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City Report · SC

Duncan

Pop. 4,310·9th most expensive in South Carolina·Duncan rents are up 12.7% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,003/mo
Year-over-Year
+12.7%
Month-over-Month
+7.8%
vs US Median
+$41
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Duncan · $2,003
More expensive than 59% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
46% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,003/mo, rent takes about 46% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$80,000/yr
Local median income
$52,500/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Duncan's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,280
1 BR
$1,330
2 BR
$1,470
3 BR
$1,810
4 BR+
$1,980
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,470/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,003 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$24,036/yr
At $2,003/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 12.7% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+12.7% YoY, +7.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Duncan, SC is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 29.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
4,310
Median income
$52,500
Median age
34.4
Renters
43.3%
Age distribution
23.8%
28.3%
30.4%
Under 1823.8%
18–3428.3%
35–5430.4%
55–647.6%
65+10%
Gender
55.1%
44.9%
Male55.1%
Female44.9%
Race & ethnicity
56.1%
32.6%
White56.1%
Black32.6%
Hispanic10.3%
Other1%
Education (25+)
32.1%
27.8%
29.5%
No HS diploma10.7%
HS diploma32.1%
Some college27.8%
Bachelor's+29.5%
Housing tenure
56.7%
43.3%
Owner56.7%
Renter43.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Duncan, SC has changed in 5 years

Income
$52,979 → $52,500
down 0.9%
Population
3,937 → 4,310
up 9.5%
Renter share
52.6% → 43.3%
-9.3 pts
Bachelor's+
29.3% → 29.5%
+0.2 pts
Median age
30.5 → 34.4
+3.9 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Duncan, SC now reports about $52,500, up from $52,979 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 3,937 to 4,310 between 2021 and 2024, a 9.5% change. About 43.3% of households rent today, against 52.6% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about Duncan

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View Duncan rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Duncan on your salary?

At $2,003/mo, how Duncan rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Duncan rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Duncan. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Duncan

About renting in Duncan, SC

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Duncan is $2,003/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,280/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,470/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,330/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,810/mo.

At 46% of local median household income ($52,500/yr), Duncan ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 12.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Duncan an affordable city for renters?

Duncan is considered stretched for renters. At $2,003/mo, rent takes approximately 46% of the local median household income ($52,500/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Duncan significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Duncan?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,003/mo in Duncan. The local median household income is $52,500/yr, meaning the typical Duncan household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Duncan?

Rent in Duncan has increased 12.7% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Duncan rent compare to other cities in South Carolina?

Duncan is one of the pricier cities in South Carolina for rent, ranking #9 out of 67 tracked cities at $2,003/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Duncan?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Duncan ($2,003/mo): Boiling Springs ($1,634/mo), Inman ($1,639/mo), Moore ($1,643/mo).

What percentage of Duncan residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.3% of Duncan households are renters, while 56.7% are owner-occupied. Duncan leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Duncan rent compare to the national average?

Duncan's median rent of $2,003/mo is $41 (2%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within South Carolina, it ranks #9 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
46%
STRETCHED

At $2,003/mo, rent takes ~46% of Duncan's median household income ($52,500/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Duncan 46%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.2%
Run the Duncan affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Duncan, SC

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