Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olympia, SC
Considering a move to Olympia, SC? This close-knit community of about 1,085 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $140,000 and average rents around $940. You'll enjoy a short 21-minute average commute, plenty of sunny days, and convenient access to Columbia's major hospitals and the University of South Carolina. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Olympia's central location and moderate climate make it a practical choice for budget-conscious movers seeking a small-town feel near city amenities.
Demographics - Olympia, SC
Demographics - Olympia, SC
Olympia, SC is a small and diverse community of 1,085 residents, with nearly equal representation of White and Black populations and a median age of 35.7 years. The area has a relatively balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming atmosphere for a variety of backgrounds.
Population:
1,085
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
44.2%
Black:
45.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Olympia, SC?
Living in Olympia is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $140,000. Residents benefit from affordable rent and state taxes ranging from 0% to 7%, making it an appealing option for cost-conscious individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$140,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
69.3
Utilities:
108.1
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
95.9
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Olympia, SC a safe place to live?
Olympia experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 190 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 29 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should consider these factors when evaluating neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
525
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,470
Crime Index:
3,995
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 190
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Olympia, SC year-round?
Olympia enjoys a moderate climate, featuring mild winters with lows in the mid-30s and hot summers reaching up to the low 90s. The area receives about 45.5 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 64% sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities most of the year.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Olympia’s residents typically have household incomes around $35,200 and a poverty rate of 25%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute time is just over 20 minutes, and public transportation use is limited, reflecting a primarily car-dependent lifestyle.
Median Income:
$29,600
Household Income:
$35,200
Family Income:
$41,800
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
25.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
20.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
21.3%
Education
How are the schools in Olympia, SC?
Families in Olympia have access to both public and private schools, as well as the nearby University of South Carolina just two miles away. Local schools offer moderate student-teacher ratios and a range of educational opportunities from elementary to higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
A.C. Moore Elementary School
Street:
333 Etiwan Ave
Phone:
803-343-2910
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Hand Middle School
Street:
2600 Wheat St
Phone:
803-343-2947
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
3700 Devine St
Phone:
803-254-6736
Students:
270

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina-Columbia
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
35,300
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Columbia, including Prisma Health Richland and Providence Health, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area maintains a solid physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 and a health insurance coverage rate of 87.5%.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Address:
5 Richland Medical Park Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Phone:
(803) 434-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Health
Address:
2435 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
Phone:
(803) 256-5300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Olympia, SC?
Olympia’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $140,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $940. Home values are appreciating steadily, and about 42% of residences are owner-occupied, indicating a balanced mix of homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Olympia residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Blythewood, with services and resources available online and by phone for all vehicle and licensing needs.
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.