Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clemson, SC
Thinking of moving to Clemson, SC? With a lively population of 17,986 and a median home price around $325,000, Clemson offers a blend of college-town energy, affordable living, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days. The city boasts short 16-minute commutes, a vibrant academic scene thanks to Clemson University, and a low violent crime rate of 173 per 100K. Explore Clemson's cost of living, housing, schools, and more to see if this friendly Upstate city is the right move for you.
Demographics - Clemson, SC
Demographics - Clemson, SC
Clemson is a youthful city of nearly 18,000 residents, with a median age of just 23.4 years, reflecting its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The population is predominantly White at 75.6%, with notable Black, Asian, and other minority communities, and almost 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
17,986
Density:
2,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.4
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.6%
Black:
8.5%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
8.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clemson, SC?
Clemson offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and average rent of $1,250 for a two-bedroom apartment. Daily expenses like groceries and utilities are reasonably priced, making it an affordable choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.2
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
96.8
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Clemson, SC a safe place to live?
Clemson enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 173 incidents per 100,000 people, with property crime chances at about 1 in 71. Residents generally experience a safe community, though it’s advisable to stay aware of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,414
Crime Index:
1,587
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 577
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Clemson, SC year-round?
Residents of Clemson benefit from a mild Southern climate, with winter lows around 33°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The city sees about 62% sunny days and receives generous rainfall, making outdoor activities enjoyable most of the year.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Clemson’s community features a diverse mix of students, families, and professionals, with a median household income of $44,200 and a 36.7% poverty rate reflecting the large student population. High educational attainment is common, with over half the adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are a brief 16 minutes.
Median Income:
$20,600
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$85,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$28,200
Income Female:
$23,100
Poverty Rate:
36.7%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
54.9%
Education
How are the schools in Clemson, SC?
Clemson is known for its robust educational offerings, anchored by Clemson University’s 28,700 students and complemented by quality public and private schools. The presence of higher education and strong K-12 options make it an appealing destination for families and academics alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Clemson Elementary School
Street:
581 Berkeley Dr
Phone:
864-397-1500
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
R.C. Edwards Middle School
Street:
1157 Madden Bridge Rd
Phone:
864-397-4200
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Private Schools
Name:
Montessori School of Clemson
Street:
207 Pendleton Rd
Phone:
864-654-4483
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Clemson University
City:
Clemson
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,700
Name:
Tri-County Technical College
City:
Pendleton
State:
SC
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital nearby and a physician rate of 2.1 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at over 91%, helping ensure most residents can receive needed care.
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clemson, SC?
Clemson’s housing market is dynamic, with a median home price of $325,000 and a home appreciation rate of 6.3% over the past year. Owner occupancy is under 40%, reflecting the city’s strong rental demand, and rents for two-bedroom units average $1,250.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at 1038 Old Clemson Hwy in nearby Seneca, with resources and appointment scheduling available online for residents’ convenience.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1038 Old Clemson Hwy, Seneca, SC 29672
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.