Sumter

Sumter, South Carolina Overview

Sumter faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (37.6/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in South Carolina. Even so, the city scores 83/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 9/100.

Income & Employment in Sumter

The median household income in Sumter is $53,071, 14% below the statewide median of $62,064. The local unemployment rate of 5.5% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population grew 0.2% recently.

Safety in Sumter

With a violent crime rate of 874.4 per 100,000, Sumter exceeds the South Carolina average of 492. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3940.6 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Sumter

With a cost of living index of 86.3, Sumter is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $188,400. Median monthly rent is $1,055. Renters spend 23.9% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Sumter

The adult obesity rate in Sumter is 42.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.5%. Residents report an average of 17.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. South Carolina ranks #39 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Sumter

The high school graduation rate in Sumter is 74.3%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio is 16.4:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,288. The city has 20 public schools serving 13,104 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Sumter

Sumter enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 64.9°F. Summers average 79.3°F. Winters average 52.4°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5 inches.

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