Is Conway Safe, Pros and cons of living in Conway
Conway, South Carolina, offers a blend of Southern charm and coastal proximity, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of popular attractions. The city provides a distinct character shaped by its history and its growing community.
This analysis delves into the various facets of life in Conway, providing insights into safety, cost of living, employment, education, and climate. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to this South Carolina city.
Is it Safe to Live in Conway?
Conway’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some statistics indicating higher-than-average rates compared to national figures. The overall crime rate is reported to be 14.2% higher than the national average, with violent crime rates specifically being 23.8% higher (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other reports suggest that Conway’s violent crime rate is lower than the state average (as reported by Axelrod & Associates, P.A.).
When considering safety, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Residents generally consider the east part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Conway varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 26 in the northeast neighborhoods to 1 in 42 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Conway
The cost of living in Conway is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Conway’s overall cost of living index is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses in Conway are notably lower, being 30% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
While housing is affordable, utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, at 16% higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, however, are lower, with bus fares and gas prices being 7% less than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are slightly higher than the national average, by 3% (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Conway’s housing market offers more affordable options compared to many other areas. The median home value in Conway is $260,900, which is significantly lower than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). Similarly, the median rent for an apartment in Conway is $1,845 per month, which is 7.75% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
In March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Conway was $278,000, a decrease of 8.2% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Conway typically sell after about 125 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Conway offers a range of opportunities across various sectors. The average annual salary in Conway is approximately $46,515, which breaks down to about $22.36 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Conway was reported at 8.1% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons).
Major employers in the Conway area include Horry County School District, Horry County Government, and Coastal Carolina University (as reported by the Conway Chamber of Commerce). Other significant employers include Horry Telephone Cooperative and Conway Medical Center (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).
Major Employers
Key institutions like Horry County School District and Horry County Government provide substantial employment opportunities within the region. Coastal Carolina University is also a significant employer, contributing to the educational and professional landscape of Conway (as reported by the Conway Chamber of Commerce).
Horry Telephone Cooperative is another major employer, recognized as a leading telecommunications provider. Conway Medical Center serves as a vital healthcare hub, offering numerous employment positions within its network of facilities (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).
Climate in Conway
Conway experiences a warm temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are mild and short (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Time and Date). The average temperature ranges from a low of 35°F in January to a high of 91°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation in Conway is around 56 inches, with August being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, averaging about 1 inch annually, primarily occurring in January and December (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
During the summer months, daily high temperatures frequently exceed 83°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 89°F and a low of 71°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The cooler season lasts about three months, from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 63°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 37°F and a high of 56°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Conway receives a significant amount of rainfall, averaging 1364 mm annually (as reported by Weather and Climate). August is the wettest month, with approximately 172 mm of precipitation over 14 days, while January is drier with about 72 mm over 10 days (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Education in Conway
Conway is served by the Horry County School District, which encompasses a range of educational institutions. Public schools in Conway have an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools (as reported by Niche). The district includes numerous elementary, middle, and high schools.
Some of the top-ranked public schools in Conway include HCS Early College High School and Conway High School (as reported by Niche). The district aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, with various schools offering specialized programs and advanced learning opportunities.
School Ratings
Public schools in Conway generally receive good ratings, with an average of 7/10 (as reported by Niche). These schools perform well in terms of state test scores and student progress, often meeting or exceeding state averages in key subjects. For instance, Conway Elementary School received an overall rating of “Good” for the 2018-2019 school year (as reported by SC School Report Cards).
Horry County Schools, the district serving Conway, is ranked #15 among the best school districts in South Carolina (as reported by Niche). This ranking is based on factors such as state test scores, college readiness, and teacher quality, indicating a commitment to educational excellence within the district.
Demographics of Conway
Conway has a diverse population, with a significant portion identifying as White, followed by Black or African American residents. As of 2024, the population was approximately 27,263 (as reported by Data Commons). The racial makeup includes about 62.0% White, 24.7% Black, 5.4% Hispanic, and smaller percentages of other groups (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Conway is 32.5 years (as reported by Data Commons), suggesting a relatively young population. The gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females than males.
Population and Age Distribution
Conway’s population has seen growth, with an estimated 27,263 residents in 2024, an increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The median age of 32.5 years indicates a community with a mix of younger and middle-aged adults (as reported by Data Commons).
The age distribution shows that about 12.5% of residents are children under 15, with a significant segment in the 15 to 24 age group, followed by adults in the 25 to 64 brackets (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 16.8% of the population is aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Conway
Living in Conway offers several advantages, including a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing. The city’s proximity to Myrtle Beach provides access to coastal amenities without the higher costs associated with beachfront living (as reported by Travel Safe – Abroad). Conway also retains a classic Southern charm, offering a more relaxed pace of life.
However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. Crime rates in Conway are reported to be higher than the national average in some metrics, necessitating neighborhood-specific research for safety concerns (as reported by AreaVibes and Niche). While generally affordable, utility costs can be higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).