South CarolinaPop. 41,536Small cities
Is Greer a Good Place to Live? Greer, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Greer ranks #326 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+7.3%, #3 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Greer by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Greer'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 Greer?
Greer'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 $1,198/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $350,510, 14% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Greer | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.3#389 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $350,510#517 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 | $1,705/mo#512 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $288,700#498 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,198/mo#436 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% | 17.4%#191 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.
Greer 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. Greer is in the Greenville-Anderson, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Greer safe?
Greer recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 34% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #476 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,112 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Greer | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 257#476 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,112#269 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 Greer?
The median household in Greer earns $82,626, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 7.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Greer | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $82,626#570 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +7.3%#7 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 Greer?
The median resident of Greer is 36 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #433 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Greer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 41.4%#433 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 72.7% | 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 Greer's schools and health?
Greer's 7 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17 students per teacher and $12,375 spent per pupil. 34.4% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Greer | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,375#892 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 34.4%#726 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13.6%#999 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. 8,172 students are enrolled in Greer's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Greer?
The average commute in Greer is 24.3 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0% of workers take transit and 15.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Greer scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 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 | Greer | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.3 min#721 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% | 75% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15.2% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 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 | 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 | Greer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 79.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 46.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47 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 Greenville Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Greer?
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 | Greer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 47#731 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% | 0.12%#422 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 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 Greer compare with similar-size cities?
Greer is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #63 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,536.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 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 Greer compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Greer ranks #4 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 61.5 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 14% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Greer's score calculated?
Greer scores 61.5 out of 100, #326 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 Greer. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Greer's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
82.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Greer. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Greer's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
50.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Greer's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
75.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Greer. Similar-size median 46.7.
57.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Greer. Similar-size median 44.2.
92.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Greer. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Greer's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
58.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Greer'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 Greer 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 Greer
Is Greer, SC a good place to live?
Greer ranks #326 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+7.3%, #3 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Greer?
Greer'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 $1,198/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $350,510, 14% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Greer?
Greer recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 34% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #476 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,112 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Greer?
The median household in Greer earns $82,626, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 7.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Greer?
Median rent in Greer is $1,198/mo (Census), #436 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,705/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Greer?
The typical home value in Greer is $350,510, up 1.5% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $288,700.
How are the public schools in Greer?
Greer's 7 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17 students per teacher and $12,375 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Greer?
The average commute is 24.3 minutes, #721 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 Greer?
Greer 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 Greer walkable?
Greer scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 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 Greer 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 Greer?
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 Greer?
Greer has 41,536 residents. The median resident of Greer is 36 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #433 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Greer compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Greer ranks #4 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 61.5 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 14% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Greer?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Greer's population of 41,536 are Jefferson City, MO (#621 overall), Marion, IA (#128 overall), Shelton, CT (#137 overall), Florence, AL (#915 overall), and Brookfield, WI (#34 overall). Greer is #326.