Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elgin, SC
Thinking of moving to Elgin, SC? With a small-town population of about 1,800 and a median home price around $196,000, Elgin is an affordable choice with a low cost of living and plenty of sunshine. Residents enjoy a friendly community, schools with manageable class sizes, and reasonable commute times of just under 30 minutes. While crime rates are moderate, the town’s proximity to Columbia offers access to major hospitals, higher education, and more amenities—making Elgin a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Elgin, SC
Elgin is a small, close-knit community of about 1,800 residents with a median age of 38.7, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. Most residents identify as White or Black, and a modest 4.5% speak a language other than English at home, creating a welcoming, diverse atmosphere.
Population:
1,800
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.2%
Black:
24.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elgin, SC?
Elgin offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $196,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,160. Residents benefit from affordable housing, moderate utility costs, and reasonable state tax rates, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$196,000
Gross Rent:
$1,160
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.2
Grocery:
95.5
Housing:
78.3
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Elgin, SC a safe place to live?
Crime in Elgin is moderate, with a property crime rate of about 2,180 per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000. While the chance of property crime is 1 in 46, the community remains generally safe, especially compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
261
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,441
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 383
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Elgin, SC year-round?
Elgin enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 34°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 63% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate pleasant weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Households in Elgin have a median income of $67,000, and the poverty rate stands at 10.4%, indicating a stable economic environment. Most residents commute under 30 minutes to work, and a high percentage have completed high school, creating a well-educated, middle-income neighborhood.
Median Income:
$37,900
Household Income:
$67,000
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,160
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Elgin, SC?
Families in Elgin benefit from public schools with manageable class sizes, such as Blaney Elementary and Lugoff-Elgin Middle School, both known for attentive instruction. The town is also conveniently close to higher education institutions like the University of South Carolina, just 19 miles away, offering educational opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Blaney Elementary School
Street:
1621 Smyrna Rd
Phone:
803-438-3241
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Lugoff-Elgin Middle School
Street:
1244 US-1
Phone:
803-438-3591
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Neumann Catholic School
Street:
721 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC
Phone:
803-788-1367
Students:
410
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
35,000
Name:
Midlands Technical College
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals such as Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and KershawHealth Medical Center, both within a short drive. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% of residents insured, Elgin offers reliable healthcare options for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Address:
1330 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:
(803) 296-5010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
KershawHealth Medical Center
Address:
1315 Roberts St, Camden, SC 29020
Phone:
(803) 432-4311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
66.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elgin, SC?
Elgin's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $196,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Rental vacancies are low and home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, making it a solid choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$196,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,160
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Elgin residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Blythewood. The DMV provides a full range of vehicle and licensing services, with helpful resources available online at the state’s official website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
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.