Florence, SC: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Florence: The Data Profile (2026)

Florence presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 40,205, it functions as a micropolitan hub rather than a major city. The primary economic friction point is the income disparity: the median income sits at $56,433, which is -24.3% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this is offset by a cost of living index where housing is a staggering -42.8% below the national average.

The demographic landscape skews lower in educational attainment, with only 29.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%). The statistical target for Florence is the remote worker earning above the local median—specifically, households bringing in $80,000+ annually. This income bracket leverages the low housing costs to achieve a standard of living that would require a top-decile income in major metros.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living dynamics in Florence are defined by aggressive savings in hard assets (housing) and moderate savings in consumables.

TABLE 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single adult earning the US median income of $74,580 takes home approximately $4,700/month after taxes. In Florence, their total monthly expenses are estimated at $2,027, leaving a disposable income of $2,673. This is a 56.9% savings rate, significantly higher than the national average. Conversely, a local earning the median $56,433 takes home roughly $3,600/month, leaving only $1,573 in disposable income after the $2,027 expense baseline.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value driver. The median home price in Florence is significantly depressed compared to national figures, creating a high-yield opportunity for buyers looking to maximize square footage.

TABLE 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The "break-even" point for buying vs. renting in Florence is approximately 2.3 years. With a median home price of $175,000, a 20% down payment is $35,000. Monthly mortgage payments (at current rates) hover around $1,100, which is roughly $300 more than the average 1-BR rent but $150 less than the average 3-BR rent. For remote workers, buying is statistically superior due to the low entry price and high potential for equity appreciation as the city develops.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Florence’s economy is insulated but lagging. The 4.6% unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tighter local job market for on-site roles.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote 2026 landscape, Florence offers a distinct "anti-commute" advantage. Average commute times are 18.4 minutes, compared to the national average of 26.8 minutes. Traffic congestion is rated "Low" (Traffic Index 1.2 vs US Avg 1.8). For the ~35% of the workforce classified as hybrid or remote, the lack of congestion makes "work from home" days significantly more energy-efficient.

Industry Stability:
The local economy relies heavily on healthcare (MUSC Florence, McLeod Health) and logistics (I-95 corridor). While stable, the tech sector is underrepresented, with only 2.1% of jobs in tech vs 6.8% nationally. This limits local salary growth potential for non-remote tech workers.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economics are favorable, the health metrics in Florence present a significant data anomaly that requires attention.

TABLE 3: Quality of Life & Health Metrics

Health & Safety Analysis:
The most concerning data point is the 40.9% obesity rate and 16.1% diabetes rate, both substantially above national averages. However, the environmental data compensates for this: the Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 7.5 µg/m³ are significantly cleaner than the US averages.

Crime Statistics:

• Violent Crime Rate: 422 per 100k residents (US Avg: 380)
• Property Crime Rate: 2,845 per 100k residents (US Avg: 1,950)
• Note: Property crime is elevated, likely correlated with economic disparities.

Schools & Weather:
Graduation rates stand at 84.5%, slightly below the US average of 87.3%. Weather-wise, Florence features a humid subtropical climate with an average of 215 sunny days per year. Current conditions show a high of 53°F and a low of 33°F, typical for the season.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: At $175,000 median home price, housing is -58.3% cheaper than the national average.
• Disposable Income: A remote worker earning $80k can save $2,600+ monthly.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 and PM2.5 of 7.5 offer excellent respiratory health conditions.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity (40.9%) and Diabetes (16.1%) rates are alarmingly high.
• Local Income: Median income of $56,433 limits local spending power and economic growth.
• Crime: Property crime is 46% higher than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Florence, SC is a "Buy" for the remote worker. The financial arbitrage opportunity is massive, provided you are disciplined enough to avoid the local health statistical trends (sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie diet). It is not recommended for those seeking local high-paying career growth.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Florence?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and leisure), a salary of $65,000 is ideal. For a family of four, $95,000 provides a strong buffer against the local economic constraints.

2. How does the value compare to Charleston or Charlotte?
Florence housing is roughly -65% cheaper than Charleston and -55% cheaper than Charlotte. However, it lacks the cultural amenities and salary ceilings of those metros.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. While violent crime is near the national average (422 per 100k), property crime is significantly elevated (2,845 per 100k). Home security systems are a recommended budget line item.

4. When is the best time to move to Florence?
The best time to buy is Q1 (January–March), as inventory moves slowly and sellers are more negotiable. Avoid moving during the peak summer humidity months (July–August) when average highs reach 92°F.