Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Central, SC
Considering a move to Central, SC? This welcoming college town of 5,247 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $202,000 and average rents near $1,080. Commute times are short, averaging under 19 minutes, and the area enjoys mild winters and plenty of sunshine. With nearby Clemson University, solid local schools, and major hospitals close by, Central offers a vibrant, youthful community with a reasonable cost of living—perfect for students, families, or anyone seeking a small-town atmosphere with strong educational and healthcare resources.
Demographics - Central, SC
Demographics - Central, SC
Central, SC is a youthful and diverse town of 5,247 residents, with a median age of just 23.5, reflecting its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (77.2%), with notable Black and Asian populations, and 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area’s population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a lively, close-knit environment.
Population:
5,247
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.5
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
12.3%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Central, SC?
Central boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $202,000 and average rent at $1,080 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income taxes range from 0% to 7%, offering additional savings for residents.
Median House Value:
$202,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,325
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
75.4
Utilities:
101.3
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Central, SC a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Central is relatively moderate, with a 1 in 455 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance for property crimes. Violent crimes are lower than the national average at 220 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crimes occur at a rate of 2,150 per 100,000. Residents generally experience a safe environment, especially compared to larger cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Central, SC year-round?
Central enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 90°F, cool winters with lows around 33°F, and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. The area receives plenty of sunshine, with 62% sunny days per year, and about 52 inches of annual rainfall. This pleasant weather supports year-round outdoor activities and a welcoming environment.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Central and the surrounding area benefit from a median household income of $45,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. While the poverty rate is higher at 22.8%, most adults have at least a high school education, and commute times average just under 19 minutes. The community is known for its friendly, close-knit atmosphere and modest cost of living.
Median Income:
$26,800
Household Income:
$45,900
Family Income:
$65,200
Per Capita Income:
$16,400
Income Male:
$33,100
Income Female:
$27,100
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
18.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
33.4%
Education
How are the schools in Central, SC?
Central is served by reputable public schools like Central Elementary and R.C. Edwards Middle, both offering low student-to-teacher ratios. Private education is available nearby, and higher learning opportunities abound with Clemson University just 5 miles away and Tri-County Technical College within a short drive. This strong educational infrastructure makes Central appealing for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Central Elementary School
Street:
608 Johnson Rd
Phone:
864-397-1400
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
R.C. Edwards Middle School
Street:
1157 Madden Bridge Rd
Phone:
864-397-4200
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
Oconee Christian Academy
Street:
150 His Way Circle, Seneca
Phone:
864-882-6925
Students:
310

Colleges
Name:
Clemson University
City:
Clemson
State:
SC
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
27,300
Name:
Tri-County Technical College
City:
Pendleton
State:
SC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Central offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Prisma Health Oconee Memorial and AnMed Health Cannon located nearby. The area maintains a favorable healthcare index and nearly 89% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical services are accessible for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital
Address:
298 Memorial Dr, Seneca, SC 29672
Phone:
(864) 882-3351
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
AnMed Health Cannon
Address:
123 W G Acker Dr, Pickens, SC 29671
Phone:
(864) 878-4791
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Central, SC?
The local housing market features a median home price of $202,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,080, making Central an affordable option for buyers and renters. About one-third of homes are owner-occupied, with a rental vacancy rate of 8.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this growing community.
Median Home Price:
$202,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Central are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Seneca. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services either in person or online. The office is easily reachable and offers comprehensive support for local transportation needs.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Clemson Blvd, Seneca, SC 29678
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.