SOUTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A new study by WalletHub is casting a harsh spotlight on South Carolina’s overall livability, placing the Palmetto State among the worst in the nation.

Out of all 50 states, South Carolina ranked 44th in WalletHub’s 2025 “Best States to Live In” report, released this week. The study assessed states across five key dimensions: affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety, using 51 metrics ranging from housing costs and income growth to crime rates and access to quality healthcare.

While South Carolina earned high marks in affordability, ranking 9th, the state performed poorly in several other categories: • Education and health: 42nd • Quality of life: 34th • Safety: 46th

These rankings placed the state’s overall score

See Full Page