Is Spartanburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spartanburg

Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers a blend of Southern charm and growing economic opportunity. Located in the Upstate region, it provides access to both natural beauty and a developing urban environment. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and a community that is actively working towards progress.

This analysis delves into key aspects of living in Spartanburg, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to this dynamic South Carolina city.

Is it Safe to Live in Spartanburg?

Spartanburg, SC, faces significant challenges regarding crime rates. Violent crime in Spartanburg is substantially above the national average, with a rate of 334.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 214.9% higher than the national figure (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Property crime also presents a concern, with a rate of 586.0 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 258.2% (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).

Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Spartanburg is approximately 1 in 68, and the chance of being a victim of any crime (violent or property) is about 1 in 15 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s overall crime rate is considered high when compared to other communities nationwide and within South Carolina (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These statistics contribute to Spartanburg receiving an “F” safety grade (High Risk) based on recent FBI crime data (as reported by PlainCrime).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Spartanburg presents a mix of affordability and market activity. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Spartanburg was $233,000, reflecting a 10.0% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Spartanburg typically sell within 70 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the average rent for all property types in Spartanburg is approximately $1,400 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a relatively stable rental market, with some month-to-month fluctuations. The range for rental prices spans from $380 to $2,995, offering a variety of options for different budgets (as reported by Zillow).

In Spartanburg County, the median home price was $293,000 in March 2026, showing a slight increase of 2.0% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median rental price across the county stands at $1,650 per month, with a year-over-year decrease of 10.96% (as reported by the Realtor Hotness Index). This suggests improving affordability for renters in the broader county area.

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Spartanburg’s economy is robust, driven by a diverse range of industries and a growing number of major employers. The city is a significant international business center, home to prominent companies such as BMW Manufacturing Company, LLC, Milliken, and Michelin (as reported by OneSpartanburg, Inc.). Key sectors contributing to the local economy include automotive, advanced materials, distribution, energy, biosciences, and aerospace (as reported by OneSpartanburg, Inc.).

The average hourly wage in the Spartanburg, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area was $26.68 in May 2024, which is lower than the national average of $32.66 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, the unemployment rate in Spartanburg County was 5.5% as of January 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This figure is slightly lower than the long-term average for the county, indicating a relatively stable employment situation (as reported by YCharts).

Significant economic development continues in Spartanburg County, with substantial capital investment and job creation reported. In 2024, the county attracted 23 economic development projects totaling $745 million and creating 1,220 new jobs (as reported by OneSpartanburg, Inc.). Downtown Spartanburg has also seen considerable growth, with construction projects since 2017 having an estimated economic impact of over $1.77 billion countywide and supporting 13,706 jobs (as reported by OneSpartanburg, Inc.).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Spartanburg experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, muggy summers and cold, wet winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from a low of 34°F to a high of 90°F, with extreme temperatures rarely falling below 21°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The hot season lasts for approximately 3.6 months, from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures surpassing 83°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows near 70°F. Conversely, the cool season extends for about three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures remaining below 60°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures between 34°F and 53°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Spartanburg, with March typically seeing the most precipitation, averaging around 3.9 inches. May tends to be the driest month, with an average rainfall of about 3.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The area experiences a moderate risk of severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms with high winds, and hail, as documented by the South Carolina State Climatology Office.

Educational Opportunities

Spartanburg offers a range of educational institutions, from public school districts to higher education facilities. Several school districts serve the Spartanburg area, including Spartanburg County School District No. 1, which receives an overall “A minus” grade from Niche, and Spartanburg County School District No. 5, with an overall “B plus” grade (as reported by Niche). Spartanburg School District Seven also holds a highly rated “A minus” overall grade (as reported by Niche).

At the high school level, Spartanburg High School is rated “A minus” by Niche, with 48% of students proficient in math and 67% in reading (as reported by Niche). These districts generally show varying levels of student proficiency in state tests, with some districts performing above the state average in reading and math.

Higher education is also a strong component of Spartanburg’s educational landscape. Major universities popular among students from local school districts include the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Furman University (as reported by Niche). Wofford College is also a significant institution in Spartanburg, awarding 506 degrees in 2023 (as reported by Data USA).

Demographics and Population Trends

Spartanburg County is a growing population center within South Carolina. As of 2024, the county’s population was estimated at 347,852, making it the fifth most populated county in the state (as reported by US Census Bureau data). Projections indicate the population could reach 366,051 by 2026, assuming a consistent growth rate (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The racial and ethnic composition of Spartanburg County is diverse. White residents make up the largest group at 65.3%, followed by Black residents at 19.3%, and Hispanic residents at 9.3% (as reported by US Census Bureau data). The median age in Spartanburg County is 37.8 years (as reported by US Census Bureau data).

In the city of Spartanburg itself, the population was 38,732 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in the city was 35.7 years, with 22.4% of residents under 18 and 17.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income in Spartanburg County was $66,234 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data).