South Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Central is a small city in South Carolina with a population of 5,299. Residents earn $58,262 per year, which is 22% below the national average.
Based on current data, Central receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Central offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Central is $58,262, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Central is $228,500, 19% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $973 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Central is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,455 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Central enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 83.4% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 16.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $58,262 |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $21,506 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,035 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,256 |
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,956 |
| County GDP | $6,019M |
| Restaurants | 263 |
| Healthcare | 211 |
| Retail | 364 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,968 |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.74% |
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
| Census Median | $228,500 |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,603 |
| Median List Price | $312,900 |
| Median List Price | $312,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $148 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 30 |
| Census Median Rent | $973 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,335 |
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
| Owner-Occupied | 23.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,968 |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.74% |
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,324/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 211 |
| Total Violent | 192.9/100K |
| 49% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 77.2/100K |
| Robbery | 19.3/100K |
| Assault | 96.4/100K |
| Total Property | 4,455.2/100K |
| 127% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 405.0/100K |
| Theft | 3,876.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 173.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg | |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 52.4 inches |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 2.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 884 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,630/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7234°N, 82.7747°W |
| County FIPS | 45077 |
Winner: Republican by 52.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.6% |
| 44% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.7% |
| School Test Score | 4.51 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 1,630/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.3 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 211 |
| Restaurants | 263 |
| Retail Stores | 364 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Commute | 19.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |