2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in South Carolina
Methodology Brief
Ocity.org’s definitive 2026 ranking of South Carolina cities is the result of a rigorous, weighted algorithm analyzing ten metropolitan centers. Our methodology prioritizes resident quality-of-life and economic viability, allocating quantitative scores across three core pillars: Safety (40% weighting), Affordability (30% weighting), and Economic Output (30% weighting). The Safety metric is derived from violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. Affordability is calculated using median gross rent for a one-bedroom unit. Economic Output is measured by median household income. This data-driven approach eliminates subjective bias, providing a statistical hierarchy of urban centers optimized for safety, fiscal efficiency, and earning potential.
Top 3 Winners Deep Dive
Rank #1: Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant secures the top position through a dominant, statistically significant performance across all weighted categories. It is the only city in the top ten to pair a double-digit median income—$127,357—with a violent crime rate below 200/100k (178/100k). This creates a high-yield environment where economic output is maximized while safety risk is minimized. The rent premium of $1,106 is statistically justified by the income-to-housing ratio; residents allocate approximately 10.4% of median monthly income to housing, a figure well below the national benchmark for affordability. Mount Pleasant represents the optimal intersection of high earnings and safety-optimized living.
Rank #2: Charleston
Charleston ranks second due to its robust economic engine, evidenced by a median income of $95,126. However, its placement is tempered by a significantly higher cost of living and safety profile. The violent crime rate of 456/100k is 2.6 times higher than Mount Pleasant’s, a statistically material difference that impacts the safety-weighted score. Furthermore, the rent of $1,424 is the highest in the top tier, requiring 17.9% of median monthly income. While Charleston offers strong economic output, the data indicates a trade-off in affordability and safety optimization compared to the #1 rank.
Rank #3: Goose Creek
Goose Creek secures the bronze medal by offering a compelling value proposition within the top tier. It achieves a median income of $87,437—substantially higher than the median of the remaining seven cities—while maintaining a competitive rent of $1,106. This yields a housing cost burden of 15.2% of monthly income, marking it as a fiscally efficient option. The violent crime rate of 531/100k is elevated compared to the top two, but its strong economic performance and affordability metrics, when weighted, outweigh the safety differential within the algorithm’s parameters. It is a high-yield alternative for those prioritizing income-to-cost ratios.
The 'Hidden Gem': Florence
For residents prioritizing pure affordability without sacrificing economic stability, Florence emerges as the definitive hidden gem. It presents the lowest cost of living in the top 10, with a 1BR rent of $792. This translates to a remarkably low housing burden of 16.8% of its median monthly income. While its median income of $56,433 and violent crime rate of 531/100k are not market leaders, the exceptional affordability creates a high-value environment. The data indicates Florence offers the most statistically significant fiscal resilience, allowing for greater disposable income despite moderate earnings.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (/100k) | Rent (1BR) | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Pleasant | 95,229 | $127,357 | 178 | $1,106 | Optimal Safety-Income Balance |
| 2 | Charleston | 155,988 | $95,126 | 456 | $1,424 | Strong Economic Output |
| 3 | Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | 531 | $1,106 | High-Value Income/Cost Ratio |
| 4 | Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 | 531 | $1,106 | Balanced Affordability |
| 5 | Rock Hill | 75,641 | $65,397 | 456 | $1,067 | Moderate Cost, Moderate Income |
| 6 | Greenville | 72,822 | $73,536 | 567 | $1,074 | Mid-Tier Economic Stability |
| 7 | Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | 531 | $792 | Highest Affordability (Low Cost) |
| 8 | Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | 531 | $933 | Low Cost, Lower Income |
| 9 | North Charleston | 121,463 | $64,070 | 678 | $1,424 | High Cost, High Crime |
| 10 | Columbia | 142,083 | $52,943 | 567 | $1,110 | State Capital, Mid-Range Metrics |