Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Florence, SC
Thinking of moving to Florence, SC? With a population nearing 40,000 and a median home price of just $177,000, Florence offers affordable living with short commutes averaging 19 minutes. While the cost of living is lower than national averages, be aware that property crime rates are higher. Residents enjoy mild winters, plenty of sunny days, and access to strong healthcare and educational options, including Francis Marion University. Explore more about local costs, schools, weather, and amenities to see if Florence is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Florence, SC
Demographics - Florence, SC
Florence, SC is home to nearly 40,000 residents, with a balanced mix of White (44.8%) and Black (47.3%) populations and a median age of 38.3 years. The city’s moderate population density and a small but present non-English speaking community contribute to its diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
39,880
Density:
1,530 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.3
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.8%
Black:
47.3%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Florence, SC?
Florence offers a cost of living index of 82.5, making it more affordable than many U.S. cities. Median home values are around $177,000, and typical rents average $970, while everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare remain below national benchmarks.
Median House Value:
$177,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$144
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
59.2
Utilities:
107.0
Transportation:
86.5
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
94.4
Crime
Is Florence, SC a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 5,400 incidents per 100,000 people, and a violent crime rate of 750 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 19 chance of being affected by property crime, so newcomers should be mindful when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
750
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,400
Crime Index:
6,150
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 133
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Florence, SC year-round?
Florence enjoys a mild climate with warm summers averaging highs of 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 34°F. The area boasts about 65% sunny days each year and receives around 46.5 inches of rainfall annually, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Typical households in Florence have a median income of $51,400 and a family income of $61,200, though the poverty rate is slightly higher than average at 19.3%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times are short, averaging under 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$51,400
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$46,300
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
19.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
24.9%
Education
How are the schools in Florence, SC?
Florence supports quality education through public schools like West Florence High and Sneed Middle, as well as private and higher education institutions. The city is home to Francis Marion University and Florence-Darlington Technical College, offering opportunities for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
West Florence High School
Street:
221 N Beltline Dr
Phone:
843-664-8472
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Sneed Middle School
Street:
5265 S Irby St
Phone:
843-673-1199
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School
Street:
5001 Hoffmeyer Rd
Phone:
843-395-9124
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Francis Marion University
City:
Florence
State:
SC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Florence-Darlington Technical College
City:
Florence
State:
SC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Florence is robust, anchored by major hospitals like MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and McLeod Regional Medical Center. With about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, residents have good access to medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health Florence Medical Center
Address:
805 Pamplico Hwy, Florence, SC 29505
Phone:
(843) 674-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
McLeod Regional Medical Center
Address:
555 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506
Phone:
(843) 777-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Florence, SC?
Florence features a stable housing market with a median home price of $177,000 and 54.7% owner occupancy. Rental options are readily available, with average two-bedroom rents at $970 and a rental vacancy rate of 8.4%.
Median Home Price:
$177,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local vehicle services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at 3102 E. Palmetto Street. Residents can access licensing and registration needs conveniently, with further information available on the official DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3102 E. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29506
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.