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Is Goose Creek a Good Place to Live? Goose Creek, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Goose Creek ranks #559 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #16 of 182) and low poverty (6.5%, #36 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (78.2%, #167 of 191) and high rents ($1,690/mo, #181 of 208).
Goose Creek by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Goose Creek'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 Goose Creek?
Goose Creek's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,690/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,691, 5% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Goose Creek | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $321,691#437 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 | $1,871/mo#628 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $306,000#544 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,690/mo#867 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23%#777 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.
Goose Creek 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. Goose Creek is in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Goose Creek safe?
Goose Creek recorded 247 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #454 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Goose Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 1,215 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Goose Creek | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 247#454 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,215#314 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 Goose Creek?
The median household in Goose Creek earns $88,178, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Goose Creek | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $88,178#490 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.5%#212 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.5%#66 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 Goose Creek?
The median resident of Goose Creek is 34 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Goose Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 29.7%#803 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.2% | 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 Goose Creek's schools and health?
Goose Creek's 13 public schools graduate 78.2% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $13,338 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Goose Creek | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78.2%#917 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,338#787 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.6%#838 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. 11,980 students are enrolled in Goose Creek's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Goose Creek?
The average commute in Goose Creek is 26.7 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Goose Creek scores 6.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 51.5°F, with 52.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Goose Creek | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.7%#800 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 70.4% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13.3% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.8#1257 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 | 60.2 | 38.9 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 63.8 | 41.6 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 70.1 | 47.3 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 77.1 | 54.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 83.6 | 63 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 70.4 | 6.2 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 73.7 | 6.6 |
| Aug | 89.8 | 73.1 | 7 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 68.3 | 6 |
| Oct | 77.9 | 57.7 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 69.4 | 47.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 62.7 | 41.6 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charleston International Airport.
| Measure | Goose Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 66.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 51.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 52.5 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 Charleston International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Goose Creek?
Berkeley County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 93% 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 Berkeley County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Goose Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 35#143 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% | 0.45%#1261 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 Berkeley County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Berkeley County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.26% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.07% | 94% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0037% | 74% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0052% | 74% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.059% | 21% 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 Goose Creek compare with similar-size cities?
Goose Creek is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #106 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 48,078.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #1037 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 | 17.4 min |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #452 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 | 26.4 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 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 Goose Creek compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Goose Creek ranks #6 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 22% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 Goose Creek's score calculated?
Goose Creek scores 57.2 out of 100, #559 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 Goose Creek. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Goose Creek's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
82.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Goose Creek. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Goose Creek's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
45.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Goose Creek's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
63.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Goose Creek. Similar-size median 46.7.
66.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Goose Creek. Similar-size median 44.2.
66.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Goose Creek. Similar-size median 47.3.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Goose Creek's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
37.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Goose Creek'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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
Is Goose Creek, SC a good place to live?
Goose Creek ranks #559 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #16 of 182) and low poverty (6.5%, #36 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (78.2%, #167 of 191) and high rents ($1,690/mo, #181 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Goose Creek?
Goose Creek's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,690/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,691, 5% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Goose Creek?
Goose Creek recorded 247 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #454 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Goose Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 1,215 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Goose Creek?
The median household in Goose Creek earns $88,178, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Goose Creek?
Median rent in Goose Creek is $1,690/mo (Census), #867 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,871/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Goose Creek?
The typical home value in Goose Creek is $321,691, down 0.1% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $306,000.
How are the public schools in Goose Creek?
Goose Creek's 13 public schools graduate 78.2% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $13,338 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Goose Creek?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Goose Creek?
Goose Creek averages 66.5°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 51.5°F in winter, with 52.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Goose Creek walkable?
Goose Creek scores 6.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1257 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 Goose Creek at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Berkeley County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Goose Creek?
Berkeley County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Goose Creek?
Goose Creek has 48,078 residents. The median resident of Goose Creek is 34 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Goose Creek compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Goose Creek ranks #6 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 22% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Goose Creek?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Goose Creek's population of 48,078 are Hattiesburg, MS (#1037 overall), Gallatin, TN (#452 overall), Wauwatosa, WI (#102 overall), Niagara Falls, NY (#1126 overall), and Middletown, CT (#228 overall). Goose Creek is #559.