Is Barnwell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barnwell

Barnwell, South Carolina, offers a glimpse into a more traditional Southern lifestyle, blending small-town charm with a connection to the region’s agricultural roots. Situated in the heart of Barnwell County, this community provides a unique setting for those seeking a quieter pace of life. The town is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and a sense of close-knit community that is often sought after in today’s fast-paced world.

The area boasts a climate that experiences distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. This weather pattern is typical of the southeastern United States, influencing everything from local agriculture to daily life. Barnwell’s location also provides access to natural landscapes, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and an appreciation for the natural beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Is it Safe to Live in Barnwell?

When considering a move to Barnwell, understanding the safety landscape is paramount. The town has a crime rate that is higher than the national average. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Barnwell is reported as 1 in 83, and for property crime, it is 1 in 30 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means that Barnwell experiences a higher incidence of crime compared to many other communities across the United States.

Further analysis of crime statistics indicates that Barnwell has a violent crime rate of 1207.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 359.1 (as reported by OpenCrime). This elevated rate suggests that safety is a significant consideration for residents. NeighborhoodScout also notes that Barnwell experiences one of the higher murder rates in the nation when compared to cities of all population sizes. The town is considered safer than only 2% of all cities in the United States (as reported by OpenCrime).

Housing Costs in Barnwell

The housing market in Barnwell presents a more affordable option compared to many areas across the country. The median home value in Barnwell is approximately $145,300 (as reported by Data USA and Niche). This figure is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Barnwell are also notably lower than the national average. The average rent in Barnwell is around $342 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and Zillow indicates an average rent of $450 per month. This makes renting in Barnwell a more accessible option for many, with these figures being significantly lower than the national average rent, which can exceed $1,900 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Barnwell’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with manufacturing playing a significant role. Major employers in the county include companies like Swiss Krono, Augusta Fiberglass Coatings, Inc., Befesa, and Crane Merchandising (as reported by Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance). These businesses contribute to the local job market and the overall economic stability of the region.

The unemployment rate in Barnwell County was reported at 6.6% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). While this indicates a segment of the population seeking employment, it is important to note that employment in Barnwell County has seen growth. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Barnwell County grew by 2.65%, increasing from 8.48k employees to 8.7k employees (as reported by Data USA).

Average Salary and Cost of Living

The average annual salary in Barnwell, SC, is approximately $36,000, or $17.31 per hour (as reported by Zippia). This figure provides a benchmark for earning potential within the city. It’s also worth noting that the minimum wage rate in Barnwell is $11.5 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage (as reported by Zippia).

The cost of living in Barnwell is generally lower than the U.S. national average. Living costs in Barnwell are approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is largely driven by lower housing costs, which are about 18.8% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Food, energy, transportation, and healthcare expenses also tend to be lower, contributing to Barnwell’s appeal as an affordable place to live.

Climate and Weather

Barnwell experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The hot season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 92°F and lows of 71°F (as reported by Weather Spark and myPerfectWeather).

Conversely, the cooler season lasts for about three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 65°F (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 37°F and highs of 58°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Annual precipitation in Barnwell averages around 48 inches, with the wettest month typically being August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Barnwell

Barnwell County’s public schools serve a student population with varying academic performance. Math proficiency scores in Barnwell County public schools average around 33%, and reading proficiency scores are around 41% (as reported by Niche). These scores are below the state averages for South Carolina.

The school district has an average ranking of 4 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools (as reported by Niche). Barnwell School District 45 has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with 30% of students proficient in math and 44% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked schools in the county include Barnwell High School, Barnwell Elementary School, and Barnwell Primary School.

Demographics of Barnwell

Barnwell is home to a population of approximately 4,613 residents, making it the 106th most populated city in South Carolina (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The racial makeup of Barnwell is diverse, with Black or African American residents constituting about 45.9% and White residents making up approximately 45.8% of the population (as reported by World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent about 3.4% of the residents (as reported by World Population Review).

The median age in Barnwell is around 36.4 years (as reported by World Population Review). The poverty rate in Barnwell is notable, with 23.89% of families living below the poverty line (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income in Barnwell is $52,006 (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review).