Is Summerville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Summerville
Summerville, South Carolina, offers a blend of suburban charm and accessibility, making it an appealing location for many. Situated within the Charleston metropolitan area, it provides residents with a balance of community-focused living and proximity to larger city amenities. The town is known for its pleasant climate, growing job market, and a variety of housing options.
This guide delves into the key aspects of life in Summerville, covering safety, the cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and the diverse population that calls this city home. Understanding these facets can help prospective residents make an informed decision about whether Summerville is the right fit for them.
Is it Safe to Live in Summerville?
Summerville generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often reported as being below national averages. The violent crime rate in Summerville is 12% lower than the national average (according to Universal Storage Group). While overall crime rates are moderate, with approximately 30.82 total crimes per 1,000 people per year, specific neighborhoods can vary significantly in safety (according to CrimeMapping.com and DoorProfit).
Your chance of being a victim of crime in Summerville varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 19 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 49 in the northeast (according to CrimeMapping.com). Property crime, including theft and burglary, is more common than violent crime and tends to be more prevalent near retail or high-traffic areas (according to Summerville Crime Rates and Statistics – Niche).
Cost of Living in Summerville
The cost of living in Summerville is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Summerville’s housing expenses are notably lower, sitting at 35% below the national average (according to Payscale). Overall, Summerville’s cost of living is 16% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
However, some expenses can be higher, such as utility prices, which are 2% above the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly higher, by about 3% compared to the national average (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs are significantly lower, at 24% below the national average (according to Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Summerville presents a mixed picture, with prices generally lower than the national average, though trends indicate some recent adjustments. The average home value in Summerville was $376,903 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median sale price of a home in Summerville was $360,000 in March 2026, down 4.0% from the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rental prices are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,662 per month as of April 2026 (according to RentCafe). This is a slight increase of 0.48% compared to the previous year. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,465 per month, while a two-bedroom unit is around $1,690 (according to RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Summerville boasts a growing economy with a diverse range of major employers, contributing to a stable job market. Key industries in the area include manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and tourism (according to Summerville Business Directory). Major employers include Robert Bosch Corporation, iQor, and InterContinental Hotels Group (according to Crescent Homes).
The unemployment rate in the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area was 3.5% as of March 2025 (according to FRED). The average salary for jobs in Summerville is approximately $64,033 per year, or $31 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Major Employers
Several significant companies form the backbone of Summerville’s employment landscape. Robert Bosch Corporation is a major employer with around 2,000 employees in the area (according to Crescent Homes). iQor, specializing in outsourcing, employs approximately 1,211 individuals (according to Crescent Homes).
Other notable employers include InterContinental Hotels Group with 625 staff, Showa Denko Carbon, Inc. with 273 employees, and Scout Boats, Inc. with 250 employees (according to Crescent Homes). The proximity to larger manufacturing hubs like Boeing and Volvo also fuels a significant supply chain economy (according to Summerville Business Directory).
Climate in Summerville
Summerville experiences a warm temperate climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 36°F in January to a high of 91°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year.
Annual precipitation totals around 52 inches, with August being the wettest month, receiving up to 7 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 0.1 inches per year (according to myPerfectWeather). Summers can feel oppressive, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of 90°F and lows of 72°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Summerville).
Education in Summerville
Summerville is served by a number of public schools that generally receive good ratings, with some schools performing exceptionally well. Public schools in Summerville have an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of South Carolina public schools (according to Best Public Schools in Summerville, SC). The district shows strong math and reading proficiency scores, often exceeding the state averages (according to Best Public Schools in Summerville, SC).
Some of the top-ranked public schools in Summerville include Ashley Ridge High School, Summerville High School, and Rollings Middle School of the Arts (according to Best Public Schools in Summerville, SC). The district also has a high four-year graduation rate, around 85.4%, which is above the state average (according to Summerville, SC Public School Ratings and Districts).
Demographics of Summerville
Summerville is a diverse community with a population that reflects a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds. As of the most recent data, the population is approximately 51,654, with a slight majority of females at 52.7% (according to Summerville, SC Demographics and Statistics – Niche). The median age is around 39 years old (according to Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Summerville includes a significant White population at approximately 65.3%, followed by African Americans at 19.9% (according to Summerville, SC Demographics and Statistics – Niche). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages. The majority of residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (according to Point2Homes).
Income and Household Data
The average annual household income in Summerville was reported as $99,934 in 2024, showing a positive change from the previous year (according to Point2Homes). The median household income was $81,046 (according to Point2Homes). Households led by individuals aged 45 to 64 reported the highest median income, earning approximately $113,609 (according to Point2Homes).
Summerville has an estimated 21,228 households, with an average of two members per household (according to Point2Homes). A significant majority of residents, 89.8%, live above the poverty line (according to Point2Homes). The median income for renters in Summerville was $46,583 in 2022 (according to Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Summerville
Summerville offers a compelling lifestyle with several advantages, but like any city, it also has potential drawbacks to consider. Its relatively lower cost of living, particularly in housing, combined with a growing job market, makes it an attractive place for families and professionals. The community’s safety record, with crime rates generally below the national average, provides peace of mind for residents.
On the other hand, the hot and humid summers can be challenging for those unaccustomed to such weather. While housing is more affordable than the national average, it has seen some recent price increases and is higher than the South Carolina average. Some areas experience higher crime rates than others, necessitating awareness of neighborhood-specific safety.