Central 63 Average
Central Livability #176 ranked city in South Carolina#15,558 ranked city in the USARanks better than 46% of areas
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Central

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Employment Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Central?

Central is a small city located in the state of South Carolina. The city has a population of 5,461 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Central is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Central tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 23 is far below the national average. In Central, only 32% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Central. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Central could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Central and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Central to South Carolina and the national average.

Central has a livability score of 62 out of 100 and is ranked #172 in South Carolina and #16,250 in the USA. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Central ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Central does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Central shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 56 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Central can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Central. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Central are affordable. The median home price for Central homes is $206,494, which is 20.6% lower than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Central, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 18.4% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Central

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Central?

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Compare Central, SC Livability

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      Central transportation information

      Statistic Central South Carolina National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work85.0%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home4.2%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Central, SC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.