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Is Greenville a Good Place to Live? Greenville, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Greenville ranks #658 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #292 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19 min, #70 of 524) and low living costs (93.3, #93 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (81.6%, #350 of 437) and high violent crime (466 per 100,000, #354 of 444).
Greenville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Greenville'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 Greenville?
Greenville'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 $1,312/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $331,641, 8% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Greenville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.3#389 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $331,641#470 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,572/mo#395 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $487,500#966 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,312/mo#541 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22%#680 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Greenville 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. Greenville is in the Greenville-Anderson, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Greenville safe?
Greenville recorded 466 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 20% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #801 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #354 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greenville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,866 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Greenville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 466#801 of 1,085 | 388 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,866#932 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $71,472, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Greenville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $71,472#788 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14%#799 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Greenville?
The median resident of Greenville is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 55.5%#186 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 41.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Greenville's schools and health?
Greenville's 22 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,948 spent per pupil. 31.4% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Greenville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81.6%#841 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,948#714 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.4%#493 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 18,773 students are enrolled in Greenville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Greenville?
The average commute in Greenville is 19 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.6% of workers take transit and 15.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Greenville scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.8°F and winters 46.1°F, with 47 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Greenville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.1% | 74.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.3% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.9% | 12.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.2#298 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 53.5 | 34.6 | 4 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 37.6 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 65.4 | 44 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 52.1 | 3.6 |
| May | 81.3 | 61.2 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 87.9 | 68.3 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 90.9 | 71.8 | 5.2 |
| Aug | 89.2 | 71 | 4 |
| Sep | 83.5 | 65.2 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 73.9 | 53.5 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 43.6 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 55.9 | 37.3 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville Downtown Airport.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 46.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Greenville?
Greenville County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Greenville County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#422 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Greenville County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Greenville County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0047% | 86% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0061% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0028% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.086% | 56% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0072% | 44% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0013% | 41% 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 Greenville compare with similar-size cities?
Greenville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #292 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,935.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #658 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 | 19 min |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #188 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 | 26.1 min |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #1266 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 | 18.5 min |
| Tamarac, FLPop. 73,019 | #1096 | 47.9 | $61,718 | $1,895/mo | part year | 31.4 min |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #1133 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 | 21.9 min |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #456 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 | 31.5 min |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #324 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 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 Greenville compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Greenville ranks #9 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 1% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% 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 Greenville's score calculated?
Greenville scores 55.7 out of 100, #658 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Greenville. Similar-size median 55.5.
52.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Greenville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
56.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Greenville. Similar-size median 58.9.
60.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Greenville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Greenville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
65.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Greenville. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Greenville. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Greenville. Similar-size median 50.0.
56.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Greenville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Greenville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Greenville 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 Greenville
Is Greenville, SC a good place to live?
Greenville ranks #658 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #292 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19 min, #70 of 524) and low living costs (93.3, #93 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (81.6%, #350 of 437) and high violent crime (466 per 100,000, #354 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Greenville?
Greenville'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 $1,312/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $331,641, 8% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Greenville?
Greenville recorded 466 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 20% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #801 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #354 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greenville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,866 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $71,472, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Greenville?
Median rent in Greenville is $1,312/mo (Census), #541 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,572/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Greenville?
The typical home value in Greenville is $331,641, up 1.9% 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 Greenville?
Greenville's 22 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,948 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Greenville?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Greenville?
Greenville averages 63.3°F over the year, 79.8°F in summer and 46.1°F in winter, with 47 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Greenville walkable?
Greenville scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 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 Greenville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Greenville County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Greenville?
Greenville County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Greenville?
Greenville has 72,935 residents. The median resident of Greenville is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Greenville compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Greenville ranks #9 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 1% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Greenville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Greenville's population of 72,935 are Rocklin, CA (#188 overall), Kalamazoo, MI (#1266 overall), Tamarac, FL (#1096 overall), Gulfport, MS (#1133 overall), and Marysville, WA (#456 overall). Greenville is #658.