Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sumter, SC
Thinking of moving to Sumter, SC? With a population of just under 43,000, Sumter boasts a friendly, affordable lifestyle—median home prices hover around $147,000, and average rents are about $950. While the cost of living is well below the national average, residents enjoy a mild climate with 63% sunny days and short commutes of about 20 minutes. The city features a diverse community, solid education options, and access to quality healthcare, but prospective movers should note a higher-than-average property crime rate compared to national norms. Discover more about Sumter’s affordable living, housing, schools, and community below.
Demographics - Sumter, SC
Demographics - Sumter, SC
Sumter is home to nearly 43,000 residents, reflecting a diverse community where about half the population identifies as Black and just over 41% as White, with a median age of 34.8 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, making it a vibrant yet comfortable place to live. A small but notable percentage of residents speak languages other than English at home, contributing to the city’s multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
42,976
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.8
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.2%
Black:
49.6%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sumter, SC?
Sumter offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values around $147,000 and average rents near $950 per month. The city’s overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses. Utility costs are somewhat higher than average, but residents benefit from reasonable grocery, healthcare, and transportation costs.
Median House Value:
$147,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$148
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
65.8
Utilities:
108.6
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
97.3
Crime
Is Sumter, SC a safe place to live?
While Sumter provides a welcoming community, it does experience higher-than-average crime rates, particularly in property-related incidents, with a 1 in 29 chance of being affected. Violent crime is also above national norms, so potential residents should consider local safety measures and neighborhood-specific data when choosing where to live. Despite these challenges, many residents find the city’s sense of community and affordability to outweigh concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
794
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,479
Crime Index:
4,273
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 126
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Sumter, SC year-round?
Sumter enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs averaging 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 36°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny conditions for 63% of the year, creating an inviting environment for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct but generally comfortable, making it easy for newcomers to adapt.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of Sumter experience a median household income of roughly $45,880, with a community that values education—over 87% hold at least a high school diploma. Commutes are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and rental prices remain accessible for most families. While the poverty rate is higher than the national average, the city maintains a close-knit, supportive atmosphere.
Median Income:
$25,600
Household Income:
$45,880
Family Income:
$53,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,000
Income Male:
$36,800
Income Female:
$30,200
Poverty Rate:
21.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sumter, SC?
Sumter offers a range of educational opportunities, including reputable public schools like Sumter High School and several private institutions such as Wilson Hall. The city is also home to higher education options, including the University of South Carolina Sumter and Central Carolina Technical College, both located within city limits. Families will appreciate reasonable class sizes and diverse learning environments for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Sumter High School
Street:
2580 McCrays Mill Rd
Phone:
803-481-4480
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Alice Drive Middle School
Street:
40 Miller Rd
Phone:
803-775-0821
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Wilson Hall
Street:
520 Wilson Hall Rd
Phone:
803-469-8536
Students:
950
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Sumter
City:
Sumter
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Central Carolina Technical College
City:
Sumter
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Sumter provides access to quality healthcare services, anchored by Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital and a physician availability of 2.0 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 87% of the population has health insurance coverage, offering peace of mind to new residents. The healthcare index signals reliable care, making Sumter a reassuring choice for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital
Address:
129 N Washington St, Sumter, SC 29150
Phone:
(803) 774-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sumter, SC?
The Sumter housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $147,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. More than half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation in home values over the past year. Rental options are readily available, with a vacancy rate that provides flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$147,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Sumter’s DMV services are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on N. Guignard Drive. Residents can access a range of licensing and registration services either in person or online through the state’s official DMV portal. The office is easily reachable and well-equipped to assist both new and longtime residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1150 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150
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.