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Elgin

Elgin

Located in Kershaw County

$312,753 Average Value
$161 Average Price per Sq Ft
101 Homes For Sale

Local pride runs deep in little Elgin

Elgin is a small town with a big heart in rural Kershaw County. It’s home to established neighborhoods, longstanding traditions, local businesses and a growing population of roughly 2,000, about 25 miles outside of Columbia. “People move there for the close-knit community,” says longtime local Jeffrey Graham, broker and owner of Graham Realty. “That small-town feel, people knowing who you are, knowing your name. And it’s near Fort Jackson, so there are lots of military families.” From its rustic, turn-of-the-20th-century beginnings as a railroad stop and farming community, Elgin grew into a factory town, taking its new name from the principal employer then, the Elgin National Watch Company. That said, manufacturing and agriculture are still major components of the local economy and hometown pride.

Elgin grew from a railroad stop into a thriving Midland community.
Elgin grew from a railroad stop into a thriving Midland community.
Potter Community Park hosts playgrounds and open space for friendly gatherings.
Potter Community Park hosts playgrounds and open space for friendly gatherings.
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Single-family homes and mature pinelands line quiet streets

Prices here range from under $200,000 to around $400,000. Most streets are residential, lined with single-family properties and pockets of mature pinelands. Historic homes include early 1900s cottages and farmhouses, along with midcentury brick ranch-style homes. More contemporary homes include New Traditional and Minimal Traditional snout houses, which are named for their large front-facing garages. Kershaw County is vulnerable to flooding due to its generally flat topography with gently rolling hills. Special flood zones surround the creeks and streams that run through Elgin’s north and south sides. Properties touching these zones may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.

Ranch homes reflect decades of steady growth in Elgin housing stock.
Ranch homes reflect decades of steady growth in Elgin housing stock.
Elgin’s history includes charming 1900s cottages near downtown areas.
Elgin’s history includes charming 1900s cottages near downtown areas.
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Leslie M. Stover Middle welcomes students before their high school years.
Leslie M. Stover Middle welcomes students before their high school years.

Public schools in Elgin earn solid marks from Niche

Kershaw County School District receives an overall B grade from Niche, as does each school serving Elgin. Students north of U.S. Route 1 attend Blaney Elementary, while those south of the road head to Doby’s Mill Elementary. From there, they can go to Leslie M. Stover Middle before graduating from Lugoff-Elgin High. High schoolers in eleventh and twelfth grade can apply for the district’s dual credit program, offered by Central Carolina Technical College.

A playground, walking track and a beloved holiday fundraiser

Potter Community Park is the recreational heart of Elgin, centrally located on the main road, U.S. Route 1. It has a shaded playground, a walking track and ample open green space, but the park is probably best known for hosting town events, such as the Catfish Stomp. What started 50 years ago as a local fire department fundraiser has transformed into an annual block-party-like parade that collects funds to buy kids across Kershaw County Christmas presents. The event’s name comes from its early days, when the main dishes served were fried catfish and catfish stew.

Potter Community Park has annual community events like the Catfish Stomp
Potter Community Park has annual community events like the Catfish Stomp
Kershaw County-West Complex has picnic areas and a playground for families to enjoy outdoor time nearby.
Kershaw County-West Complex has picnic areas and a playground for families to enjoy outdoor time nearby.
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Elgin’s main road offers food, fuel and everyday essentials

For a small town, Elgin has quite a robust dining scene with cuisines as varied as Mexican, Greek and Chinese. Chavela’s serves an authentic Mexican menu, from lengua tacos and carne asada to micheladas and margaritas. The Cornbread Cafe is a bistro with a menu of Southern staples like fried bologna, country-style grits and pecan pie. Much of the town’s commercial presence is focused around the main road, U.S. Route 1, so locals can easily gas up, run to the bank or shop for groceries at IGA or Food Lion when heading in or out of town. As for healthcare, there is an urgent care center less than 5 miles from Elgin. However, for after-hours emergencies, the nearest option is MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast.

Chavela’s is a standout in Elgin’s diverse dining scene.
Chavela’s is a standout in Elgin’s diverse dining scene.
Elgin is a small Kershaw County town with deep local pride and charm.
Elgin is a small Kershaw County town with deep local pride and charm.
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Easy Columbia commutes via I-20

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 35 miles away, and Interstate 20, which is within a 5-mile drive of car-dependent Elgin, takes drivers most of the way. It’s also the main leg of drives to Fort Jackson, under 20 miles from Elgin.

Micaela Willoughby
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
David Robinson
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to At Home In The Carolinas, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,945
Number of Homes for Sale
101
Median Year Built
2012
Months of Supply
28.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,473
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,539
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,660
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    438 Grand National Ln, Elgin, SC 29045

    $290,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,450 Sq Ft
    • 438 Grand National Ln
    • New 18 days ago

    Move-in ready 5BR/3.5BA home offering 2,450 sq ft on a desirable corner lot in the established Grand National community of Elgin. This flexible floor plan features two primary suites — one on the main level and one upstairs — ideal for multi-generational living or added privacy. The main floor showcases new luxury vinyl plank flooring, creating a fresh, modern feel throughout the living areas.

    Agent Photo
    Chaka Sellers
    Slate Realty
    (803) 784-7532
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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    226 Thacher Loop, Elgin, SC 29045

    $434,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,736 Sq Ft
    • 226 Thacher Loop

    Spacious 4BR/2.5BA home with outdoor living in an established Elgin community! Located at 226 Thacher Loop, this 2,736 sq ft home blends classic curb appeal with thoughtful upgrades and a neighborhood setting that offers a true in-town feel—sidewalks, nearby amenities, and a sense of connection rarely found in newer developments.The interior features hardwood floors, elegant molding, and a formal

    William DiMaggio Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 12PM - 2PM

    7 Mint Ct, Elgin, SC 29045

    $314,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,924 Sq Ft
    • 7 Mint Ct

    *Seller open to paint allowance with acceptable deal* Welcome home to 7 Mint Court, a picturesque one-and-a-half story charmer centrally located in Elgin. Situated on an-almost half acre lot, this house has space for everything you need! Inside, this home stands out, immediately differentiating itself from the plain 'cookie-cutter' styles you see so often, loaded with updates and unique taste.

    Christopher Warner eXp Realty LLC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Elgin Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,795
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$69,051
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$80,127

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.4%
College Graduates
18.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Elgin