Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Smoaks, SC
Considering a move to Smoaks, SC? This small rural town of just 90 residents offers quiet country living and affordable housing, with median home prices around $78,000 and average rents of $650. While commute times average 31.5 minutes and local job opportunities are modest, the area boasts mild winters, warm summers, and over 60% sunny days yearly. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and basic healthcare and elementary education are available nearby, making Smoaks a peaceful, budget-friendly option for those seeking a close-knit, rural community.
Demographics - Smoaks, SC
Demographics - Smoaks, SC
Smoaks is a small, close-knit community with a population of just 90 people and a median age nearing 50, reflecting a mature and stable population. The town is almost evenly split between White and Black residents, and English is the primary language for nearly all households. Its rural setting offers a relaxed pace of life with a low population density.
Population:
90
Density:
44 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.5
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.0%
Black:
46.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Smoaks, SC?
Living in Smoaks is highly affordable, with median home values around $78,000 and average rents at $650, well below national averages. The cost of living index is 82.5, indicating lower expenses for housing and everyday needs, though utilities run slightly higher than average. Residents also benefit from relatively moderate state taxes and reasonable insurance costs.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,360
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
107.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Smoaks, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Smoaks are moderate for the region, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 47 and violent crime at 1 in 312. While not the lowest in South Carolina, these figures reflect a generally safe, rural environment. Residents enjoy a sense of security typical of small towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Smoaks, SC year-round?
Smoaks experiences mild winters with lows in the mid-30s and warm summers reaching the low 90s, offering a comfortable climate year-round. The area receives about 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 63% of the year, making it appealing for those who appreciate a temperate Southern climate.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The community features modest household incomes, with a median of $36,500 and a per capita income of $19,000, alongside a poverty rate of 24%. Most residents commute about 31.5 minutes for work, often relying on personal vehicles as public transportation is not available. Education levels are solid, with nearly 80% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
24.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
31.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.0%
Bachelors or More:
9.0%
Education
How are the schools in Smoaks, SC?
Elementary education is provided locally by Bells Elementary School, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.2. There are no private schools in town, but higher education is accessible at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, located just 22 miles away in Walterboro. This makes Smoaks suitable for families seeking foundational educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Bells Elementary School
Street:
12088 Bells Hwy
Phone:
843-782-0012
Students:
215
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
City:
Walterboro
State:
SC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Smoaks are met primarily by Colleton Medical Center in nearby Walterboro, which offers general and emergency services. The area has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 86% of locals have health insurance coverage. Overall healthcare access is reasonable for a rural area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Colleton Medical Center
Address:
501 Robertson Blvd, Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone:
(843) 782-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Smoaks, SC?
The Smoaks housing market is notable for its affordability, with a median home price of $78,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 72.5%. Rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $650, while home values have seen moderate appreciation in recent years. Vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Smoaks residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Blythewood. Services can also be accessed online or by phone, ensuring convenience for rural residents. This setup streamlines essential DMV transactions for the community.
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.