Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cheraw, SC
Thinking of moving to Cheraw, SC? With a small-town population of 5,400, Cheraw offers affordable living, with median home prices around $128,000 and average rents at $720. Commute times are short at just over 20 minutes, and the town enjoys mild winters and long, sunny summers. While the cost of living is low, property crime rates are higher than average. Cheraw features a tight-knit community, access to local healthcare, and schools like Cheraw High, making it a practical and friendly choice for new residents.
Demographics - Cheraw, SC
Demographics - Cheraw, SC
Cheraw is a small town of about 5,400 residents with a median age of 41, offering a balanced mix of White and Black communities. The population density is moderate, and nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding a touch of diversity to this close-knit area.
Population:
5,400
Density:
820 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
48.5%
Black:
46.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cheraw, SC?
Living in Cheraw is highly affordable, with a median home value of $128,000 and average rents around $720 per month. The cost of living index is 77.2, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking low housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$128,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
56.4
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
90.7
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Cheraw, SC a safe place to live?
Cheraw experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,210 property crimes per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains less common with a chance of 1 in 228. Newcomers should take standard safety precautions, especially regarding property and belongings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
438
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,210
Crime Index:
3,648
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 228
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Cheraw, SC year-round?
Cheraw enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows around 34°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. The area receives nearly 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather about 62% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities most seasons.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical Cheraw household earns around $37,200, and the area has a notable poverty rate of 22.6%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and over 80% of adults have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a community focused on education and hard work.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$37,200
Family Income:
$46,300
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
22.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cheraw, SC?
Cheraw offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Cheraw High and Long Middle, as well as St. David's private school. Nearby, Northeastern Technical College serves local students, and larger universities such as Francis Marion University are within commuting distance, supporting a variety of academic needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Cheraw High School
Street:
649 Chesterfield Hwy
Phone:
843-537-7221
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Long Middle School
Street:
1010 West Greene St
Phone:
843-921-1010
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. David's School
Street:
116 St. David's Church Rd
Phone:
843-537-3858
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Northeastern Technical College
City:
Cheraw
State:
SC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Francis Marion University
City:
Florence
State:
SC
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Cheraw provides access to local healthcare through McLeod Health Cheraw, a hospital offering general and emergency services. With about two physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well-supported within the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McLeod Health Cheraw
Address:
711 Chesterfield Hwy, Cheraw, SC 29520
Phone:
(843) 537-7881
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cheraw, SC?
Cheraw’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $128,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $720. Over half of residents own their homes, and property values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office on Chesterfield Highway. The local DMV provides standard services, and more information is available through the state's official website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
310 Chesterfield Hwy, Cheraw, SC 29520
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.