Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of South Carolina, Sumter is a mid-sized city with a population of 40,739 residents. Sumter is mostly populated by White (43%) and Black or African American (50%) ethnic groups. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Sumter residents is 32. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Sumter is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Sumter, South Carolina could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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 amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Sumter and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Sumter to South Carolina and the national average.
With a livability score of 59 out of 100, Sumter is ranked #18,932 in the United States and #210 in South Carolina. Compared to the national average, this area has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Sumter has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Sumter. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Sumter 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.
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 Sumter is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Sumter come in at $237,751, which is 8.6% lower than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sumter, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 2.6% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | Sumter | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.5% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.9% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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