![10 Best Places to Buy Rental Property in South Carolina in [2025]](https://homeabroadinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BestPlacesinSC-500x325.jpg)
Key Takeaways:
1. South Carolina offers diverse rental investment opportunities, from student housing in Orangeburg to vacation hotspots like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.
2. Tourism and job growth continue to fuel demand, with over 33 million annual visitors and strong employment projections backed by state data.
3. With HomeAbroad’s local real estate expertise, AI-powered property search, and mortgage options like DSCR loans, the investment process is streamlined.
Table of Contents
South Carolina is emerging as a prime destination for real estate investors in 2025, thanks to its blend of affordable housing, strong rental demand, and consistent population growth. With an average home value of $303,126 and an average monthly rent of $1,875, the state offers solid rental yields that appeal to both first-time and seasoned investors.
Attractions like Myrtle Beach Safari, where visitors can interact with rare animals in a lush, guided preserve, add a unique flair that keeps the tourism scene vibrant year-round. This consistent visitor flow supports a thriving short-term rental market while long-term demand stays strong across college towns and military hubs.
Here are the 10 best places in South Carolina for rental property investment to help you make smart, profitable decisions in 2025.
1. Florence
Florence is known as a regional healthcare hub, home to major hospitals and medical centers. This creates steady demand for long-term rentals from healthcare workers and relocating families. Investors benefit from low home prices and high rental yields, especially with single-family homes near medical facilities.
- Median Home Value: $177,688
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,574
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 10.63%
- STR Suitability: Low (healthcare hub, limited tourism). Focus on long-term rentals.
- Key Insight: Single-family homes near medical facilities attract stable tenants.
2. Orangeburg
Orangeburg is anchored by South Carolina State University and Claflin University, giving it a strong student population. Its affordability and consistent demand for housing near campus make it ideal for investors focused on long-term or student rentals, particularly small multifamily properties.
- Median Home Value: $144,219
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,022
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 8.50%
- STR Suitability: Low (student-focused, minimal tourism).
- Key Insight: Small multifamily units near South Carolina State University lease quickly.
3. Sumter
Sumter thrives on the presence of Shaw Air Force Base, which fuels reliable rental demand from military families and personnel. Investors can expect low vacancy rates and stable cash flow, especially with properties located close to the base.
- Median Home Value: $187,482
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,322
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 8.46%
- STR Suitability: Low (military-driven, limited tourism).
- Key Insight: Single-family homes near the base offer low vacancy risks.
4. Columbia
As the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia is a vibrant city with a balanced mix of student renters, government employees, and tourists. Both short-term and long-term rentals perform well here, especially in popular neighborhoods like Five Points or near downtown.
- Median Home Value: $251,811
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,505
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 7.17%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $2,700
- STR Vacancy Rate: 41%
- STR Yield: 7.59%
- Key Insight: Properties in Five Points or near campus attract students and tourists.
Many of my clients looking to invest choose Columbia for its mix of student, government, and tourist demand. I always advise investors to focus on areas near the University of South Carolina or the Five Points neighborhood where demand is stable year-round.
5. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a luxury vacation destination known for its beaches, golf resorts, and upscale lifestyle. Its strong tourism market supports high-performing short-term rentals, while long-term yields remain healthy due to the area’s affluence and seasonal demand.
- Median Home Value: $520,172
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $3,067
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 7.07%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $7,400
- STR Vacancy Rate: 32%
- STR Yield: 11.61%
- Key Insight: High-end condos near resorts maximize STR returns.
6. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a top-tier tourist destination on the East Coast, attracting millions of visitors yearly. Its beachfront condos and resort-style properties generate excellent short-term rental income, while long-term rentals remain a viable option for service workers and year-round residents.
- Median Home Value: $331,088
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,870
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 6.78%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $4,500
- STR Vacancy Rate: 35%
- STR Yield: 10.60%
- Key Insight: Beachfront properties or condos near attractions excel for STRs.
7. Aiken
Famous for its equestrian culture and Southern charm, Aiken draws in retirees and seasonal visitors. This creates steady demand for long-term rentals, especially duplexes and smaller homes near the historic downtown area, with moderate potential for short-term stays.
- Median Home Value: $263,929
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,439
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 6.54%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $2,200
- STR Vacancy Rate: 44%
- STR Yield: 5.60%
- Key Insight: Duplexes near downtown attract retirees and seasonal visitors.
8. Greenville
Greenville combines a thriving economy, growing job market, and strong cultural scene, making it one of South Carolina’s most attractive cities for renters. With demand from both professionals and tourists, it’s ideal for investors in either short-term or long-term rentals, particularly near downtown.
- Median Home Value: $299,884
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,526
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 6.11%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $2,900
- STR Vacancy Rate: 40%
- STR Yield: 6.96%
- Key Insight: Multifamily units near downtown ensures high occupancy.
9. Charleston
Charleston is celebrated for its rich history, thriving tech sector, and coastal appeal. With strong demand from students, remote workers, and vacationers, both long-term and short-term rentals perform well. Properties in historic areas or up-and-coming suburbs attract a wide range of tenants.
- Median Home Value: $440,237
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $2,228
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 6.07%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $4,200
- STR Vacancy Rate: 38%
- STR Yield: 7.10%
- Key Insight: Properties in historic districts or suburbs attract diverse renters.
10. Spartanburg
Spartanburg is experiencing growth in the manufacturing sector, led by companies like BMW. Its low home prices and increasing job opportunities support long-term rental demand, especially for single-family homes near major employers. Short-term rental potential is limited but steady.
- Median Home Value: $268,909
- Average Monthly Rent (Long-Term): $1,306
- Long-Term Rental Yield: 5.83%
- STR Average Monthly Revenue: $2,400
- STR Vacancy Rate: 43%
- STR Yield: 6.10%
- Key Insight: Single-family homes near BMW’s plant offer reliable cash flow.
Conclusion
South Carolina’s real estate market stands out in 2025 with its combination of steady job growth, booming tourism, and diverse rental demand. With over 2.6 million projected jobs by 2032 and millions of annual visitors, the state offers a reliable environment for both long-term and short-term rental strategies.
At HomeAbroad, we make that journey simpler. Our expert local agents and AI-driven property search platform help you identify the right opportunities faster. We also offer financing options like DSCR loans that don’t require income verification, making it easier for investors to get started with ease.
FAQs
What type of rental property performs best in South Carolina?
Single-family homes near colleges, military bases, or tourist hotspots tend to perform well, depending on whether you’re targeting long-term or short-term renters.
Can I invest in South Carolina real estate if I’m not a US resident?
Yes, non-residents can invest in South Carolina real estate. At HomeAbroad we help international buyers find properties and offer financing options without income verification.
What is the average rental yield in South Carolina?
Rental yields vary by city, but the average rental yield across South Carolina is approximately 7.42%, making it an attractive state for both short-term and long-term real estate investors.
At HomeAbroad, we ensure the reliability of our content by relying on primary sources such as government data, industry reports, firsthand accounts from our network of experts, and interviews with specialists. We also incorporate original research from respected publishers when relevant. Discover more about our commitment to delivering precise and impartial information in our editorial policy.
South Carolina Data Trends
Zillow: Zillow Housing Data
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