Is Sumter Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sumter
Sumter, South Carolina, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and developing economic opportunities. This city, nestled in the heart of the state, presents a distinct lifestyle for its residents. As you consider a move, understanding the various facets of life in Sumter, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and climate, is essential.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Sumter, South Carolina. We will delve into the essential details that shape daily life, helping you make an informed decision about whether this city is the right fit for your future. From an examination of its community to its economic landscape, this article covers the key aspects of living in Sumter.
Is it Safe to Live in Sumter?
Crime Rates and Statistics
Sumter faces challenges with its crime rates, which are notably higher than both the state and national averages. The city has a crime rate of approximately 48 per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This places Sumter among communities with higher crime rates nationwide, with over 88% of South Carolina communities experiencing lower rates.
Both violent and property crimes contribute to this statistic. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Sumter is about 1 in 92, while the risk for property crime is 1 in 27 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, Sumter experiences higher rates of motor vehicle theft compared to many other areas in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety Variations
While the overall crime rate is a concern, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within Sumter. Some residents consider the west part of the city to be the safest (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, the north neighborhoods may experience a higher incidence of crime, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 11 in these areas to 1 in 42 in the west (as reported by AreaVibes).
The total projected cost of crime in Sumter for 2025 is estimated at over $72 million, equating to about $857 per resident (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure highlights the tangible costs associated with crime, including criminal justice expenses, direct victim costs, and lost economic contributions.
What is the Cost of Living in Sumter?
Overall Affordability
Sumter offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in Sumter is approximately 10.2% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.
Compared to the state average, Sumter’s cost of living is about 3% lower, and it is 10% lower than the national average (as reported by RentCafe). This makes Sumter one of the more affordable cities among those analyzed in various databases.
Housing Expenses
Housing costs in Sumter are significantly lower than the national average. Housing expenses are approximately 42% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes homeownership and renting more accessible for residents.
The average rent in Sumter is around $1,188 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), which is 28% lower than the national average rent of $1,641 (as reported by Apartments.com). Similarly, the average home value in Sumter is approximately $213,463 (as reported by Zillow), showing a slight decrease of 0.2% over the past year.
Other Living Expenses
While housing is more affordable, some other living expenses in Sumter can be higher than the national average. Utilities, for instance, are about 39% pricier than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). Transportation costs, however, are generally lower, being about 6.5% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Groceries in Sumter are also slightly more affordable, costing about 4.3% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Healthcare costs are also lower, being approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
What is the Job Market Like in Sumter?
Major Employers and Industries
Sumter’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, with Shaw Air Force Base being the largest employer in Sumter County (as reported by the City of Sumter, SC). The manufacturing sector also holds a significant portion of non-military jobs in the county (as reported by the City of Sumter, SC).
Other key employers include Sumter School District, Prisma Health Tuomey, Continental Tire of the Americas, and Becton Dickinson & Co. (as reported by the City of Sumter, SC). These major entities contribute significantly to the local economy and provide a substantial number of job opportunities.
Salary and Unemployment Data
The average annual salary in Sumter is approximately $49,456 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to an hourly wage of about $23.78. The median household income in Sumter was reported as $55,592 (as reported by World Population Review).
The unemployment rate in Sumter County was 6.7% as of February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). While unemployment peaked during the COVID pandemic, it has since returned to pre-pandemic levels (as reported by the City of Sumter, SC).
Occupational Landscape
Workers in the Sumter Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $24.97 in May 2024, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher-paying occupational groups in the area include management, healthcare practitioners, and those in computer and mathematical fields.
Conversely, lower-paying occupations are found in food preparation and serving, personal care, and building maintenance. Office and administrative support, along with production occupations, represent significant employment sectors within the area.
What is the Climate in Sumter?
Temperature Ranges
Sumter experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, with temperatures typically ranging from an average high of 90°F in July to an average low of 72°F (as reported by Weather Atlas). The hot season generally lasts from late May to mid-September.
Winters are short and mild, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 36°F in January to a high of 56°F (as reported by Weather Atlas). The cool season typically spans from late November to late February. Overall, the temperature variation throughout the year usually stays between 36°F and 90°F, rarely dropping below 23°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Atlas).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Sumter receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 48.83 inches (as reported by the South Carolina State Climatology Office). The wettest month is typically August, with an average of 4.2 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Atlas).
The drier season generally occurs from September to May. November is often the driest month, receiving an average of 2.5 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Atlas). Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common during the summer months, particularly in July, which averages around 14.4 wet days.
What are the Demographics of Sumter?
Population and Diversity
As of the latest available data, Sumter has a population of approximately 43,053 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The city has experienced a slight population decrease since the 2020 census. The population is diverse, with a significant representation from various racial and ethnic groups.
The racial makeup includes approximately 46.4% Black or African American, 40.3% White, 7.1% Hispanic, and smaller percentages of Asian and multiracial populations (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). This diverse composition makes Sumter more racially varied than South Carolina as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Sumter is around 34 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). The population distribution shows about 21.6% are children under 15, with a notable percentage in the 25-44 age bracket (24.6%). The population of individuals aged 65 and older is approximately 17.6% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gender-wise, the population is nearly balanced, with 49.5% males and 50.5% females (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic profile suggests a community with a mix of young families and established older populations.
Household Income and Education
The average annual household income in Sumter was approximately $74,735 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the median income stood at $55,592 (as reported by World Population Review). A significant portion of the population, 83.6%, lives above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).
Regarding education, universities in Sumter awarded 933 degrees in 2023. The student population is skewed towards women, with a higher number of female students than male students (as reported by Data USA). The largest universities by awarded degrees are Central Carolina Technical College, the University of South Carolina-Sumter, and Morris College.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Sumter?
Pros of Living in Sumter
One of the primary advantages of living in Sumter is its affordability, particularly concerning housing costs. With housing expenses significantly lower than the national average, Sumter presents an accessible market for both renters and potential homeowners (as reported by Apartments.com, RentCafe). This economic advantage allows residents to allocate more of their budget to other aspects of life.
The city also offers a diverse population and a growing economy, with major employers contributing to job stability. The presence of Shaw Air Force Base, alongside manufacturing and healthcare sectors, provides a solid employment base (as reported by the City of Sumter, SC). Furthermore, Sumter’s climate, while hot in the summer, offers mild winters, which can be appealing to those seeking to escape harsher cold weather.
Cons of Living in Sumter
A significant concern for potential residents is Sumter’s crime rate, which is considerably higher than both state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). This can impact the sense of safety and security for individuals and families living in the city.
Additionally, while housing is affordable, other living expenses like utilities can be higher than the national average (as reported by RentCafe). The average salaries in Sumter are also lower compared to the national average, which may affect purchasing power and career advancement opportunities for some individuals.