Is Batesburg-Leesville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Batesburg-Leesville

Batesburg-Leesville, a town nestled in Lexington and Saluda counties, offers a glimpse into South Carolina’s Midlands region, blending a small-town atmosphere with developing commercial and industrial sectors. Its history is rooted in the consolidation of two distinct towns, Batesburg and Leesville, creating a community that now strives for economic growth and resident satisfaction.

This town’s appeal lies in its accessible location and the ongoing efforts to revitalize its economic landscape. From its agricultural roots, particularly in poultry production, Batesburg-Leesville has evolved, with key employers like Lexington County School District Three and Ansaldo STS contributing to its economic fabric. The community also hosts the annual South Carolina Poultry Festival, celebrating a significant part of its heritage.

Is it Safe to Live in Batesburg-Leesville?

The safety of Batesburg-Leesville is a complex picture, with crime rates presenting a significant concern for residents and potential newcomers. The town’s overall crime rate is considerably higher than both the national and state averages. Batesburg-Leesville experiences a crime rate of 56.27 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places it as safer than only 7% of cities in the U.S. (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime rates in Batesburg-Leesville are also notably high, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime reported as 1 in 130 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also elevated, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 36 (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some residents consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, the overall crime statistics indicate a need for heightened awareness.

Violent Crime Details

The statistics on violent crime in Batesburg-Leesville reveal a concerning trend. The town’s violent crime rate is 115.1% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, there were 41 reported violent crimes, equating to 772 per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes).

These violent offenses include assault, robbery, rape, and murder. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 132 (according to DoorProfit), which is significantly higher than the national average. This elevated risk necessitates a proactive approach to personal safety within the community.

Property Crime Details

Property crime in Batesburg-Leesville also warrants attention, contributing to the town’s higher-than-average crime rate. The rate of property crime is 57.3% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes), with 147 property crimes recorded, amounting to 2,769 per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes).

These incidents encompass theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 36 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Batesburg-Leesville is $892 per year, which is $428 more than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing

Batesburg-Leesville presents a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living is approximately 20% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). This is largely driven by significantly lower housing expenses.

Housing expenses in Batesburg-Leesville are about 59% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). The median home value in Batesburg-Leesville is $135,100 (according to Data USA). The median rent price is $958 per month (according to Niche), which is considerably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (according to Trulia).

Housing Costs and Ownership

The housing market in Batesburg-Leesville offers a median home value of $135,100 (according to Data USA), with a homeownership rate of 68.4% (according to Data USA). This indicates a strong tendency for residents to own their homes rather than rent.

For those looking to rent, the median gross rent is $932 per month (according to Data USA). The rental market shows a range of options, with townhomes being the most affordable at $950 per month and houses being the most expensive at $1,200 per month (according to Trulia).

Affordability and Expenses

Beyond housing, other cost-of-living factors contribute to Batesburg-Leesville’s affordability. Utility prices are approximately 0% higher than the national average (according to PayScale), meaning they are on par with the national average. Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are about 9% lower than the national average (according to PayScale).

The median household income in Batesburg-Leesville is $49,646 (according to Data USA), and the poverty rate is 15.1% (according to Niche). While the income is lower than some larger metropolitan areas, the lower cost of living helps to balance this out for residents.

Job Market and Economy

Batesburg-Leesville’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing and healthcare playing significant roles. The town employs approximately 2,120 people, with manufacturing being the largest industry, employing 474 individuals (according to Data USA). Health Care & Social Assistance and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services also represent substantial employment sectors.

The average salary in Batesburg-Leesville is $62,144 per year, or $30 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The highest paying industries include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, which offers an average salary of $86,625, followed by Retail Trade and Manufacturing (according to Data USA).

Major Employers

Lexington County School District Three stands as a primary employer in Batesburg-Leesville, operating multiple schools and a district office (according to Wikipedia). Ansaldo STS, a manufacturing company, also has a significant presence with a large facility in the town (according to Wikipedia).

The poultry industry is a notable economic driver, with Amick Farms and Columbia Farms operating large processing plants, contributing to Lexington County’s status as a top poultry producer in the state (according to Wikipedia). These businesses are crucial for local employment and the town’s economic stability.

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Batesburg-Leesville is reported at 2% (according to Niche), which is generally considered low. However, other sources indicate a slightly higher unemployment rate of 5.7% among residents aged 16 or older who are in the labor force (according to Batesburg-Leesville Population History). The median wage in Batesburg-Leesville is $41.2K per year (according to ZipRecruiter).

While the average salary can reach over $62,000 annually (according to ERI SalaryExpert), there’s a wide range of pay scales across different professions. For instance, a Laborer at The Town of Batesburg-Leesville can expect to earn approximately $23.75 per hour, which is 37% above the national average (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Environment

Batesburg-Leesville experiences a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters, with generally wet and partly cloudy conditions throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 35°F to 90°F, rarely dropping below 22°F or exceeding 97°F (according to Weather Spark). The hot season lasts for about 3.8 months, from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 83°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs of 90°F and lows of 70°F. The cool season spans approximately three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 61°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 35°F and highs of 54°F (according to Weather Spark).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Batesburg-Leesville, with some seasonal variation. The wettest month is typically August, with an average of 3.6 inches of rain. Conversely, May experiences the least amount of rainfall, averaging 2.7 inches (according to Weather Spark).

The month with the most precipitation is June, with an average of 5.26 inches. The clearer part of the year generally runs from early August to late November, with October being the clearest month. The cloudier period extends from late November to early August, with January being the cloudiest month (according to Weather Spark).

