Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harbison, SC
Thinking of moving to Harbison, SC? This vibrant community of about 9,200 offers affordable housing with a median home price of $178,500 and average rents around $1,050. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 24 minutes, warm Southern climate with 62% sunny days, and easy access to strong local schools and major hospitals. While property crime rates run above national averages, Harbison offers a diverse population, moderate cost of living, and convenient access to the amenities of the Columbia metro area—making it a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Harbison, SC
Demographics - Harbison, SC
Harbison is a diverse community of approximately 9,200 residents, with a balanced mix of Black (48.2%) and White (39.5%) populations, and a median age of 32.4 years. The area has a moderate population density and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural environment.
Population:
9,200
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.4
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.5%
Black:
48.2%
Asian:
5.1%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harbison, SC?
Harbison offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $178,500 and average rents near $1,050 per month. Everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare are also moderately priced, making the area attractive to both renters and homebuyers seeking affordability.
Median House Value:
$178,500
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.1
Grocery:
96.4
Housing:
78.9
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
94.8
Crime
Is Harbison, SC a safe place to live?
While Harbison maintains a small-town feel, it experiences higher-than-average property crime with a rate of 3,210 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 31 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, but newcomers should remain mindful of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
384
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,210
Crime Index:
3,594
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Harbison, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm Southern climate with mild winters, hot summers reaching up to 93°F, and pleasant springs and falls. With 62% sunny days and about 45 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The local community features a median household income of $48,900 and a poverty rate of 14.8%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and over 90% have completed high school, indicating a well-educated and diverse neighborhood.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$36,100
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
30.2%
Education
How are the schools in Harbison, SC?
Families in Harbison benefit from access to reputable public and private schools, including Harbison West Elementary and Irmo Middle, as well as nearby colleges like Columbia International University and the University of South Carolina. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting quality education at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Harbison West Elementary School
Street:
2570 Broad River Rd
Phone:
803-476-3800
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Irmo Middle School
Street:
6051 Wescott Rd
Phone:
803-476-3600
Students:
830
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
Ben Lippen School
Street:
7401 Monticello Rd
Phone:
803-807-4000
Students:
1,100
Colleges
Name:
Columbia International University
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
34,000
Healthcare
Harbison residents have convenient access to major hospitals such as Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge and Lexington Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 89% of residents insured, healthcare services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital
Address:
400 Palmetto Health Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212
Phone:
(803) 907-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harbison, SC?
The housing market in Harbison is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $178,500 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen 6.3% home appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$178,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Harbison residents are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Blythewood. Residents can access essential DMV services in person, by phone, or through the state 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.