Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olar, SC
Considering a move to Olar, SC? This small town of just under 200 residents offers an affordable cost of living—median home prices are about $61,500 and average rents are around $695. The local crime rate is moderately higher than the U.S. average, but you'll enjoy a mellow rural lifestyle with a 27-minute average commute and 63% sunny days each year. While educational attainment is below the national average, nearby schools and accessible healthcare make Olar a quiet, budget-friendly option in rural South Carolina.
Demographics - Olar, SC
Olar, SC is a small, close-knit town with a population of just 197, where the median age of 46.2 suggests a mature community. The town is predominantly Black (62%) and White (35%), with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting the area's traditional Southern roots.
Population:
197
Density:
179 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
35.0%
Black:
62.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Olar, SC?
Olar offers a notably low cost of living, with the median home value at $61,500 and average rent at $695, making it an affordable choice for those seeking budget-friendly living. Utilities and auto insurance rates are moderate, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average.
Median House Value:
$61,500
Gross Rent:
$695
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$810
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$275
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
38.2
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
82.4
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Olar, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Olar are higher than the national average, with a property crime risk of 1 in 42 and a violent crime rate of 350 incidents per 100,000 residents. While the town maintains a peaceful rural atmosphere, new residents should be aware of local safety considerations.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,750
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Olar, SC year-round?
Residents of Olar experience a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters that rarely dip below 35°F. The area enjoys 63% sunny days and gets about 48 inches of rainfall annually, making for pleasant weather most of the year.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Olar's median household income is $33,100 and the area has a poverty rate of 23.5%, reflecting modest economic conditions. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and public transportation is not commonly used, emphasizing the town's rural character.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$33,100
Family Income:
$40,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,100
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$695
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.0%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Olar, SC?
Olar is served by local public schools like Denmark-Olar Elementary and High School, offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Denmark Technical College is located just six miles away, providing accessible opportunities for further learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Denmark-Olar Elementary School
Street:
1450 Lincoln Ave
Phone:
803-793-3307
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Denmark-Olar High School
Street:
197 Viking Cir, Denmark
Phone:
803-793-3307
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Colleges
Name:
Denmark Technical College
City:
Denmark
State:
SC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Olar is supported by nearby facilities like Barnwell County Hospital and Allendale County Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 86.5% health insurance coverage and 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic medical needs are accessible for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Barnwell County Hospital
Address:
811 Reynolds Rd, Barnwell, SC 29812
Phone:
(803) 541-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Allendale County Hospital
Address:
1787 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy, Fairfax, SC 29827
Phone:
(803) 632-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
64.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Olar, SC?
The housing market in Olar is highly affordable, with a median home price of $61,500 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 72%. Rental options are available, but new construction is rare and the market shows modest annual appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$61,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$695
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Olar residents access DMV services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full office located in Blythewood. The DMV provides comprehensive vehicle registration and licensing 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.