Are you considering moving to South Carolina and trying to decide between Greenville and Anderson? These two cities are located in the upstate region of South Carolina and have a lot to offer. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two cities to help you make an informed decision.

First, let's look at the population and demographics of each city. According to the 2024 Compare Cities Overview, the median age in Anderson is 0.4 years younger than in Greenville. Additionally, Anderson housing costs are 37.9% less expensive than Greenville housing costs. However, the average commute for residents of Anderson is 4.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Greenville.

Now, let's dive into the economic landscape of each city. According to City-Data.com, Greenville has a higher median household income and a lower poverty rate than Anderson. Greenville also has a higher percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher. However, both cities have a similar unemployment rate.

Key Takeaways

• Anderson has lower housing costs, but a longer average commute than Greenville.

• Greenville has a higher median household income and a lower poverty rate than Anderson.

• Both cities have a similar unemployment rate.

Population and Demographics

Population Size

As of 2024, Greenville, SC has a population of 73,589, while Anderson, SC has a population of approximately 27,000. Greenville is the more populous of the two cities, with a larger urban area and a higher population density. Anderson, on the other hand, is a smaller city with a more rural feel.

Age Distribution

The median age in Greenville is 38 years old, which is slightly higher than the national median of 37 years old. Anderson has a slightly older population, with a median age of 41 years old. Both cities have a relatively even distribution of age groups, with no single age group dominating the population.

Diversity Metrics

Greenville has a diverse population, with a mix of White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian residents. Approximately 63% of the population is White, 27% is Black, 6% is Hispanic, and 2% is Asian. Anderson, on the other hand, has a less diverse population, with approximately 70% of residents identifying as White, 25% as Black, and 4% as Hispanic.

Overall, both Greenville and Anderson have relatively small populations with a mix of age groups and a moderate level of diversity.

Cost of Living Comparison

If you are considering moving to either Greenville or Anderson, you may be wondering which city has a lower cost of living. In this section, we will compare the cost of living in these two cities, focusing on housing costs, utility expenses, transportation expenses, and food and grocery prices.

Housing Costs

According to Best Places, the cost of housing in Greenville is 12.9% higher than the national average, while in Anderson, it is 26.9% lower.

This means that you can find more affordable housing in Anderson compared to Greenville. The median home price in Greenville is $197,700, while in Anderson, it is $129,300.

Utility Expenses

When it comes to utility expenses, Anderson is more affordable than Greenville. According to Best Places, the cost of utilities (including electricity, gas, water, and other services) in Anderson is 4.5% lower than the national average, while in Greenville, it is 2.3% higher.

This means that you may save more on your utility bills if you choose to live in Anderson.

Transportation Expenses

If you rely on public transportation or own a car, transportation expenses can be a significant part of your budget. According to Best Places, the cost of transportation in Anderson is 9.5% lower than the national average, while in Greenville, it is 1.1% higher. This means that you may save more on transportation expenses if you choose to live in Anderson.

Food and Grocery Prices

Finally, let's take a look at food and grocery prices. According to Best Places, the cost of groceries in Anderson is 3.6% lower than the national average, while in Greenville, it is 2.8% higher.

This means that you may save more on your grocery bills if you choose to live in Anderson. However, keep in mind that the cost of food and groceries can vary depending on where you shop and what you buy.

Overall, when comparing the cost of living in Greenville and Anderson, Anderson appears to be more affordable in terms of housing costs, utility expenses, transportation expenses, and food and grocery prices.

However, it is important to consider other factors such as job opportunities, schools, and quality of life before making a final decision.

Economic Landscape

Employment Rates

When it comes to employment rates, Greenville has a lower unemployment rate of 4.4%, compared to Anderson's unemployment rate of 5.6%.

This suggests that Greenville may have a stronger job market with more opportunities for job seekers. However, it's important to note that these rates may fluctuate over time and can be impacted by various economic factors.

Average Income

The average household income in Greenville is higher than Anderson's. According to Bestplaces.net, the household income in Anderson is 38% less than it is in Greenville and is 84% below the National Average.

This suggests that Greenville residents may have a higher standard of living compared to Anderson residents. However, it's important to note that the cost of living in each city may also vary, which can impact the purchasing power of the average income.

Key Industries

Both Greenville and Anderson have a diverse range of industries, but some of the key industries in Greenville include healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Greenville is home to several major healthcare systems, including Prisma Health, while education is also a significant industry with institutions like Furman University and Clemson University.

Manufacturing is also a significant industry in Greenville, with companies like BMW and Michelin having a major presence in the area.

In Anderson, some of the key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Anderson is home to several major healthcare systems, including AnMed Health, while manufacturing is also a significant industry in the area, with companies like Bosch and First Quality having a presence in the city.

Retail is also a significant industry in Anderson, with several shopping centers and malls located throughout the city.

Overall, both Greenville and Anderson have a diverse range of industries, which can provide job opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

Quality of Life

Education Systems

Both Greenville and Anderson have good education systems with a variety of public and private schools available. Greenville has a higher number of top-rated schools, including several nationally recognized schools. Anderson also has a good selection of schools, but not as many highly rated ones as Greenville. Both cities have community colleges and universities that offer higher education opportunities.

Healthcare Facilities

Greenville and Anderson have good healthcare facilities with several hospitals and clinics available. Greenville has more hospitals and medical centers than Anderson, including several nationally recognized hospitals. Anderson has fewer healthcare facilities, but still has several good hospitals and clinics.

Crime Rates

Both Greenville and Anderson have relatively low crime rates, with Greenville having a slightly lower crime rate than Anderson. However, crime can still occur in both cities, so it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Recreational Opportunities

Greenville and Anderson have a variety of recreational opportunities available, including parks, lakes, and hiking trails. Greenville has more parks and recreational areas than Anderson, including several large parks with multiple amenities. Anderson also has several parks and lakes that offer recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Both cities have good options for outdoor enthusiasts.

In summary, both Greenville and Anderson offer good quality of life with good education systems, healthcare facilities, low crime rates, and recreational opportunities. However, Greenville has a slight advantage in terms of highly rated schools, more healthcare facilities, and more parks and recreational areas.

Climate and Geography

Weather Patterns

Both Greenville and Anderson are located in the upstate region of South Carolina, which experiences a humid subtropical climate. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild and wet. On average, Greenville and Anderson receive approximately 50 inches of rainfall per year.

According to BestPlaces.net, the average high temperature in Greenville in July is 89 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature in January is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Anderson, the average high temperature in July is 91 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature in January is 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Geographical Features

Greenville and Anderson are both situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provide a scenic backdrop to the cities. The region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous bodies of water, including Lake Hartwell and the Saluda River.

Greenville is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which means that the city has a higher elevation than Anderson. Greenville is also situated in the center of the Upstate region, which makes it an ideal location for exploring other parts of South Carolina and neighboring states.

Anderson is located to the west of Greenville and is known for its historic downtown and proximity to Lake Hartwell.

Overall, both Greenville and Anderson offer residents a beautiful natural setting with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.