Median Income
$49,181
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,700
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$899
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Whitney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,659
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,200/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,181
Per Capita$26,622
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$22,980M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,700
Rent$899
Ownership62.6%
Zillow$230,636
Housing Units1,970
Rent Burden28.1%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured21.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain50.2 in/yr
Elevation746 ft (227 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+75.1%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations20
Libraries10
Is Whitney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitney receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Whitney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitney is $49,181, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whitney is $136,700, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $899 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Whitney enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
Whitney has a population of 3,659 with a density of 1,200 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (49.4%), with 13.8% Hispanic, 37% Black, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.4% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,659
Total Population
2023 Census
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.4%
6% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Whitney is $49,181, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,622 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,388 business establishments, including 644 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,181 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,622 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,958 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,388 |
| County GDP | $22,980M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 644 |
| Healthcare | 647 |
| Retail | 1,084 |
| Manufacturing | 421 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,607 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Whitney is $136,700, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,636, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $221,000 with homes selling in an average of 50 days. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $899 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,970 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,607. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,700 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $230,636 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $221,000 |
| Median List Price | $187,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $221,000 |
| Median List Price | $187,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $182 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 50 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 30.4% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $899 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,970 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,607 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Whitney, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 37.9% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 15.2% report binge drinking. 31.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 21.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,615. The dentist ratio is 1:2,034. 72.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whitney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.1% |
| Uninsured | 21.9% |
| 155% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,615 |
| Dentists | 1:2,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:661 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,013/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 647 |
Whitney enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 52% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 746 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 746 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,200/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9836°N, 81.9224°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Spartanburg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greenville Spartanburg International (GSP)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.2"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.81"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 51.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
57 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 |
131 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
79 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Fran (1996, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
81 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
415 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 541 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
62 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
11 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
5 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY RIDGE (12,405 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
68 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Driest |
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Whitney has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and September the driest (3.7").
Average costs for common services in Whitney. 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 Whitney
What is the population of Whitney?
Whitney has a population of 3,659 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 1,200 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Whitney expensive to live in?
Whitney is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,181, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,700 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $899 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Whitney?
Whitney enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.
How is the job market in Whitney?
The job market in Whitney is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 8,388 business establishments in the area, including 644 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whitney?
The median home value in Whitney is $136,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,636. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $221,000, with homes typically selling within 50 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $899. Fair market rent is $982 for a 1-bedroom and $1,155 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,607.
How are the schools in Whitney?
Schools in Whitney score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Whitney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitney?
The obesity rate in Whitney is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 31.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 21.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,615.
What is transportation like in Whitney?
The average commute in Whitney is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whitney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitney is 49.4% White, 37% Black or African American, 13.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian. 83.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.