Is Cayce Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cayce

Cayce, South Carolina, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the state capital, Columbia. This city, situated along the Congaree River, provides a distinct living experience for its residents. Understanding the various facets of life in Cayce, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and educational landscape, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Midlands region of South Carolina.

The city’s character is shaped by its demographics, climate, and the economic factors that influence its community. As part of the larger Columbia metropolitan area, Cayce benefits from the resources and amenities of a larger city while maintaining its own unique identity. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what makes Cayce a notable place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Cayce?

Cayce’s overall crime rate is notably higher than the national average, presenting a significant concern for residents. The city experiences a total crime rate that is 66% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a higher likelihood of both violent and property crimes.

Specifically, Cayce has a violent crime rate of 734 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 104.3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Cayce is 1 in 137, and the chance of being a victim of a property crime is 1 in 36 (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout also indicates that Cayce has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

Home Prices

The housing market in Cayce presents a median home value of $210,165 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 1.6% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Cayce is approximately $254,567 (as of March 31, 2026) (as reported by Zillow). For those looking to purchase property, the median property value was $166,800 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

Rental Market

For renters, the average rent in Cayce, SC, is $1,545 as of April 27, 2026, which is 23% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). However, there has been a slight decrease in rental prices, with a month-over-month change of -$55 and a year-over-year change of -$155 (as reported by Zillow). The average rent for all bedrooms and property types is $1,545 (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Dominion Energy South Carolina, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, is a significant presence in Cayce, having previously been the headquarters for SCANA (as reported by Wikipedia). This utility company provides energy to millions of customers across multiple states. Other large companies with a presence in Cayce include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and Amazon (as reported by Indeed.com and Lensa).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Cayce, SC, is approximately $47,000 per year, or $22.60 per hour (as reported by Zippia). The median household income in Cayce was $62,045 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). As of September 2024, South Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (as reported by the SC Department of Employment and Workforce). The national unemployment rate at that time was 4.2 percent (as reported by the SC Department of Employment and Workforce).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Weather Patterns

Cayce experiences hot and muggy summers, with a hot season lasting from late May to mid-September. The average daily high temperature during this period exceeds 85°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 92°F and a low of 73°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are short and mild, with the cool season occurring from late November to late February. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 37°F and highs around 56°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation

The city is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round. The wetter season spans approximately three months, from late May to late August, with July having an average of 14.0 days with significant precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season extends for about nine months, from late August to late May, with November typically having the fewest wet days, averaging around 6.0 (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Schools

School Ratings

Cayce Elementary School, a public school serving grades PK-5, has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 18% of its students are proficient in math and 26% in reading (as reported by Niche). Brookland-Cayce Senior High School, serving grades 9-12, also has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. At the high school level, 17% of students are proficient in math and 54% in reading (as reported by Niche).

School Districts

Cayce is part of the Lexington County School District No. 2, which serves the city’s students. This district includes Brookland-Cayce Senior High School and Cayce Elementary School. Niche provides overall ratings for school districts, with Lexington County School District One receiving a rating of 4.27 out of 5, and Richland County School District One receiving a rating of 3.77 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

Population and Diversity

As of the most recent data, Cayce is home to approximately 13,741 residents, making it a moderately sized municipality within South Carolina (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with White residents making up about 56.5% of the population, followed by Black residents at 25.7%, and Hispanic residents at 11.7% (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Cayce is 37.7 years (as reported by Data USA).

Citizenship and Foreign-Born Residents

Approximately 95.5% of Cayce residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population in Cayce constitutes about 5.94% of the residents (as reported by Data USA). This percentage is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living

Overall Expenses

The overall cost of living in Cayce, South Carolina, is approximately 15% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This makes Cayce a more affordable place to live compared to many other areas in the United States. Housing expenses are particularly lower, being 47% below the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Housing and Utilities

Housing costs in Cayce are significantly lower than the national average, with expenses being 47% lower (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices in Cayce are about the same as the national average, showing no significant difference (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses are also lower, at 9% below the national average (as reported by PayScale).