Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pickens, SC
Thinking of moving to Pickens, SC? With a friendly small-town atmosphere and a population of just over 3,300, Pickens offers affordable living—median home prices are around $176,000 and average rents are about $835. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Commute times average 27 minutes, and crime rates are generally moderate for the region. Local schools offer a tight-knit community feel, and you'll find basic amenities, healthcare, and outdoor recreation right nearby.
Demographics - Pickens, SC
Demographics - Pickens, SC
Pickens is a small city of approximately 3,300 residents, featuring a predominantly White population with a median age of 42.2 years. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere. Population density is moderate, offering a blend of small-town charm and neighborly engagement.
Population:
3,321
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.6%
Black:
10.1%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pickens, SC?
Living in Pickens is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $176,000. Rent averages $835 per month, and utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for families and retirees. State income taxes range from 0% to 7%, adding to the area's affordability.
Median House Value:
$176,000
Gross Rent:
$835
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,055
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$365
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.1
Grocery:
95.6
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
106.9
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Pickens, SC a safe place to live?
Pickens experiences moderate crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 240 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime more common at 2,120 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 417 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is typical for small cities in the region. Neighborhood safety is generally considered average, though property crime prevention is recommended.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Pickens, SC year-round?
Pickens enjoys a mild, four-season climate featuring warm summers with highs near 90°F and cool winters with lows around 31°F. The area receives generous rainfall, averaging over 56 inches annually, and boasts about 62% sunny days per year. These conditions make Pickens ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain surroundings.

Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Pickens benefit from a median household income of $45,500 and a family income of $53,600, with about 19% of the population living below the poverty line. The community is well-educated, with over 85% having completed high school, and enjoys a relatively low unemployment rate. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for a typical commute of nearly 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$30,900
Household Income:
$45,500
Family Income:
$53,600
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.7%
Rent:
$835
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pickens, SC?
Pickens offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Pickens High School and Pickens Elementary, known for their community involvement and favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling is available locally, and higher education is within easy reach, with Clemson University just 12 miles away. The area values education and provides supportive learning environments for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Pickens High School
Street:
150 Blue Flame Dr
Phone:
864-397-3600
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Pickens Elementary School
Street:
567 Hampton Ave
Phone:
864-397-2300
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Pickens Christian Academy
Street:
292 Pleasant Grove Rd
Phone:
864-878-7519
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Clemson University
City:
Clemson
State:
SC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
27,300
Healthcare
Pickens is served by local hospitals such as AnMed Health Cannon and is near Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital, providing general and emergency care. The area has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 87.8%. Access to essential healthcare services is reliable for most residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital
Address:
200 Fleetwood Dr, Easley, SC 29640
Phone:
(864) 442-7200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
AnMed Health Cannon
Address:
123 W G Acker Dr, Pickens, SC 29671
Phone:
(864) 878-4791
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pickens, SC?
The local housing market in Pickens is affordable, with a median home price of $176,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $835. About 56% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a steady appreciation rate of 5.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$176,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$835
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Pickens residents can access the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at the local office on McDaniel Avenue. The DMV provides standard services such as licensing and registration, and more information is available on the official state website. Convenient local access makes vehicle-related tasks straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
222 McDaniel Ave, Pickens, SC 29671
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.