What to know when moving to Sumter, SC
TL;DR: Sumter at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 41.6% of residents are renters and the median household income is $48,845.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $951.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 16.6% suggests economic challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for around $951/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
With a population of 38,525, Sumter presents a mix of renters and homeowners, with 41.6% of the population renting their homes. The education level is moderate, with 24.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area's economic profile features a median household income of $48,845, but also a notable poverty rate of 16.6%, suggesting a diverse economic landscape.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as only 0.2% of residents use it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $951, making it relatively affordable.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $157,000, which is lower than many urban areas.
- The community has a poverty rate of 16.6%, reflecting some economic challenges.
- With 41.6% of residents renting, there is a significant percentage of renters in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for South Carolina shows a mixed landscape for safety.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 384.8 per 100k, compared to the national rate of 325.3 per 100k, showing an 18.3% higher rate than the national average.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1698.2 per 100k, higher than the national average of 1546.9 per 100k, reflecting a 9.8% increase over the national figure.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 40.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for South Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Sumter has access to several educational institutions, providing opportunities for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Notable schools include Central Carolina Technical College, Morris College, and the University of South Carolina-Sumter.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Sumter has several parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
- Patriot Park - 4.6 stars from 561 reviews
- Julia Lester Dillon Park - 4.5 stars from 449 reviews
- Palmetto Park - 4.6 stars from 332 reviews
- Sumter Museum - 4.7 stars from 138 reviews
Source: Google Places API.