City profile
Gaffney, SC
Cherokee County · Population 12,596
Gaffney is a town in Cherokee County, SC with about 12,596 residents and a typical home value near $138,000. It is 44 miles from Greenville, SC, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
42°F
Summer avg
79°F
Sunny days / yr
218
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$137,700
Typical monthly housing
$811
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
73
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.55%
- State income tax (top)
- 6.2%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 7.50%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 70/100
Top hazards: Ice storm, Tornado, Strong wind
Nearest major airport
42 mi to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 24% Democratic / 75% Republican
Community
Population
12,596
Black population
40.7%
County
Cherokee County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸SC is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast)
Highlights
- About 12,596 residents
- Typical home value about $138,000
- 44 miles from Greenville, SC
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.