South Carolina Housing Market Trends

Real-time market data powered by Zillow Research. Last updated: 2026-04-02

Charleston continues to be South Carolina's hottest market, fueled by tech companies (like Volvo and Boeing's growing presence), a top-ranked food scene, and lifestyle appeal that draws relocators from the Northeast and Midwest. Mount Pleasant and James Island command the highest suburban prices. Greenville has emerged as one of the most livable small cities in the South, with its revitalized downtown, Falls Park, and a diversified manufacturing economy. The Myrtle Beach corridor offers affordable coastal living but is heavily tourism-dependent, creating seasonal fluctuations. Columbia, as the state capital and home to USC, provides consistent, affordable housing anchored by government and education employment.

By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: Zillow Research, U.S. Census

Is Now a Good Time to Buy in South Carolina?

The South Carolina housing market is showing balanced conditions.

home values have been essentially flat (-0.2%) over the past year. there are currently 984 homes on the market.

Median Home Value

$300,562

Zillow Home Value Index

Year-over-Year

-0.2%

Home value change

5-Year Change

+36.3%

Since 2021

Median Rent

$1,348/mo

Zillow Observed Rent Index

Active Listings

984

Homes for sale

Home Value Trends

5-year Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for South Carolina vs. national average. ZHVI reflects the typical home value in the 35th-65th percentile range.

Rent Trends

Average rent in South Carolina: $1,348/mo (+5% YoY)

Rent vs. Buy Analysis

With a median home value of $300,562 and average rent of $1,348/mo, the price-to-rent ratio in South Carolina is 18.6. A ratio of 15-21 means it could go either way — run the numbers.

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