Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gaffney, SC
Thinking of moving to Gaffney, SC? This friendly city of 12,764 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $142,500 and average rents around $810. Residents enjoy Southern charm, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and short average commutes of 21 minutes. While crime rates run higher than national averages, Gaffney is home to Limestone University and features convenient healthcare access, making it a comfortable and budget-friendly place to settle down.
Demographics - Gaffney, SC
Demographics - Gaffney, SC
Gaffney is home to about 12,764 residents with a median age of 39.7, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The city's diverse population is nearly evenly split between White (48.2%) and Black (45.7%) residents, and just over 5% of locals speak a language other than English at home. The community enjoys a modest population density, fostering a small-town atmosphere.
Population:
12,764
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
48.2%
Black:
45.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney offers a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of $142,500 and rents averaging $810 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are generally below the national average, making it an affordable option for families and retirees. South Carolina's state taxes range from 0% to 7%, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$142,500
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
69.8
Utilities:
105.4
Transportation:
82.6
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
95.5
Crime
Is Gaffney, SC a safe place to live?
While Gaffney's property and violent crime rates are higher than national averages, with a 1 in 24 chance of property crime, many residents take common-sense precautions to stay safe. The city maintains a close-knit community feel, and local law enforcement is active in community engagement. Prospective residents should consider neighborhood choices when moving to Gaffney.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
515
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,230
Crime Index:
4,745
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 194
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Gaffney, SC year-round?
Gaffney experiences a mild Southern climate, with winter lows around 32°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. Residents enjoy approximately 62% sunny days each year, alongside moderate rainfall totaling about 48 inches annually. This comfortable weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and a pleasant lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Gaffney hover around $36,900, with a family income of $45,300 and a per capita income of $21,500. While the poverty rate is higher at 25.4%, most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 21 minutes, and a majority (81.6%) have at least a high school diploma. The community is welcoming and maintains a strong sense of local identity.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$36,900
Family Income:
$45,300
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$25,700
Poverty Rate:
25.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.3%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.6%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney's education system includes well-attended public schools like Gaffney High School and Granard Middle School, as well as private options such as Gaffney Christian Academy. The city is also home to Limestone University, offering higher education opportunities right in town. Educational attainment is solid, with over 80% of residents holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Gaffney High School
Street:
149 Twin Lake Rd
Phone:
864-206-2000
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Granard Middle School
Street:
815 Granard St
Phone:
864-206-2600
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Gaffney Christian Academy
Street:
1036 Corinth Rd
Phone:
864-489-0951
Students:
130

Colleges
Name:
Limestone University
City:
Gaffney
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Spartanburg Community College
City:
Spartanburg
State:
SC
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Gaffney provides convenient healthcare access with facilities like Cherokee Medical Center and a local physician density of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. About 85% of the population has health insurance, supporting overall wellness in the area. Emergency services and general care are readily available, ensuring residents have access to essential medical support.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cherokee Medical Center
Address:
1530 N Limestone St, Gaffney, SC 29340
Phone:
(864) 487-4271
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Spartanburg Medical Center - Mary Black Campus
Address:
1700 Skylyn Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307
Phone:
(864) 573-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gaffney, SC?
The housing market in Gaffney is affordable, with a median home price of $142,500 and an average two-bedroom rent of $810. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home appreciation rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$142,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can easily access vehicle and licensing services at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office located on Hyatt Street in Gaffney. The DMV provides standard services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Helpful information and online resources are available through the official South Carolina DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
909 Hyatt St, Gaffney, SC 29341
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.