South CarolinaPop. 38,910Small cities
Is Spartanburg a Good Place to Live? Spartanburg, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Spartanburg ranks #1274 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #198 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (1,478 per 100,000, #172 of 174) and high unemployment (5.5%, #171 of 184).
Spartanburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Spartanburg'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 Spartanburg?
Spartanburg's cost of living index is 91.1, 9% below the US level of 100 and #250 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,099/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $232,218, 24% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Spartanburg | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.1#250 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $232,218#205 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 | $1,376/mo#236 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $203,700#238 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,099/mo#328 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Spartanburg 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. Spartanburg is in the Spartanburg, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Spartanburg safe?
Spartanburg recorded 1,478 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1078 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #172 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spartanburg Police Department. Property crime runs 5,280 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Spartanburg | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 1,478#1078 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 5,280#1079 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 Spartanburg?
The median household in Spartanburg earns $51,964, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Spartanburg | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $51,964#1204 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 23.8%#1212 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Spartanburg?
The median resident of Spartanburg is 36 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Spartanburg | 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% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 53.9% | 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 Spartanburg's schools and health?
Spartanburg's 14 public schools graduate 76.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $18,582 spent per pupil. 41% of adults are obese and 16.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Spartanburg | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76.9%#961 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.7#145 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,582#298 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.3%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 14.3%#1037 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. 9,232 students are enrolled in Spartanburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Spartanburg?
The average commute in Spartanburg is 20.2 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.9% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Spartanburg scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.7°F and winters 44.5°F, with 50.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Spartanburg | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.5% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.8% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.2#1009 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 | 54.1 | 31.5 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 58.5 | 33.8 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 66 | 39.8 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 47.3 | 4.3 |
| May | 81 | 56 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 87 | 64.6 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 90.1 | 68.6 | 4 |
| Aug | 88.3 | 67.8 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 83.4 | 61.6 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 74.4 | 49 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 38.4 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 55.8 | 33.6 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Spartanburg 3 Sse.
| Measure | Spartanburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 44.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 50.2 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 Spartanburg 3 Sse.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Spartanburg?
Spartanburg County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 55% 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 Spartanburg 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 | Spartanburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 48#788 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%#290 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 Spartanburg County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Spartanburg County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0049% | 87% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0073% | 74% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.003% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0048% | 37% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0011% | 37% 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 Spartanburg compare with similar-size cities?
Spartanburg is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #198 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 38,910.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #1274 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 | 20.2 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #95 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 | 20.8 min |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #387 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 | 21.5 min |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #757 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 | 25 min |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #47 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 | 19.3 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 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 Spartanburg compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Spartanburg ranks #20 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 40.1 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 28% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below 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 Spartanburg's score calculated?
Spartanburg scores 40.1 out of 100, #1274 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Spartanburg. Similar-size median 52.9.
33.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Spartanburg's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
5.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Spartanburg. Similar-size median 52.2.
32.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Spartanburg's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
60.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Spartanburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
81.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Spartanburg. Similar-size median 46.7.
18.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Spartanburg. Similar-size median 44.2.
41.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Spartanburg. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Spartanburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
62.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Spartanburg'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 Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg
Is Spartanburg, SC a good place to live?
Spartanburg ranks #1274 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #198 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (1,478 per 100,000, #172 of 174) and high unemployment (5.5%, #171 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Spartanburg?
Spartanburg's cost of living index is 91.1, 9% below the US level of 100 and #250 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,099/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $232,218, 24% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Spartanburg?
Spartanburg recorded 1,478 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1078 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #172 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spartanburg Police Department. Property crime runs 5,280 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Spartanburg?
The median household in Spartanburg earns $51,964, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Spartanburg?
Median rent in Spartanburg is $1,099/mo (Census), #328 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,376/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Spartanburg?
The typical home value in Spartanburg is $232,218, up 1.1% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $203,700.
How are the public schools in Spartanburg?
Spartanburg's 14 public schools graduate 76.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $18,582 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Spartanburg?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 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 Spartanburg?
Spartanburg averages 61.2°F over the year, 77.7°F in summer and 44.5°F in winter, with 50.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Spartanburg walkable?
Spartanburg scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Spartanburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg?
Spartanburg County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Spartanburg?
Spartanburg has 38,910 residents. The median resident of Spartanburg is 36 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Spartanburg compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Spartanburg ranks #20 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 40.1 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 28% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Spartanburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Spartanburg's population of 38,910 are Hutchinson, KS (#1003 overall), Bettendorf, IA (#166 overall), Kailua (Honolulu County), HI (#115 overall), Menomonee Falls, WI (#95 overall), and Georgetown, KY (#387 overall). Spartanburg is #1274.