Mill's population of 30,775 are Summerlin South, NV (#332 overall), Alamogordo, NM (#1028 overall), Northport, AL (#576 overall), Hopkinsville, KY (#1174 overall), and Drexel Hill, PA (#429 overall). Fort Mill is #44.