Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Camden, SC
Considering a move to Camden, SC? This charming city of 7,288 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $207,000 and average rents around $950. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, a quick 20-minute average commute, and access to solid public schools. While crime rates are higher than average, Camden features a close-knit community, historic charm, and convenient healthcare access. It's a great pick for those seeking small-town comfort and Southern hospitality with easy access to the Columbia metro area.
Demographics - Camden, SC
Demographics - Camden, SC
Camden, South Carolina is home to about 7,300 residents, with a population density that offers a relaxed, small-town feel. The median age is nearly 46, indicating a mature community, and the city features a diverse mix, with roughly 60% White and 37% Black residents. Non-English speakers make up a modest 5.6% of the population, adding some cultural variety.
Population:
7,288
Density:
1,055 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.9%
Black:
36.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Camden, SC?
Living in Camden is affordable, with a median home value of $207,000 and average rent around $950 per month. The overall cost of living index is 86, well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state taxes range from 0%–7%.
Median House Value:
$207,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
67.1
Utilities:
105.8
Transportation:
94.2
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Camden, SC a safe place to live?
Camden experiences higher-than-average crime, with a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 and a 1 in 35 chance of property crime. While it's important to stay aware of safety, many residents enjoy the supportive community atmosphere. Property crimes are more common than violent offenses in this area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,850
Crime Index:
3,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Camden, SC year-round?
Camden enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers reaching highs near 91°F and winters that rarely dip below the mid-30s. Residents benefit from 62% sunny days each year and annual rainfall of about 46 inches, making for pleasant outdoor living. Seasonal changes are distinct but rarely extreme.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is around $54,000, with a poverty rate of 17.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 20 minutes. The area is known for its friendly, close-knit community and Southern hospitality.
Median Income:
$32,300
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$32,900
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.1%
Education
How are the schools in Camden, SC?
Camden features solid educational opportunities, including public schools like Camden High School and Camden Middle School, both with manageable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to the Central Carolina Technical College–Kershaw Campus, with additional higher education options nearby. Educational attainment is strong, with over 90% of locals holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Camden High School
Street:
1022 Ehrenclou Dr
Phone:
803-425-8930
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Camden Middle School
Street:
902 McRae Rd
Phone:
803-425-8975
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Camden Military Academy
Street:
520 Hwy 1 N
Phone:
803-432-6001
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Central Carolina Technical College–Kershaw Campus
City:
Camden
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Name:
University of South Carolina–Sumter
City:
Sumter
State:
SC
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Camden offers convenient healthcare access, anchored by MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, which provides emergency and general care. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, medical services are accessible for most locals. The city maintains a solid healthcare index, supporting residents’ well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center
Address:
1315 Roberts St, Camden, SC 29020
Phone:
(803) 432-4311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Camden, SC?
The housing market in Camden is stable, with a median home price of $207,000 and a home appreciation rate of 6.2% over the past year. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $950. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$207,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Camden residents are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Ehrenclou Drive. The local office offers a range of vehicle and licensing services, and information is readily available online or by phone for easy access. This ensures smooth handling of driving and registration needs.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1056 Ehrenclou Dr, Camden, SC 29020
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.