B-

Shaw Afb, SC

Source:

Affordability Score: 69/100

Population: 2,393 · 1 ZIP codes

The affordability dashboard for Shaw Afb, SC aggregates Census ACS 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code covering 2,393 residents, then layers in county-level federal data to produce an overall grade of B- (69/100). The headline inputs are median household income of $73,592, median home value of , median rent of $1,429 per month, and 51.1% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. These four metrics alone explain most of the variance between city dashboards.

Cross-agency feeds widen the picture beyond Census demographics. HUD publishes a Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in this county at $1,276 per month (studio $880, 1BR $972, 3BR $1,530, 4BR $1,871). Department of Labor data lists infant center-based childcare at $10,344 per year, consuming 14% of the local median household income.

Reading the overall grade requires reading all seven dimensions together. The score weights Income 20%, Safety 20%, Housing 15%, Rent 15%, Education 10%, Commute 10%, and Childcare 10%, with each sub-score benchmarked against national percentiles rather than state averages — so the grade is genuinely comparable across any city in the country. Strengths visible in the raw data for Shaw Afb, SC include education, rent. Unemployment currently reads 4.3% and poverty 6.3% — numbers worth keeping alongside the headline grade.

Score Breakdown

Income C+
$73,592
Median household income
Education A-
51.1%
Bachelor's degree or higher
Housing N/A
N/A
Home value to income ratio
Commute N/A
N/A
Average commute time
Rent B+
$1,276/mo
2BR fair market rent (21% of income)
Safety N/A
N/A
Violent crime rate (county)
Childcare C-
$10,344/yr
Center-based infant care (14% of income)

Income & Employment

Median Income
$73,592
▲ 19% vs national
Per Capita Income
$33,681
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Poverty Rate
6.3%

Housing

Median Home Value
Median Rent
$1,429/mo
Owner Occupied
0.5%
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,276/mo
▲ 6% vs national

Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$880
1BR
$972
2BR
$1,276
3BR
$1,530
4BR
$1,871

Safety

Violent Crime Rate
Data Source
FBI UCR (county-level)

Education & Family

Bachelor's Degree+
51.1%
▲ 21 ppt vs national
High School+
64.1%
Median Age
23.2
Avg. Commute

Childcare Costs

Infant (Center)
$10,344/yr
14% of income
Toddler (Center)
$9,622/yr
Preschool (Center)
$9,418/yr
School-Age (Center)
$7,158/yr

What This Means

Shaw Afb, SC receives an overall affordability grade of B- (69/100), aggregated from 1 ZIP codes with a total population of 2,393. This area performs well in education and rent. Data was unavailable for housing, commute, safety — these dimensions were excluded from the overall score.

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Explore Shaw Afb ZIP Codes
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What are common questions about this dashboard?

Is Shaw Afb, SC affordable?
Shaw Afb, SC receives an overall affordability grade of B- (69/100) based on Census, HUD, FBI, and DOL data. Median household income is $73,592.
What is the cost of living in Shaw Afb?
Key cost metrics: Median rent $1,429/mo. 2BR fair market rent $1,276/mo. Infant childcare $10,344/yr.
How is the affordability score calculated?
The score evaluates 7 dimensions weighted by importance: Income (20%), Safety (20%), Housing (15%), Rent (15%), Education (10%), Commute (10%), and Childcare (10%). Each metric is compared against national percentile benchmarks from Census, HUD, FBI, and DOL data.

Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents. Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report. Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices. Verify with HUD →