Mauldin claims No. 9 spot on list of Best Places to Live in South Carolina
August 2, 2026
The City of Mauldin has earned a spot among the state’s most desirable communities, securing the No. 9 ranking on HomeSnacks’ list of the Best Places to Live in South Carolina for 2026.
The annual report evaluates South Carolina municipalities with populations over 5,000 using publicly available data compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Zillow.
High Marks for Affordability and Safety
HomeSnacks assessed 63 communities statewide across nine key quality-of-life categories. Mauldin stood out for its balance of economic stability, public safety, and overall value for residents.
Key metrics contributing to Mauldin’s top-10 placement include:
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Housing Value: A median home price of $297,318, ranking as the 34th lowest median home price in the state.
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Economic Growth: Strong household stability paired with a low unemployment rate of 4.9% and an above-average median household income of $82,331 per year.
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Public Safety: A crime rate remaining well below the national average, with the majority of reported incidents limited to property crimes.
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Community Amenities: Highly rated public schools, local parks, and a manageable average commute time.
Local Leadership Reacts
City leaders welcomed the statewide recognition, pointing to ongoing investments in municipal infrastructure, downtown development, and public safety.
“This ranking reflects our commitment to making Mauldin a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to call home,” said Mayor Terry Merritt in a statement. “We’re grateful to everyone who helps make our city so special, and we’re excited to continue building an even stronger community together.”
This latest ranking adds to a growing list of statewide accolades for Mauldin, which has previously earned top quality-of-life recognitions from national outlets including USA Today and World Atlas.
