South CarolinaPop. 51,654Smaller cities
Is Summerville a Good Place to Live? Summerville, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Summerville ranks #836 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #355 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on long commutes (31.2 min, #448 of 524).
Summerville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Summerville'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 Summerville?
Summerville'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 $1,526/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $379,909, 24% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Summerville | 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 | $379,909#580 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 | $1,895/mo#649 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $328,100#600 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,526/mo#739 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.6%#737 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.
Summerville 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. Summerville is in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Summerville safe?
Summerville recorded 307 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 328 and 21% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #573 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #254 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Summerville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Summerville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 307#573 of 1,085 | 388 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,919#676 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 Summerville?
The median household in Summerville earns $81,046, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Summerville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $81,046#598 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 Summerville?
The median resident of Summerville is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Summerville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.5%#667 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 69.1% | 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 Summerville's schools and health?
Summerville's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17 students per teacher and $11,212 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Summerville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,212#1039 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.3%#811 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. 11,877 students are enrolled in Summerville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Summerville?
The average commute in Summerville is 31.2 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.1% of workers take transit and 10.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Summerville scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.3°F and winters 48.4°F, with 52.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Summerville | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.2 min#1174 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 11.7%#1136 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.5% | 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% | 1% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.7% | 12.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8#1058 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 | 58.2 | 34.5 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 61.9 | 37 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 68.5 | 42.2 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 75.6 | 49.5 | 3.5 |
| May | 82.3 | 59.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 67.2 | 5.6 |
| Jul | 90.1 | 70.9 | 6.8 |
| Aug | 89.7 | 70.4 | 6.2 |
| Sep | 84.7 | 64.8 | 5.9 |
| Oct | 76.6 | 53 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 67.7 | 42.2 | 3 |
| Dec | 61.3 | 37.4 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Summerville 4w.
| Measure | Summerville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 52.7 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 Summerville 4w.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Summerville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Summerville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dorchester County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Summerville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.49%#1300 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 Dorchester County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dorchester County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.095% | 97% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.26% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0013% | 61% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0015% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0036% | 31% 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 Summerville compare with similar-size cities?
Summerville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #355 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,654.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #1233 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 | 22.2 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 min |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #120 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 | 25.1 min |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #670 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 | 26.7 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 Summerville compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Summerville ranks #10 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 12% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% 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 Summerville's score calculated?
Summerville scores 52.7 out of 100, #836 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 Summerville. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Summerville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
73.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Summerville. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Summerville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Summerville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Summerville. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Summerville. Similar-size median 42.4.
50.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Summerville. Similar-size median 50.0.
34.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Summerville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
36.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Summerville'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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Is Summerville, SC a good place to live?
Summerville ranks #836 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #355 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on long commutes (31.2 min, #448 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Summerville?
Summerville'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 $1,526/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $379,909, 24% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Summerville?
Summerville recorded 307 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 328 and 21% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #573 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #254 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Summerville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Summerville?
The median household in Summerville earns $81,046, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Summerville?
Median rent in Summerville is $1,526/mo (Census), #739 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,895/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Summerville?
The typical home value in Summerville is $379,909, down 0.8% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $328,100.
How are the public schools in Summerville?
Summerville's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 17 students per teacher and $11,212 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Summerville?
The average commute is 31.2 minutes, #1174 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 11.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Summerville?
Summerville averages 63.8°F over the year, 79.3°F in summer and 48.4°F in winter, with 52.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Summerville walkable?
Summerville scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 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 Summerville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dorchester County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
Who lives in Summerville?
Summerville has 51,654 residents. The median resident of Summerville is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Summerville compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Summerville ranks #10 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 12% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Summerville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Summerville's population of 51,654 are Levittown, NY (#13 overall), Columbus, IN (#426 overall), Florissant, MO (#556 overall), Dunwoody, GA (#132 overall), and Delano, CA (#1233 overall). Summerville is #836.