RentData

Average Rent in Chester County, SC↑ Rents rising 4.5% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 32,177

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Chester County, SC has rental prices ranging from $844/month to $1,593/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $850/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,216/year, spending $850/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Chester County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,103/month, Chester County ranks #12 most expensive of the 38 cities tracked in South Carolina — pricier than 65% of all US cities in our data.

The Chester County Rental Market

The Chester County, SC area has a population of about 32,177 and 22% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Chester County, SC have risen by $47/month (4.5%) over the past year, from $1,056 to $1,103. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Chester County, SC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,000. The local median household income of $51,216 exceeds that threshold by $17,216, making Chester County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Chester County, SC has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 1.3 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$844
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$850
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,103
↑4.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,515
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,593
Average
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Is Chester County, SC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$44,120/year
Local median income: $51,216
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,103/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SClargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Anderson$972$1,012$1,102$1,444—
Greenville$1,329$1,384$1,507$1,801—
Columbia$992$1,126$1,226$1,546—
Charleston$1,661$1,731$1,884$2,336—
Myrtle Beach$1,155$1,258$1,504$1,823—
Spartanburg$1,055$1,099$1,196$1,457—

Rent or Buy in Chester County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Chester County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,103/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,103/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Chester County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Chester County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Chester County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SC

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⚖️Compare Chester County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋SC Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections