Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chapin, SC
Thinking of moving to Chapin, SC? With a friendly population of about 1,850, this lakeside town offers affordable living, with median home prices at $328,000 and average rents around $1,240. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 29-minute commutes, and highly rated public schools. Chapin boasts a mild climate with 62% sunny days, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore more about Chapin’s cost of living, housing, schools, and healthcare below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Chapin, SC
Demographics - Chapin, SC
Chapin is a small, close-knit town with a population of around 1,850 residents and a median age of 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White, with a modest representation of other ethnicities, and just under 5% speak a language other than English at home. Its comfortable population density and even gender ratio contribute to a welcoming, suburban feel.
Population:
1,850
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
6.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chapin, SC?
Chapin offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $328,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,240. The cost of living index is below the national average, particularly for housing, making it attractive for homebuyers and renters alike. Utilities and transportation are moderately priced, and South Carolina’s income tax rates range from 0% to 7%.
Median House Value:
$328,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.7
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
83.1
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
87.8
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Chapin, SC a safe place to live?
Chapin maintains a low crime rate compared to national figures, with just 121 violent crimes and 1,010 property crimes per 100,000 residents each year. Residents enjoy a high sense of safety, with a 1 in 826 chance of being affected by violent crime. This makes Chapin a reassuring choice for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
121
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,131
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 826
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Chapin, SC year-round?
Chapin enjoys a mild, four-season climate, with summer highs around 90°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 36°F. The area receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 62% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. These conditions create a comfortable environment year-round for residents.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Chapin’s residents tend to be well-educated, with nearly 97% holding a high school diploma and over 42% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Household incomes are strong, with a median family income approaching $98,300 and a low poverty rate of 6.1%. Most neighbors commute about 29 minutes to work and enjoy a stable local economy with low unemployment.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$87,800
Family Income:
$98,300
Per Capita Income:
$39,200
Income Male:
$49,400
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
6.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chapin, SC?
Chapin is known for its strong public schools, including Chapin High, Middle, and Elementary, all offering competitive student-teacher ratios. The town also has private school options and is located just 22 miles from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. This access to quality K-12 education and higher learning institutions makes Chapin a great place for families with children.

Public Schools
Name:
Chapin High School
Street:
300 Columbia Ave
Phone:
803-575-5400
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Chapin Middle School
Street:
11661 Broad River Rd
Phone:
803-722-5500
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Chapin Elementary School
Street:
940 Old Bush River Rd
Phone:
803-575-5900
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Lake Murray Elementary School (Private Pre-K option)
Street:
1531 Three Dog Rd
Phone:
803-476-4600
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
35,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chapin is easily accessible, with major hospitals like Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge and Lexington Medical Center nearby. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from quality emergency and general medical services within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge
Address:
400 Palmetto Health Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212
Phone:
(803) 907-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chapin, SC?
Chapin’s real estate market is attractive for buyers, featuring a median home price of $328,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80%. The housing market has seen healthy appreciation, with a 6.7% rise in home values over the past year and a low foreclosure rate. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting steady demand for homes in the area.
Median Home Price:
$328,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Chapin are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Blythewood. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the official DMV website or contact the office by phone.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
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.