South CarolinaPop. 43,053Small cities
Is Sumter a Good Place to Live? Sumter, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sumter ranks #1227 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #194 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #175 of 184) and low graduation rates (74.3%, #177 of 191).
Sumter by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sumter'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 Sumter?
Sumter's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,076/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,202, 32% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Sumter | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88#136 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $208,202#135 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 | $1,509/mo#340 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $199,100#224 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,076/mo#297 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23.2%#799 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.
Sumter 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. Sumter is in the Sumter, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Sumter safe?
Sumter recorded 710 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 83% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #974 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #160 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sumter Police Department. Property crime runs 2,736 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sumter | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 710#974 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,736#905 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 Sumter?
The median household in Sumter earns $55,592, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sumter | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $55,592#1141 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.7%#961 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Sumter?
The median resident of Sumter is 33.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sumter | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.7%#851 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 57.2% | 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 Sumter's schools and health?
Sumter's 12 public schools graduate 74.3% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,593 spent per pupil. 42.3% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sumter | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 74.3%#992 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,593#755 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 42.3%#1220 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13.3%#981 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. 8,096 students are enrolled in Sumter's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sumter?
The average commute in Sumter is 19.6 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.1% of workers take transit and 6.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sumter scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.3°F and winters 45.6°F, with 48.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sumter | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.6 min#311 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.3% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.1% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 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 | 55.1 | 32.8 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 58.5 | 35 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 40.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 74.7 | 49.6 | 3.4 |
| May | 81.2 | 57.8 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 87.3 | 65.9 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 69.6 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 88.5 | 68.4 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 83.4 | 62.9 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 74.4 | 50.9 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 64.8 | 40 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 57.4 | 35 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sumter.
| Measure | Sumter | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 48.8 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 Sumter.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sumter?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Sumter's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sumter County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Sumter | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#511 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 Sumter County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sumter County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.032% | 84% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.015% | 83% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 22% 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 Sumter compare with similar-size cities?
Sumter is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #194 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 43,053.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #1227 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 | 19.6 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 min |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #936 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 | 29.3 min |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #502 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 | 24.1 min |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #724 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 | 17.9 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 |
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 Sumter compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Sumter ranks #18 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 43.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 23% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 83% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% 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 Sumter's score calculated?
Sumter scores 43.8 out of 100, #1227 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Sumter. Similar-size median 52.9.
33.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sumter's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
42.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sumter. Similar-size median 52.2.
33.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sumter's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
43.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sumter's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
83.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sumter. Similar-size median 46.7.
33.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sumter. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sumter. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sumter's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - 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 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: Sumter'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 Sumter 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 Sumter
Is Sumter, SC a good place to live?
Sumter ranks #1227 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #194 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #175 of 184) and low graduation rates (74.3%, #177 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Sumter?
Sumter's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,076/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,202, 32% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Sumter?
Sumter recorded 710 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 83% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #974 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #160 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sumter Police Department. Property crime runs 2,736 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sumter?
The median household in Sumter earns $55,592, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sumter?
Median rent in Sumter is $1,076/mo (Census), #297 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,509/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sumter?
The typical home value in Sumter is $208,202, up 1.6% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $199,100.
How are the public schools in Sumter?
Sumter's 12 public schools graduate 74.3% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,593 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sumter?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sumter?
Sumter averages 62.1°F over the year, 78.3°F in summer and 45.6°F in winter, with 48.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sumter walkable?
Sumter scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Sumter at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sumter County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in Sumter?
Sumter has 43,053 residents. The median resident of Sumter is 33.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sumter compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Sumter ranks #18 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 43.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 23% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 83% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Sumter?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sumter's population of 43,053 are Concord, NH (#203 overall), Alexandria, LA (#1288 overall), Woonsocket, RI (#936 overall), Post Falls, ID (#502 overall), and Altoona, PA (#724 overall). Sumter is #1227.