Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salley, SC
Considering a move to Salley, SC? With a cozy population of just 329, Salley offers affordable small-town living, with median home prices at $68,000 and average rents around $695. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 64% sunny days, easy commutes averaging 31 minutes, and access to nearby schools and healthcare in Aiken and Lexington. While crime rates are somewhat higher than the national average, Salley’s laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living, and rural charm make it an appealing choice for those seeking peace and value.
Demographics - Salley, SC
Demographics - Salley, SC
Salley, SC is a small rural town with a population of just 329, featuring a median age of 44.8 and a diverse community that is over half White and nearly 40% Black. The population density is low, creating a close-knit atmosphere, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
329
Density:
240 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
55.6%
Black:
39.8%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salley, SC?
Salley boasts a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $68,000 and average rents at $695 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents, while utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced.
Median House Value:
$68,000
Gross Rent:
$695
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
48.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Salley, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Salley are higher than average, with a property crime chance of 1 in 38 and a violent crime rate of 385 incidents per 100,000 residents. While the town is generally peaceful, new residents should be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
385
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,600
Crime Index:
2,985
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Salley, SC year-round?
Salley experiences mild winters with lows in the mid-30s and warm summers reaching into the 90s, complemented by 64% sunny days annually. The area gets about 47 inches of rainfall per year, supporting lush greenery and a comfortable climate for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Residents of Salley enjoy a friendly, small-town vibe, with median household incomes around $32,000 and an average commute time of 31 minutes. While the poverty rate is above the national average at 26.5%, most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the community is largely car-dependent.
Median Income:
$22,000
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,400
Income Male:
$30,200
Income Female:
$25,800
Poverty Rate:
26.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$695
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
31 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.4%
Bachelors or More:
9.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salley, SC?
Salley is served by public schools such as Wagener-Salley High School and Cyril B. Busbee Elementary, each offering a low student-teacher ratio for personalized learning. For higher education, nearby Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken provide accessible college options within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Wagener-Salley High School
Street:
272 Main St, Wagener, SC 29164
Phone:
803-564-1100
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Name:
Cyril B. Busbee Elementary
Street:
20 Busbee St, Wagener, SC 29164
Phone:
803-564-1000
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Colleges
Name:
Aiken Technical College
City:
Graniteville
State:
SC
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,900
Name:
University of South Carolina Aiken
City:
Aiken
State:
SC
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Salley residents have access to quality healthcare at nearby hospitals like Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Lexington Medical Center, both offering emergency services. About 85% of locals are insured, and the area maintains a moderate number of physicians per capita.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Aiken Regional Medical Centers
Address:
302 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone:
(803) 641-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
70.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salley, SC?
Salley's housing market is exceptionally affordable, with a median home price of just $68,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 63.7%. Renters benefit from average two-bedroom rents at $695, and the market shows stable appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$68,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$695
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Blythewood. Essential DMV services, including licensing and registration, are accessible both in-person and online via the state DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
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.