Sumter, SC: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Sumter: The Data Profile (2026)

Sumter represents a distinct socioeconomic outlier in the 2026 post-remote landscape. With a population of 43,065, it qualifies as a micro-city. The primary economic friction point is the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income sits at $53,071, which is -28.8% below the national median of $74,580. However, this is offset by a Cost of Living Index where housing is -45.8% cheaper than the US average.

The educational attainment landscape reveals a workforce gap. Only 28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic for Sumter in 2026 is the "Geo-Arbitrage Remote Worker"—individuals earning at or above the national median who can leverage Sumter's 54.2 housing index to maximize disposable income, rather than the local wage earner.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Sumter is driven almost entirely by housing and utilities. While groceries (95.6) and transportation (95.6) track near the national average, electricity costs are a distinct outlier at 14.23 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis

For a single earner making the median local income of $53,071 ($4,423/month gross), the monthly take-home pay is approximately $3,350. After covering the $2,623 monthly budget, the disposable income is $727. For a remote worker earning the US average of $74,580 ($6,215/month gross, ~$4,700 take-home), the disposable income in Sumter is $2,077—more than double the local average.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value driver. The Housing Index of 54.2 indicates a market that is 45.8% more affordable than the national baseline. Buying is statistically advantageous due to the low Price per SqFt.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve

In Sumter, the price-to-rent ratio favors buying. With a median home price of $185,000 and an annual rent for a 3BR at $16,908, the ratio is roughly 11:1. Generally, a ratio below 15:1 signals a strong financial incentive to buy. Given that home prices are 55.1% below the national average, purchasing a home allows remote workers to lock in living costs significantly below the inflationary curve of major metros.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Sumter's economy is a hybrid of legacy manufacturing (aerospace, textiles) and federal presence (Shaw AFB). The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is slightly higher than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tighter local job market for on-site roles.

In the 2026 RTO (Return-to-Office) climate, Sumter's viability depends on remote status. The average commute time is 22.4 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28.0 minutes. However, local industry stability is moderate; wage growth is projected at 2.8% compared to the national 3.5%.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is favorable, the health metrics present a significant warning. Sumter scores a 77.0/100 Health Score, but this is masking high-risk behavioral factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety and Environment

• Violent Crime: 3.8 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 4.0).
• Property Crime: 18.2 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 19.5).
• Air Quality: Sumter boasts excellent air quality with an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels at 6.1 µg/m³, well below hazardous thresholds.
• Schools: The Sumter School District has a graduation rate of 82.5%, below the state average of 88.0%.
• Weather: Currently 49.0°F with a high of 53°F. Summers are hot (avg 92°F) and humid.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: At $185,000 median home price, the barrier to entry is -55.1% lower than the US average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 is superior to major metros.
• Commute: Average of 22.4 minutes is significantly faster than national average.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity (42.3%) and Diabetes (15.5%) rates are critically high, suggesting a culture that may impact long-term longevity.
• Income Ceiling: Local median income of $53,071 is -28.8% below the US average, limiting upward mobility without remote employment.
• Education: School district performance and college attainment (28.6%) lag behind national norms.

Final Recommendation:
Sumter is a Data-Driven "Buy" for Remote Workers. It is not recommended for local job seekers. For a remote professional earning the US median salary, Sumter offers a financial arbitrage opportunity allowing for a 40% higher savings rate compared to the national average. However, prospective residents must actively counter the local health trends.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Sumter?
For a single person, a gross salary of $50,000 provides a comfortable buffer. For a family of four, $75,000 is recommended to maintain a middle-class lifestyle with savings.

2. How does the value compare to other Southern cities?
Sumter offers better housing value than Greenville or Charleston. While Charleston's median home price is $425,000, Sumter's $185,000 allows for asset accumulation that is impossible in larger SC metros.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. Violent crime is 3.8 per 1,000, which is slightly below the national average. Property crime is 18.2 per 1,000, also below the US baseline. It is safer than the statistical average for its population size.

4. Is the housing market expected to rise?
Appreciation is projected at 3.5% annually through 2026, driven by migration from higher-cost states. Buying now locks in the 54.2 housing index before it potentially normalizes.