Is Hartsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hartsville

Is it Safe to Live in Hartsville?

Hartsville, SC, experiences a crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 211% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 386.2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In terms of property crime, Hartsville records 4845 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 175.3% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hartsville is approximately 1 in 16 (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 160, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 21 (as reported by AreaVibes, DoorProfit). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

Hartsville, SC, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living is 9% lower than the national average and 2% lower than the South Carolina average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Hartsville are particularly affordable, being 28% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home value in Hartsville is approximately $205,600 (as reported by Niche), with a homeownership rate of 62.1% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Hartsville are also competitive. The median monthly rent is around $1,300 (as reported by Zillow). For renters, the median household income was $25,580, with a rent-to-income ratio of 41% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median listing price for homes is approximately $259,900, with home prices having grown by 13.05% year-over-year (as reported by Home).

Housing Costs

Housing in Hartsville is notably more affordable than the national average. The median home price is around $205,600 (as reported by Niche), and the median listing price is approximately $259,900 (as reported by Home). This affordability extends to rental properties, with an average rent of $1,300 per month across all property types (as reported by Zillow).

Rental Market

The rental market in Hartsville shows strong demand, with a median monthly rent of approximately $1,300 (as reported by Zillow). Year-over-year rent price growth has been substantial, sitting at 48.72%, indicating a tightening market for renters (as reported by Home). Renters in Hartsville have a median household income of $25,580, and their housing expenses represent about 41% of their income (as reported by Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

Hartsville, SC, has an employment rate of 92.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). The job market is characterized by a workforce where 79.6% are in white-collar professions and 20.4% are in blue-collar roles (as reported by Point2Homes). The average salary in Hartsville is approximately $40,000 annually, or $19.23 per hour (as reported by Zippia).

Major employers in Hartsville include Sonoco Products Company, Duke Energy’s H. B. Robinson Nuclear Generating Station, Novolex, and Stingray Boats (as reported by Wikipedia). Sonoco is a significant employer in the region, with its headquarters employing 1,347 Darlington County residents, making it the largest private sector employer in the county (as reported by DCEDP). Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center is also a key employer, providing comprehensive health services (as reported by Zippia).

Major Employers

Key industries and employers in Hartsville are substantial contributors to the local economy. Sonoco Products Company, a global provider of packaging solutions, is headquartered in Hartsville and is the largest private sector employer in Darlington County (as reported by Wikipedia, DCEDP). Duke Energy’s H. B. Robinson Nuclear Generating Station and Novolex are also significant employers in the area (as reported by Wikipedia).

Employment and Unemployment

The employment rate in Hartsville is robust, standing at 93.16% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The unemployment rate is 7.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). The workforce is largely composed of white-collar professionals, with 79.6% in these roles (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather

Hartsville, SC, experiences a mild climate with distinct seasons. The city enjoys approximately 213 sunny days per year (as reported by Wikipedia). The average annual rainfall is about 46 inches (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are hot and muggy, with average high temperatures around 92°F (33°C) in July (as reported by Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather). Winters are short and cool, with average low temperatures of 31°F (-1°C) in January (as reported by Wikipedia).

The temperature typically ranges from 36°F to 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 24°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The wettest month is typically August, with around 4.0 inches of rain, while November is the driest with about 2.6 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of about 1 inch per year (as reported by Livability.com).

Temperatures

Summers in Hartsville are characterized by high temperatures, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 91°F (33°C) and a low of 70°F (21°C) (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Weather and Climate). The cooler months see January with an average high of 56°F (13°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C) (as reported by Weather and Climate). The annual temperature range generally stays between 36°F and 91°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Hartsville receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average of about 46 to 48 inches annually (as reported by Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather). August is typically the wettest month, receiving approximately 4.0 to 5.6 inches of rain (as reported by Weather and Climate, Weather and Climate). The drier months, such as November, receive around 2.6 inches of rainfall (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Education and Schools

Hartsville, SC, is home to several educational institutions, serving a diverse range of students. The city is known for the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, a public boarding high school (as reported by Wikipedia). Coker University and a branch of Florence-Darlington Technical College are also located in Hartsville, providing higher education opportunities (as reported by Wikipedia).

Niche ranks the public schools in Hartsville as above average (as reported by Niche). Specific school ratings are not detailed in the provided search results, but the general sentiment indicates a positive outlook on the educational system. The presence of specialized schools and higher education facilities contributes to the town’s educational landscape.

School Ratings

Public schools in Hartsville are generally considered to be above average (as reported by Niche). While specific school district or individual school ratings are not detailed in the provided snippets, this general assessment suggests a satisfactory educational environment for K-12 students. The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics stands out as a notable public secondary education institution within the city (as reported by Wikipedia).

Demographics

Hartsville, SC, has an estimated population of 7,419 residents (as reported by Census Dots, World Population Review). The population has seen a slight decrease of -1.57% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Hartsville is 35.3 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Hartsville is diverse, with approximately 47.9% White, 46.8% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents (as reported by Census Dots, World Population Review). The population is predominantly US-born, with 98.2% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). The gender distribution shows 44.2% males and 55.8% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

Population and Diversity

Hartsville’s population is approximately 7,419, with a slight decline noted since the last census (as reported by Census Dots, World Population Review). The city is home to a diverse racial makeup, with White and Black or African American residents forming the largest demographic groups, each comprising around 47-48% of the population (as reported by Census Dots, World Population Review). A smaller percentage of the population identifies as Asian (3.1%) (as reported by Census Dots).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Hartsville is 35.3 years (as reported by World Population Review). The age distribution shows roughly 22% of the population under 15, with significant segments in the 15-24, 25-44, and 45-64 age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes). Females constitute a slightly larger portion of the population at 55.8%, compared to males at 44.2% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Hartsville

Hartsville offers a lower cost of living, particularly in housing, which can be attractive for prospective residents (as reported by AreaVibes, Niche). The city also boasts major employers like Sonoco, providing job opportunities within the community (as reported by Wikipedia, DCEDP). The presence of educational institutions such as Coker University and the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics adds to its appeal for students and families (as reported by Wikipedia).

However, Hartsville faces challenges with a significantly higher crime rate than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes, Crime Explorer). The violent crime rate, in particular, is considerably above the national average, which is a concern for safety (as reported by Crime Explorer). While the cost of living is low, the median household income is also lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Pros

The affordability of Hartsville is a significant draw, with housing costs being notably lower than both the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes, Niche). The city is home to established major employers like Sonoco, offering stable employment opportunities (as reported by Wikipedia, DCEDP). Furthermore, Hartsville provides access to educational institutions, including Coker University and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (as reported by Wikipedia).

Cons

A significant drawback for Hartsville is its elevated crime rate, which is substantially higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes, Crime Explorer). The violent crime rate, specifically, is a concern for residents seeking a safe environment (as reported by Crime Explorer). Although living expenses are low, the median household income is also below the national average, which may present financial challenges for some (as reported by AreaVibes).