Seasonal Variations

The transition between seasons in Batesburg-Leesville is marked by distinct temperature and weather patterns. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times of the year. Summers are hot and can be humid, requiring residents to adapt to warmer conditions.

Winters are cold, though typically not severe, with occasional frost and the rare chance of light snowfall. The overall climate is conducive to outdoor activities for much of the year, with the understanding that summer heat and humidity, as well as winter chill, are to be expected.

Education and Schools

Batesburg-Leesville’s educational landscape is overseen by Lexington County School District Three, which serves the community’s K-12 students. The district has shown positive progress in state ratings, with Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School improving its overall rating from “Below Average” to “Good,” and Batesburg-Leesville Middle School also moving from “Average” to “Good” (according to Batesburg-Leesville Schools Demonstrate Positive Progress). These improvements highlight academic growth and better student performance on state assessments.

Batesburg-Leesville High School, while maintaining an “Average” rating, demonstrates strong results in key indicators. Over 91% of its students graduate on time, and 80% meet College or Career Readiness standards, surpassing many state-level comparisons (according to Batesburg-Leesville Schools Demonstrate Positive Progress). The student-teacher ratio at the high school is 12:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average (according to Public School Review).

Elementary and Middle School Performance

Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School, serving grades 3-5, has seen a notable improvement in its state report card rating, moving to “Good” (according to Batesburg-Leesville Schools Demonstrate Positive Progress). The school has 429 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 34% of students are proficient in math and 35% in reading (according to Niche).

Batesburg-Leesville Middle School has also achieved a “Good” rating, reflecting its academic progress. These improvements suggest a positive trajectory for the younger students within the district, with a focus on enhancing foundational learning.

High School Academics and Graduation

Batesburg-Leesville High School is rated as “Above Average” by Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (according to Niche). State test scores show that 15% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading (according to Niche). The school’s graduation rate is 87% (according to Homes.com), with 80% of graduates meeting college or career readiness standards (according to Batesburg-Leesville Schools Demonstrate Positive Progress).

While math proficiency scores may be lower than some other areas, the reading proficiency and graduation rates are strong. The school is part of Lexington County School District No. 3 and is rated B on Niche (according to Homes.com).

Demographics and Population

Batesburg-Leesville is home to a population of approximately 4,941 residents, reflecting a slight decrease from the 5,270 recorded in the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots). The town’s population is diverse, with a significant presence of both White and Black or African American residents. White residents make up about 47.2% of the population, while Black or African American residents constitute around 40.0% (according to Census Dots).

The demographic makeup also includes Hispanic residents at 8.2% and Multiracial individuals at 4.6% (according to Census Dots). Compared to the state and national averages, Batesburg-Leesville is considerably more diverse, particularly in its Hispanic and Multiracial populations, which have seen growth since the 2020 Census.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Batesburg-Leesville shows a near-even split between White and Black or African American populations. White residents account for 47.89%, and Black or African American residents make up 39.99% (according to World Population Review). Other racial groups, including those of two or more races and other single races, constitute the remaining percentage.

The town ranks within the state for its percentage of White and Black residents, being more diverse than some neighboring towns but less so than others. The Hispanic population has experienced growth, increasing its share of the town’s population (according to Census Dots).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Batesburg-Leesville is 40.4 years, with males having a median age of 39.4 and females at 43.3 years (according to World Population Review). The population distribution shows that approximately 16.6% are children under 15, with a significant portion of the adult population falling into the 45 to 64 age bracket (approximately 32.4%) (according to Point2Homes).

Gender-wise, there are fewer males than females in Batesburg-Leesville, with about 65.4 males for every 100 females (according to World Population Review). This age and gender distribution can influence the community’s social dynamics and lifestyle.

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

Batesburg-Leesville’s economy is significantly supported by its manufacturing sector and its role in the poultry industry. Lexington County School District Three is a major employer, providing essential services to the community’s youth (according to Wikipedia). Ansaldo STS also contributes substantially with its manufacturing facility, highlighting the town’s industrial base (according to Wikipedia).

The presence of large poultry processing plants, such as Amick Farms and Columbia Farms, underscores the town’s historical ties to agriculture and its continued economic importance in this sector (according to Wikipedia). These industries not only provide jobs but also contribute to the local economy through various related businesses and services.

Industrial and Manufacturing Presence

The Batesburg-Leesville Industrial Park is a key area for economic development, attracting businesses like Fisher Tank Company and C.R. Jackson Inc. (according to Lexington County Economic Development). These companies specialize in manufacturing and construction, contributing to job creation and economic growth within the region.

Other manufacturing businesses in the area include J. B. Martin Company, Palmetto Shirt Company, Ridge Manufacturing Co., Inc., and South Carolina Pole & Piling (according to Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce). This concentration of manufacturing and industrial companies points to a robust sector within the local economy.

Agribusiness and Poultry Sector

The town’s connection to agriculture, particularly poultry production, remains a vital part of its economic identity. Lexington County is a leading poultry producer in South Carolina, partly due to the operations of Amick Farms and Columbia Farms within or near Batesburg-Leesville (according to Wikipedia). The annual South Carolina Poultry Festival celebrates this heritage, drawing visitors and community members together.

This agribusiness focus not only provides direct employment but also supports a network of related businesses, from feed suppliers to transportation services. It represents a foundational element of the local economy, linking the town’s past to its present economic activities.