Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Orangeburg, SC
Thinking of moving to Orangeburg, SC? With a population of 12,676, Orangeburg offers affordable living—median home prices around $121,000 and average rents near $830 per month. Commute times are short at about 21 minutes, and the climate is warm and sunny most of the year. While crime rates are above national averages, residents enjoy access to local colleges and the Regional Medical Center. Discover more about Orangeburg’s cost of living, housing market, schools, and community below.
Demographics - Orangeburg, SC
Demographics - Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg is home to 12,676 residents, with a young median age of 30.7 and a predominantly Black community making up about 75% of the population. The city features a moderate population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
12,676
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.7
Gender Ratio:
81 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
19.4%
Black:
74.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Orangeburg, SC?
The cost of living in Orangeburg is attractively low, with a median home value of $121,000 and average rent around $830 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities remain affordable, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$121,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.7
Grocery:
94.6
Housing:
47.5
Utilities:
106.2
Transportation:
80.9
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Orangeburg, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Orangeburg are higher than national averages, with a violent crime rate of 1,118 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4,376 per 100,000. While safety is a consideration, many residents find comfort in the city’s tight-knit community and available local resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,376
Crime Index:
5,494
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 89
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Orangeburg, SC year-round?
Orangeburg enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters that typically stay above freezing. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather about 63% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible throughout most seasons.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Households in Orangeburg have a median income of $34,250, and about 30% of residents live below the poverty line. While unemployment is slightly above average at 6.9%, the community benefits from short commute times and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$29,370
Household Income:
$34,250
Family Income:
$38,850
Per Capita Income:
$20,430
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$26,300
Poverty Rate:
29.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Orangeburg, SC?
Orangeburg provides a mix of public and private educational options, including well-attended schools like Orangeburg-Wilkinson High and access to higher education at South Carolina State University and Claflin University. The community supports lifelong learning with both K-12 and collegiate opportunities nearby.

Public Schools
Name:
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School
Street:
601 Bruin Pkwy
Phone:
803-534-6180
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Brookdale Elementary School
Street:
2325 Brookdale Blvd
Phone:
803-534-7865
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Orangeburg Christian Academy
Street:
101 Riverbend Dr
Phone:
803-536-0121
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
South Carolina State University
City:
Orangeburg
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
Claflin University
City:
Orangeburg
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to the Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care, and a physician ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is relatively high at 87.4%, supporting the community’s health and well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Regional Medical Center - Orangeburg
Address:
3000 St Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, SC 29118
Phone:
(803) 395-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.4%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Orangeburg, SC?
The housing market in Orangeburg is affordable, with a median home price of $121,000 and a rental vacancy rate of 12.1%. Homeownership is less common, with about 44% of homes owner-occupied and modest annual appreciation rates, making it a buyer-friendly market.
Median Home Price:
$121,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Orangeburg residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles located at 1316 Amelia St. The local DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle services both in person and online through the state website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1316 Amelia St, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone:
1-803-531-6866
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.