Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cowpens, SC
Considering a move to Cowpens, SC? This small town of about 2,400 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $148,000 and average rents near $820. Cowpens features mild winters, warm summers, and 62% sunny days each year. Commute times are short (23 minutes on average), while crime rates remain moderate for the region. Local schools are community-focused, and healthcare is readily accessible in nearby Spartanburg. Explore Cowpens for a friendly, budget-conscious move with Southern charm.
Demographics - Cowpens, SC
Demographics - Cowpens, SC
Cowpens is a close-knit community of about 2,400 people, with a median age of nearly 42 and a population density of 930 per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with Black residents making up just under 14%, and it features a balanced gender ratio. Around 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity.
Population:
2,400
Density:
930 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
13.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cowpens, SC?
Cowpens offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $148,000 and average rents around $820 per month. The cost of living index sits at 81.4, well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and transportation costs also remain reasonable, contributing to the town's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.4
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
94.7
Transportation:
87.9
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Cowpens, SC a safe place to live?
Cowpens experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with a violent crime rate of 245 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,350 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 408 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance of property crime, making personal and property safety considerations important. Local law enforcement works to maintain a safe environment for this small town community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,595
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Cowpens, SC year-round?
Cowpens enjoys mild winters with lows around 33°F and warm summers peaking near 90°F, offering a comfortable climate for most of the year. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 62% of the time. These weather conditions support a pleasant outdoor lifestyle and contribute to the town’s Southern charm.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Cowpens typically earn a median income of $46,200, while about 20% of the population lives below the poverty line. Most residents drive, with an average commute of 23 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal. Educational attainment is moderate, with over 80% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$46,200
Family Income:
$55,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$38,600
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.9%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Cowpens, SC?
Cowpens families benefit from community-focused public schools like Cowpens Elementary, which has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1. Higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with Spartanburg Community College and the University of South Carolina Upstate located within 15 miles. The area’s educational resources support lifelong learning and family growth.

Public Schools
Name:
Cowpens Elementary School
Street:
150 Foster St
Phone:
864-279-6300
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Colleges
Name:
Spartanburg Community College
City:
Spartanburg
State:
SC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
University of South Carolina Upstate
City:
Spartanburg
State:
SC
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Spartanburg Medical Center just a short drive away, providing general and emergency medical services. Cowpens has roughly 2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 87% of residents have health insurance coverage. The healthcare index of 74.2 suggests services are accessible and affordable compared to national averages.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Spartanburg Medical Center
Address:
101 E Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29303
Phone:
(864) 560-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.9%
Health Care Index:
74.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cowpens, SC?
The Cowpens housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $148,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $820. Homeownership is common, with about 66% of homes owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 6.7% appreciation in home values over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, reflecting a stable and accessible market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with resources available both online and at the nearest office in Darlington. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Friendly staff and comprehensive online tools make handling driving-related needs straightforward for Cowpens locals.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1625 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC 29532
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.