Clemson 82 Exceptional
Clemson Livability #3 ranked city in South Carolina#992 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Clemson

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

    No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.

What's it like Living in Clemson?

Located in the state of South Carolina, Clemson is a moderately-sized city with a population of 17,526 residents. At 82%, the majority of the Clemson population is White; this is followed by 8% Asian and 7% Black. Clemson could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 25 years old is below the nation’s average. Clemson is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 32% married, this city falls well below the national average.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Clemson could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to look. 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. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Clemson and in the areas around Clemson is a much easier task.

Clemson, SC receives 83 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #3 in South Carolina and #852 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Clemson ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Clemson ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Clemson ranks very well for amenities (B), crime (B-), cost of living (B), education (A+) and housing (B).

Clemson has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Clemson has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Clemson has a violent crime rate of 162 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Clemson, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Clemson have an average test score of 77%, which is well above the US average.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Clemson has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Clemson. 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 Clemson are affordable. The median home price for Clemson homes is $488,638, which is 87.8% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clemson, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.2, which is 89.5% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Clemson

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      Clemson transportation information

      Statistic Clemson South Carolina National
      Average one way commute22min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work65.6%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.2%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.1%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.0%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home10.7%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Clemson, 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.