July 13, 2025

Aiken County Housing Market Surges as Home Prices Rise

News Summary

Aiken County, South Carolina, is witnessing a dramatic increase in its housing market, with average home prices soaring nearly 83% over the past nine years. The current average sales price has reached $279,320. While the national average also increased, local economic factors and fluctuating mortgage rates are influencing purchasing power and market demand. Despite recent weather events affecting real estate activity, Aiken County’s diverse economy shows resilience, indicating a complex future for its housing market.

Aiken County Housing Market Surges as Average Home Prices Rise Nearly 83% Over Nine Years

Aiken County, South Carolina, is experiencing a significant surge in its housing market, with the average sales price of a home reaching $279,320 in 2025. This figure represents an astonishing 82.56% increase from the average home price of $153,000 in 2016. In comparison, the national average home price saw an increase of 88.8% during the same period, growing from $174,319 to $329,128.

Home prices in Aiken County exhibited gradual growth until 2018, but a significant acceleration began in 2020. The rise in prices coincided with favorable mortgage conditions, particularly in 2021 when mortgage rates were approximately 2.96%. This lower rate made homeownership more accessible for many buyers. However, with the recent increase in mortgage rates, buyers are facing challenges as higher rates diminish their purchasing power, diverting more of their payments toward interest rather than the principal.

Economic Factors Influencing the Housing Market

The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in determining mortgage rates through its management of the Federal Funds Rate. This influence impacts lending practices across the country, including in Aiken County. Typically, mortgage rates have fluctuated in response to broader economic conditions, with a notable decline observed in 2020, which contributed to the housing market’s recovery. However, interest rates have since risen, which may lead to a cooling off in the market as affordability becomes an issue for potential buyers.

Diverse Economy Supporting Resilience

Aiken County’s housing market demonstrates resilience due to its diverse economic base. Key industries in the region include manufacturing, the equine industry, and operations related to the Savannah River Site. These sectors provide stability and job opportunities, potentially supporting demand for housing even as prices climb. In fact, the average sales price for homes in Aiken County peaked at $289,900 in mid-2024 before showing signs of a decrease thereafter, reflecting ongoing market volatility.

Weather Impacts and Future Projections

Recent weather events, such as Tropical Storm Helene, have also impacted real estate activity in Aiken County, particularly in late September. The consequences of such natural events can affect market momentum as potential buyers and sellers reassess their plans. Looking ahead, the county’s proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year indicates a commitment to stability and growth, with a total of $268,769,429 allocated without any planned property tax increase. The general fund budget is earmarked at $102,020,909 to support day-to-day operations.

Within this budget proposal, there are requests for 53 new positions; however, only three new roles were included in the allocation. Further, upgrades in salaries for 166 existing positions aim to maintain competitiveness in the local job market, though no cost-of-living adjustments are currently proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. This financial framework will set the stage for sustained community development amid a shifting housing landscape.

In conclusion, Aiken County’s housing market is grappling with the dual pressures of rising home prices and fluctuating mortgage rates. Meanwhile, a diverse economy and prudent fiscal planning by local leadership may help navigate these challenges, supporting the housing market’s resilience into the future.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE AIKEN

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