Is Bennettsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bennettsville

Bennettsville, South Carolina, offers a glimpse into a town with a distinct character and a cost of living that may appeal to those seeking affordability. Nestled in Marlboro County, this city presents a unique blend of Southern charm and everyday practicality. Understanding the nuances of its community, economy, and environment is key for anyone considering a relocation to this part of the Palmetto State.

The city’s identity is shaped by its demographics, economic landscape, and climate. While Bennettsville may not be a bustling metropolis, it provides a distinct living experience with its own set of advantages and considerations. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what life in Bennettsville might entail, covering essential aspects for potential new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Bennettsville?

Safety in Bennettsville is a significant concern, with crime rates considerably higher than national averages. The city experiences a crime rate of 75.00 per 1,000 residents annually (according to AreaVibes). This places Bennettsville in the bottom 2% for safety among U.S. cities, indicating a much higher crime rate than the average American city (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest area.

Specifically, the violent crime rate in Bennettsville is 995 per 100,000 people, ranking it among the most dangerous cities in the nation and in the bottom 10% of U.S. cities that report crime (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 101 (according to AreaVibes). Property crime also remains a concern, with a rate of 3561 per 100,000 residents, which is 102.3% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing in Bennettsville

Bennettsville presents a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in Bennettsville is approximately 16% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and healthcare.

Housing costs in Bennettsville are particularly attractive, being significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The median home value in Bennettsville is around $81,007, showing a decrease of 6.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is $139.9K, with a median rental price of $825 per month (according to Zumper and Zillow). This makes Bennettsville a more accessible option for homebuyers and renters compared to many other areas.

Renters will find Bennettsville to be quite affordable, with the median rent being $825 per month (as reported by Zumper). This figure is substantially lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those preferring to rent. The average household income in Bennettsville is approximately $37,115 (as reported by World Population Review), and households that rent typically allocate about 20.87% of their income to rent (as reported by the source providing home value data). This suggests a reasonable rent burden for many residents.

Employment and Economic Landscape

The job market in Bennettsville is characterized by a diverse range of industries, though the city has experienced a slight decline in employment. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Bennettsville declined by approximately 1.34%, with the number of employees decreasing from 2.53k to 2.5k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Other Services (as reported by Data USA).

Key job roles within Bennettsville include Production Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Personal Care & Service Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Bennettsville is around $38,000 annually, with an average hourly pay of $18.0 (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $44.8K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter), suggesting a range in earning potential.

Major employers in the area contribute significantly to the local economy. Manufacturing firms like Mohawk Industries, Andritz, and Imerys are prominent, along with companies such as Marley Engineered Products and Palmetto Brick (as listed on Indeed.com). These industries provide a substantial number of jobs for the local workforce, supporting the economic stability of the region.

Climate and Environment

Bennettsville experiences a climate that is typical of the southeastern United States, with warm summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 33°F to 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages around 46 inches, with minimal snowfall, typically about 1 inch (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Bennettsville can be quite warm and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging highs of 92°F and lows of 71°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are generally short and milder, with January seeing average highs of 55°F and lows of 33°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The weather is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round, with August typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.2 inches of rain (as reported by Country Studies).

Education and Demographics

The educational landscape in Bennettsville includes public and private school options, though ratings vary. Marlboro County High School is ranked among the lower-performing high schools in South Carolina, ranking 152nd out of 158 (as reported by Carolina School Hub). Bennettsville Intermediate School also receives a low rating, ranking 635th out of 663 elementary schools in South Carolina (as reported by Carolina School Hub).

The demographics of Bennettsville show a significant African American population, comprising approximately 59.22% of residents, followed by White residents at 28.82% (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s population is currently around 7,398, with a slight annual decline (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Bennettsville is 41.6 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The median household income in Bennettsville is $37,115, with a poverty rate of 28.39% (as reported by World Population Review). This indicates a significant portion of the population facing economic challenges. For every 100 females, there are approximately 109.5 males in Bennettsville (as reported by World Population Review).