Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
How Clemson University Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,434
Median Age19.3 yrs
Density3,035/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans0.3%
Economy
Per Capita$4,362
Unemployment4.1%
County GDP$10,558M
Commute14 min
Housing
Zillow$399,130
Housing Units63
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property3,462/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain52.4 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation721 ft (220 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+31.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute14 min
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries10
Is Clemson University a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clemson University receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Clemson University offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Clemson University is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,462 per 100,000, 77% above the national average.
Education
Clemson University is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Clemson University 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. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Clemson University has a population of 6,434 with a density of 3,035 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 19.3 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.5%), with 9.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 0.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 2.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.3yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clemson University vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clemson University vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $4,362 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $995, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 4,568 business establishments, including 432 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clemson University vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $4,362 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $995 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 4,568 |
| County GDP | $10,558M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 432 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 712 |
| Manufacturing | 204 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,852 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 49.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $399,130. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,852 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,852 |
| 19% below US avg |
In Clemson University, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,521. The dentist ratio is 1:2,329. 62.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clemson University vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,521 |
| Dentists | 1:2,329 |
| Mental Health | 1:525 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 44.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Clemson University has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,462 per 100,000, 77% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 42 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clemson University receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clemson University vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 181.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,461.7/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clemson University enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 721 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 721 ft (220 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,035/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.6756°N, 82.8352°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Anderson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Oconee County Regional (CEU) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.4"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
117 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
80 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
7 km WNW of Marble, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Apr 14, 2005 |
19 km SE of Vonore, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
159 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
363 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 488 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
71 km |
7 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK MOUNTAIN (25,224 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROCK MOUNTAIN |
25,224 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
TELLICO |
14,172 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
BOTELER |
8,626 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
CAMP BRANCH |
3,234 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
PANTHER KNOB |
3,170 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
CHAMBERS-GRAPE-HICKORY AP |
2,421 |
36 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE |
2,200 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE FY 23 |
2,172 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,133 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
TRAIL RIDGE FY23 |
2,085 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,998 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,911 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
C-250 LC |
1,887 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
PARSONS MTN SOUTH LC |
1,878 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
5.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Clemson University has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and April the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Clemson University. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $596 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clemson University
What is the population of Clemson University?
Clemson University has a population of 6,434 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 3,035 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Clemson University expensive to live in?
Clemson University is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Clemson University safe?
Clemson University is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,462 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clemson University receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clemson University?
Clemson University enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.4 inches, with 2.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Clemson University?
Clemson University has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $995. There are 4,568 business establishments in the area, including 432 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Clemson University?
Schools in Clemson University score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 100.0% of adults in Clemson University hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 31.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clemson University?
The obesity rate in Clemson University is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,521.
What is transportation like in Clemson University?
The average commute in Clemson University is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 49.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clemson University?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clemson University is 86.5% White, 9.7% Black or African American. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 0.3% of the population are military veterans. 2.7% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.