Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Murray, SC
Considering a move to Lake Murray, SC? This scenic lakefront community of 25,000 offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price of $400,000 and average rents around $1,420. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, mild winters, and over 64% sunny days per year. Commute times average 28 minutes, crime rates remain below national averages, and schools are highly rated—making Lake Murray a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Lake Murray, SC
Demographics - Lake Murray, SC
Lake Murray is home to around 25,000 residents, with a population density of 480 people per square mile and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature, family-friendly community. The area is predominantly White, with 8.3% Black and smaller percentages of other ethnicities, and about 4.5% of residents speak a non-English language at home.
Population:
25,000
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.7%
Black:
8.3%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Murray, SC?
Lake Murray offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $400,000 and average rent at $1,420 per month. Utilities and daily expenses are reasonable, making it an appealing option for those seeking affordability in a scenic lakeside setting.
Median House Value:
$400,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,570
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,840
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.2
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
90.4
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
94.5
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Lake Murray, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lake Murray are lower than the national average, with approximately 192 violent crimes and 2,210 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The community provides a sense of safety, with a 1 in 520 chance of violent crime and strong neighborhood awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,402
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Murray, SC year-round?
Lake Murray experiences mild winters with lows around 34°F and warm summers reaching up to 93°F. Residents enjoy about 64% sunny days annually and an average rainfall of 45.5 inches, supporting an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Households in Lake Murray benefit from a median income of $89,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. The community is well-educated, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 28 minutes.
Median Income:
$46,700
Household Income:
$89,200
Family Income:
$104,600
Per Capita Income:
$47,000
Income Male:
$54,800
Income Female:
$45,300
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
27.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Murray, SC?
Lake Murray offers excellent educational opportunities, with public schools like Chapin High School and Lake Murray Elementary known for strong academics and favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to higher education institutions, including the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus just 16 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Chapin High School
Street:
300 Columbia Ave
Phone:
803-575-5400
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Lake Murray Elementary School
Street:
1531 Three Dog Rd
Phone:
803-476-4600
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Ben Lippen School
Street:
7401 Monticello Rd
Phone:
803-807-4000
Students:
1,150

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina (Columbia campus)
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
35,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, and there are approximately 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of the population is covered by health insurance, ensuring strong community wellness support.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Address:
1330 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29220
Phone:
(803) 296-5010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Murray, SC?
Lake Murray's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $400,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% over the past year, reflecting ongoing demand and a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$400,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Blythewood. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services both in person and online.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
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.