Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laurens, SC
Considering a move to Laurens, SC? With a friendly population of 8,500 and affordable living—median home prices at $112,000 and average rent around $830—Laurens offers budget-friendly options in a small-town setting. Commute times are short (about 22 minutes), and the area enjoys 62% sunny days annually. While property crime is above average, residents benefit from accessible healthcare, local schools, and a warm Southern climate. Explore Laurens for a relaxed pace of life and affordable housing.
Demographics - Laurens, SC
Demographics - Laurens, SC
Laurens, South Carolina is home to about 8,500 residents, with a diverse population that is 51% White and 43% Black. The city has a median age of 39.4 and a population density of roughly 1,140 people per square mile, making it feel like a close-knit community. Most residents speak English, with only 2.5% being non-English speakers.
Population:
8,533
Density:
1,140 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
51.0%
Black:
43.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laurens, SC?
Laurens offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $112,000 and average rent at $830 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average at 79.7, making it appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families. Utilities and transportation are also reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,025
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.7
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
51.2
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
86.5
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Laurens, SC a safe place to live?
Laurens has a higher rate of property crime, with a chance of 1 in 29, and a violent crime rate of 1 in 146. While the crime index is elevated compared to national averages, many residents appreciate the sense of community and take steps to stay informed and safe. It's important for newcomers to consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods within the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
685
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,420
Crime Index:
4,105
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 146
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Laurens, SC year-round?
Laurens enjoys a mild Southern climate with warm summers reaching up to 91°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 33°F. Residents experience about 62% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 45.5 inches, making it ideal for those who appreciate a balance of sunshine and seasonal changes. Spring and fall offer especially pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Laurens is $37,500, with a notable portion of the community—about 25%—living below the poverty line. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is just over 22 minutes, contributing to a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Public transportation usage is minimal, so most people rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$37,500
Family Income:
$43,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$37,400
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
25.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Laurens, SC?
Laurens offers public and private school options, including Laurens Elementary and Laurens District 55 High School, with student-teacher ratios supporting personalized attention. The town also has private schooling through Laurens Academy and is just eight miles from Presbyterian College, providing higher education opportunities nearby. These educational resources make Laurens a practical choice for families with children.
Public Schools
Name:
Laurens Elementary School
Street:
301 Henry St
Phone:
864-984-3067
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Laurens District 55 High School
Street:
5058 Hwy 76 W
Phone:
864-682-3151
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Private Schools
Name:
Laurens Academy
Street:
300 South Academy Rd
Phone:
864-682-2324
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Presbyterian College
City:
Clinton
State:
SC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Laurens provides access to essential healthcare services, including Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital with emergency care. The city boasts 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 88.2%. Local healthcare is generally accessible, supporting the needs of families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital
Address:
22725 Highway 76 E, Clinton, SC 29325
Phone:
(864) 833-9100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laurens, SC?
The housing market in Laurens is very affordable, with a median home price of $112,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $830. Over half of the properties are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.6% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it a stable choice for homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Laurens can access driver and vehicle services at the local South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office on Exchange Drive. The DMV provides all standard licensing, registration, and title services for the state. For more information, locals can visit the official website or call the main office number.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
103 Exchange Drive, Laurens, SC 29360
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.