Average Rent in Union County, SC↑ Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in SC
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 26,990
Market Overview
Union County, SC has rental prices ranging from $640/month to $1,237/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $711/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $41,200/year, spending $711/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Union County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Union County ranks #36 most expensive of the 38 cities tracked in South Carolina — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.
The Union County Rental Market
The Union County, SC area has a population of about 26,990 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Union County, SC have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $905 to $933. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Union County, SC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,440. The local median household income of $41,200 exceeds that threshold by $12,760, making Union County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Union County, SC has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, 2.0 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 FY2025Is Union County, SC Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in SClargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $787 | $792 | $947 | $1,204 | — |
| Greenville | $1,136 | $1,180 | $1,306 | $1,599 | — |
| Columbia | $1,063 | $1,172 | $1,298 | $1,656 | — |
| Charleston | $1,583 | $1,644 | $1,820 | $2,255 | — |
| Myrtle Beach | $1,133 | $1,199 | $1,406 | $1,771 | — |
| Spartanburg | $1,053 | $1,094 | $1,211 | $1,493 | — |
Rent or Buy in Union County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Union County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Union County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Union CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in SCSee how Union County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Union CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋SC Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections