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MarketsSouth CarolinaSumterRental Property Investment Guide

Rental Property Investment Guide: Sumter, SC

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Sumter, SC

Cap Rate
6.43%
Median Price
$205K
Rent/Mo
$1,410
1% Rule
0.69%
Fails

Market Snapshot

Sumter sits in the South with a population of 50,000 growing rapidly at 1.9% annually. The median home costs $205,000 while rents average $1,410/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 6.43%. This puts Sumter in the upper tier of investable US markets.

Who Should Invest Here

Sumter appeals to balanced investors who want both cash flow and appreciation. The 1.9% annual population growth signals rising demand, while the 6.43% cap rate means deals can cash flow with the right structure. Look for properties below the median price point where rents are strong relative to the purchase price.

Deal Criteria for Sumter

Target properties priced 15-25% below the $205,000 median — around $164,000 or less. At this price point with $1,410/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 8.4%. Factor in 0.57% property taxes ($1,168/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 5.5% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,288.

Risks and Considerations

Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.

Next Steps

Run the numbers on a specific Sumter property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Sumter data). Compare Sumter against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.

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How Sumter Compares

Sumter vs South Carolina state average and national average across key investment metrics. Sumter outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.

Metric
Sumter
South Carolina Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
6.43%
4.94%
3.81%
Median Price
$205K
$298K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,410
$1,554
$1,524
Property Tax
0.57%
0.57%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.5%
5.5%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
1.9%/yr
1.9%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby South Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Sumter, SC
6.4%
$205K
$1,410
0.57%
Montgomery, AL
6.3%
$205K
$1,380
0.41%
Columbus, GA
5.0%
$205K
$1,230
0.91%
Brownsville, TX
5.3%
$205K
$1,420
1.64%
Owensboro, KY
5.7%
$205K
$1,330
0.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sumter, SC a good place to invest in rental property?
Sumter has an estimated cap rate of 6.43%, which is above the national average of 3.81%. With median home prices at $205K and rents of $1,410/mo, Sumter offers strong cash flow fundamentals for rental investors. Population growth of 1.9% and 5.5% vacancy rate indicate healthy tenant demand.
What is the average cap rate in Sumter?
The estimated cap rate for Sumter is 6.43%, based on median home prices of $205K, median rents of $1,410/mo, a 0.57% property tax rate, and 5.5% vacancy. This compares to a 4.94% average across South Carolina and 3.81% nationally. Cap rates for individual properties will vary based on purchase price, actual rents, and property condition.
How much does a rental property cost in Sumter?
The median home price in Sumter is $205,000, which is 39% below the national average of $333,419. A 20% down payment would be approximately $41,000. Investment properties in Sumter range significantly — targeting properties 15-25% below median can improve your cap rate substantially.
What are Sumter property taxes for investors?
Sumter's effective property tax rate is 0.57%, which is above the South Carolina average of 0.57% and below the national average of 1.08%. On a $205K property, annual taxes are approximately $1,168 ($97/mo). Low property taxes are a significant cash flow advantage here.
Full Sumter Analysis →Cap Rate CalculatorBRRRR Calculator

Explore Sumter & Related Markets

More Sumter Guides

Rent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideCost of Living & AffordabilityAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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