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City Report · SC

Seneca

Pop. 8,993·51st most expensive in South Carolina·Seneca rents are up 5.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,493/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.3%
Month-over-Month
-4.5%
vs US Median
-$472
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Seneca · $1,493
More affordable than 76% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Seneca's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,493/mo
Expected by trend
$1,491/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Seneca's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$840
1 BR
$880
2 BR
$1,060
3 BR
$1,310
4 BR+
$1,540
Research median
$1,060/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,916/yr
At $1,493/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 5.3% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.3% YoY, -4.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Seneca, SC is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
8,993
Median income
$52,022
Median age
39.6
Renters
48.6%
Age distribution
18.5%
24.7%
23.6%
12.8%
20.4%
Under 1818.5%
18–3424.7%
35–5423.6%
55–6412.8%
65+20.4%
Gender
44.9%
55.1%
Male44.9%
Female55.1%
Race & ethnicity
73.4%
17.5%
White73.4%
Black17.5%
Hispanic6.4%
Asian0.8%
Other1.8%
Education (25+)
13.1%
25%
32.7%
29.1%
No HS diploma13.1%
HS diploma25%
Some college32.7%
Bachelor's+29.1%
Housing tenure
51.4%
48.6%
Owner51.4%
Renter48.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Seneca, SC has changed in 5 years

Income
$48,816 → $52,022
up 6.6%
Population
8,734 → 8,993
up 3.0%
Renter share
41.2% → 48.6%
+7.4 pts
Bachelor's+
27.4% → 29.1%
+1.7 pts

Census figures show median household income at $52,022 today, compared with $48,816 five years earlier. The population has grown by 3.0% since 2021, moving from about 8,734 residents to roughly 8,993. Renters now make up 48.6% of households, compared with 41.2% five years ago.

Community

Discussions about Seneca

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

Can you afford rent in Seneca on your salary?

At $1,493/mo, how Seneca rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Seneca rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Seneca

About renting in Seneca, SC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Seneca is $1,493/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $840/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,060/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $880/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,310/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($52,022/yr), Seneca ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Seneca an affordable city for renters?

Seneca is considered moderate for renters. At $1,493/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($52,022/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Seneca slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Seneca?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $60,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,493/mo in Seneca. The local median household income is $52,022/yr, meaning the typical Seneca household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Seneca?

Rent in Seneca has increased 5.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Seneca neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Seneca are 29678 ($1,435/mo), and 29672 ($1,492/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Seneca is $1,493/mo.

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

Seneca is one of the more affordable cities in South Carolina for rent, ranking #51 out of 67 tracked cities at $1,493/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Seneca?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Seneca ($1,493/mo): Anderson ($1,264/mo), Central ($1,342/mo).

What percentage of Seneca residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 48.6% of Seneca households are renters, while 51.4% are owner-occupied. Seneca leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Seneca rent compare to the national average?

Seneca's median rent of $1,493/mo is $472 (24%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within South Carolina, it ranks #51 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,493/mo, rent takes ~34% of Seneca's median household income ($52,022/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Seneca 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.2%
Run the Seneca affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Seneca
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Seneca, SC

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