Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saluda, SC
Considering a move to Saluda, SC? This small town of 3,240 offers affordable living with median home prices around $124,000 and average rents near $720. Residents enjoy a short 24-minute average commute, warm Southern weather with 63% sunny days, and a welcoming, diverse community. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are higher than average, so it's worth exploring neighborhoods. Families benefit from local schools and nearby colleges, and healthcare is accessible locally and in neighboring towns.
Demographics - Saluda, SC
Demographics - Saluda, SC
Saluda, SC is a close-knit community of about 3,240 residents with a median age of 37, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. The town is diverse, with significant White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino populations, and about 16.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its population density suggests a small-town feel with ample opportunity to connect with neighbors.
Population:
3,240
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.5%
Black:
33.2%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saluda, SC?
Saluda offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $124,000 and average rent around $720 per month. Essential expenses such as groceries, health care, and transportation remain affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families. State income taxes range from 0% to 7%, further helping residents manage expenses.
Median House Value:
$124,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.7
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Saluda, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Saluda are higher than average, with a 1 in 222 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 39 chance for property crime. While the community is welcoming, it’s important for new residents to research neighborhoods and take sensible precautions. Local law enforcement and community programs work to ensure safety for all residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
450
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,550
Crime Index:
3,000
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 222
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Saluda, SC year-round?
Saluda experiences a mild Southern climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 92°F and comfortable winters that rarely dip below freezing. The town enjoys about 63% sunny days annually and receives an average of 46 inches of rainfall, supporting lush greenery throughout the year. Seasonal changes are noticeable yet generally moderate, appealing to those who enjoy variety without harsh extremes.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
55°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Households in Saluda have a median income of $42,800, with around 19.6% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and commute times are reasonable at just under 24 minutes. The area maintains a strong sense of community, though public transportation options are limited and most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$52,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Saluda, SC?
Families in Saluda benefit from local public schools such as Saluda High and Saluda Elementary, which offer reasonable class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Private education is also available at King Academy, and higher education opportunities can be found at Piedmont Technical College just two miles away. The town’s educational offerings make it a practical choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Saluda High School
Street:
160 Ivory Key Rd
Phone:
864-445-3011
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Saluda Elementary School
Street:
200 Matthews Dr
Phone:
864-445-2469
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
King Academy
Street:
1046 Sardis Rd
Phone:
864-445-1086
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Piedmont Technical College (Saluda County Campus)
City:
Saluda
State:
SC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
170
Name:
University of South Carolina Aiken
City:
Aiken
State:
SC
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Saluda offers convenient access to primary and walk-in healthcare services locally, with larger hospitals and emergency care available in nearby Greenwood. The town has a moderate ratio of physicians per capita, and over 87% of residents have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare is within reach for most residents, supporting both routine and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saluda Medical Center
Address:
102 Civic Street, Saluda, SC 29138
Phone:
(864) 445-2250
Type:
Primary & Walk-In Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Self Regional Healthcare (Greenwood)
Address:
1325 Spring St, Greenwood, SC 29646
Phone:
(864) 725-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
68.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saluda, SC?
The Saluda housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $124,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $720. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and recent home value appreciation has been steady at 6.2% over the past year. The area offers a good mix of options for buyers and renters, with vacancy and foreclosure rates remaining low.
Median Home Price:
$124,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Saluda can access vehicle services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Edgefield. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services to the community. For more information or to make appointments, residents can visit the state DMV website or call the local office.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1015 Augusta Rd, Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone:
1-803-637-3168
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.