South CarolinaPop. 93,993Smaller cities
Is Mount Pleasant a Good Place to Live? Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mount Pleasant ranks #225 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($124,755, #71 of 524) and low unemployment (3.3%, #67 of 476), and trails on expensive homes ($748,500, #453 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
Mount Pleasant by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mount Pleasant'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 Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant'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 $2,159/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $874,006, 2.9 times the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $874,006#1086 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 | $2,446/mo#898 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $748,500#1172 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,159/mo#1157 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.8%#547 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.
Mount Pleasant 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. Mount Pleasant is in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Mount Pleasant safe?
Mount Pleasant recorded 132 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% below the US rate of 328 and 66% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #200 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mount Pleasant Police Department. Property crime runs 1,028 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 132#200 of 1,085 | 388 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,028#229 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 Mount Pleasant?
The median household in Mount Pleasant earns $124,755, 50% above the US figure of $83,163 and 72% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $124,755#127 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.1%#187 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 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 Mount Pleasant?
The median resident of Mount Pleasant is 42.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 68.4%#61 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 73.6% | 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 Mount Pleasant's schools and health?
Mount Pleasant's 15 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $16,784 spent per pupil. 26% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80.2%#877 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,784#421 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26%#178 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.6%#40 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.3%#175 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. 14,988 students are enrolled in Mount Pleasant's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mount Pleasant?
The average commute in Mount Pleasant is 24.9 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.1% of workers take transit and 26.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mount Pleasant scores 9.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 52.6°F, with 44.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.9 min#773 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.3% | 74.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26.7% | 12.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.9#704 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 | 58 | 43.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 46.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 65.6 | 52 | 3 |
| Apr | 72.3 | 59.7 | 3 |
| May | 79 | 68 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 74.2 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 77.1 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.4 | 76.5 | 6.1 |
| Sep | 82.6 | 72.5 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 75.6 | 63.2 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 67.1 | 53.1 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 60.9 | 46.8 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Downtown Charleston.
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 67.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44.3 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 Downtown Charleston.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mount Pleasant?
Charleston County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charleston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Mount Pleasant | 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 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.48%#1278 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 Charleston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Charleston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.27% | 97% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.033% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.071% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.044% | 7% 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 Mount Pleasant compare with similar-size cities?
Mount Pleasant is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #113 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 93,993.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #350 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #201 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #771 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 | 18.1 min |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #994 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 | 16.7 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 Mount Pleasant compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Mount Pleasant ranks #2 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 72% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.9 times 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 Mount Pleasant's score calculated?
Mount Pleasant scores 63.8 out of 100, #225 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 Mount Pleasant. Similar-size median 55.5.
78.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mount Pleasant's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
91.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mount Pleasant. Similar-size median 58.9.
78.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mount Pleasant's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mount Pleasant's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
39.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mount Pleasant. Similar-size median 56.1.
83.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mount Pleasant. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mount Pleasant. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mount Pleasant's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
46.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mount Pleasant'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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Is Mount Pleasant, SC a good place to live?
Mount Pleasant ranks #225 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($124,755, #71 of 524) and low unemployment (3.3%, #67 of 476), and trails on expensive homes ($748,500, #453 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant'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 $2,159/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $874,006, 2.9 times the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant recorded 132 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% below the US rate of 328 and 66% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #200 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mount Pleasant Police Department. Property crime runs 1,028 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mount Pleasant?
The median household in Mount Pleasant earns $124,755, 50% above the US figure of $83,163 and 72% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mount Pleasant?
Median rent in Mount Pleasant is $2,159/mo (Census), #1157 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,446/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mount Pleasant?
The typical home value in Mount Pleasant is $874,006, up 1.3% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $748,500.
How are the public schools in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant's 15 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $16,784 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mount Pleasant?
The average commute is 24.9 minutes, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant averages 67.2°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 52.6°F in winter, with 44.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mount Pleasant walkable?
Mount Pleasant scores 9.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #704 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 Mount Pleasant at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charleston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Mount Pleasant?
Charleston County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant has 93,993 residents. The median resident of Mount Pleasant is 42.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mount Pleasant compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Mount Pleasant ranks #2 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 72% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.9 times the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Mount Pleasant?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mount Pleasant's population of 93,993 are Asheville, NC (#902 overall), Sandy, UT (#350 overall), Fall River, MA (#1084 overall), Livonia, MI (#201 overall), and Erie, PA (#850 overall). Mount Pleasant is #225.