Gaffney 66 Good
Gaffney Livability #112 ranked city in South Carolina#11,549 ranked city in the USARanks better than 60% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Gaffney

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Schools Schools

    The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Gaffney?

Gaffney is a mid-sized city located in the state of South Carolina. The city has a population of 13,179 inhabitants. Gaffney is mostly populated by White (51%) and Black or African American (43%) ethnic groups. Gaffney is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 41%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Gaffney will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Gaffney, South Carolina could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Gaffney and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Gaffney to South Carolina and the national average.

Using data and statistics Gaffney has received a livability score of 66/100. This score is ranked in the 61st percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Gaffney scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+) There is at least one category that did not score well in Gaffney. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F).

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Gaffney apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Gaffney is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Gaffney come in at $189,256, which is 27.2% lower than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gaffney, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 5.3% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gaffney

See all the best places to live around Gaffney

How Do You Rate The Livability In Gaffney?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Gaffney, SC Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Gaffney transportation information

      Statistic Gaffney South Carolina National
      Average one way commute21min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.0%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool18.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home1.8%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Gaffney, 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.