Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Sumter, SC
The median monthly rent in Sumter, SC is $1,410, translating to $16,920 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.69% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Sumter spend approximately 34% of the local median household income ($49,486) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Sumter is 5.5%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 1.9% annually is actively adding rental demand.
Sumter's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 12.1x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,410/mo, a single-family rental in Sumter generates approximately $16,920 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.5% vacancy ($931 lost), property taxes of $1,168, insurance (~$820), and maintenance (~$820), the estimated NOI is $13,181 per year, or $1,098/mo.
Sumter vs South Carolina state average and national average across key investment metrics. Sumter outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.