Cayce SC Real Estate Market Data 2026
Cayce is a city in Lexington County, South Carolina (Lexington County), located directly across the Congaree River from the state capital of Columbia. With a population of approximately 13,500 residents, Cayce offers an affordable alternative to Columbia proper while maintaining close proximity to government employment centers, Fort Jackson, and the University of South Carolina. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has experienced steady growth of 4.2% since 2020, driven by its central Midlands location and comparatively lower cost of living.
Key Takeaways
Median home price in Cayce sits at approximately $215,000, making it one of the most affordable markets in the Columbia metro area
Average days on market hover around 28 days, indicating a balanced-to-seller's market environment
Commission rates average 5.2% of sale price, generating roughly $11,180 per typical transaction
Annual housing turnover reaches approximately 8.5%, providing consistent farming opportunities for active agents
Population density of 1,890 residents per square mile creates a compact, walkable farming territory ideal for door-knocking and direct mail campaigns
Cayce Real Estate Market Fundamentals
The Cayce housing market reflects the broader strength of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area while maintaining its own distinct pricing dynamics. According to the South Carolina REALTORS Association, the Columbia metro area recorded over 14,800 closed transactions in 2025, with Cayce contributing a meaningful share of activity in the sub-$250,000 price segment.
How does Cayce compare to other Columbia-area markets in terms of affordability? Cayce's median home price of approximately $215,000 positions it well below the Columbia metro median of $265,000, comparable to nearby Lexington but roughly 18% below Irmo's $262,000 median. This affordability gap continues to attract first-time buyers and investors.
| Metric | Cayce | Columbia Metro | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $215,000 | $265,000 | $310,000 |
| Price Per Square Foot | $142 | $168 | $182 |
| Median Days on Market | 28 | 32 | 35 |
| Annual Appreciation | 5.8% | 5.2% | 4.9% |
| Homes Sold (Annual) | ~520 | 14,800+ | 95,000+ |
| Inventory Months | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.1 |
According to Zillow's Home Value Index, Cayce has posted year-over-year appreciation of 5.8%, outpacing both the state and national averages. The combination of affordable entry points and steady appreciation creates a compelling value proposition for buyers and a consistent pipeline of transactions for agents.
Cayce agents who leverage automated market data tracking through platforms like US Tech Automations can identify pricing trends weeks before they appear in MLS reporting, giving their farming campaigns a decisive information advantage.
The city's housing stock skews toward single-family detached homes built between 1960 and 2000, with a growing number of renovated properties and new construction in the Avenues district and along Knox Abbott Drive. According to the Lexington County Assessor, approximately 62% of Cayce's housing units are owner-occupied, with the remaining 38% renter-occupied.
| Housing Type | Percentage | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 58% | $225,000 |
| Townhouse/Duplex | 14% | $175,000 |
| Condo/Apartment | 22% | $145,000 |
| Mobile/Manufactured | 6% | $85,000 |
Neighborhood-Level Market Analysis
Cayce divides into several distinct micro-neighborhoods, each with unique pricing and turnover characteristics. According to local MLS data compiled by the Central Carolina REALTORS Association, these submarkets show measurable differences in buyer composition and transaction velocity.
What are the best neighborhoods to farm in Cayce, SC? The Avenues district near Guignard Park consistently sees the highest turnover rates, while the area south of Airport Boulevard offers the most affordable entry points for first-time buyer campaigns.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Avg DOM | Annual Sales | Turnover Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Avenues | $235,000 | 22 | 85 | 9.8% |
| Granby/Airport | $185,000 | 35 | 110 | 8.2% |
| Knox Abbott Corridor | $248,000 | 25 | 65 | 7.5% |
| South Cayce | $195,000 | 30 | 95 | 8.8% |
| Cayce West | $210,000 | 28 | 70 | 7.9% |
According to Realtor.com's local market tracker, the Avenues district has emerged as Cayce's most desirable residential zone, with proximity to Riverwalk Park and the Congaree River driving premium valuations. Agents using the US Tech Automations platform can set up automated neighborhood alerts that track listing activity in these specific zones, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks.
Transaction Volume and Sales Velocity
Understanding transaction patterns is critical for agents planning their farming calendar. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), seasonal patterns in the Southeast tend to be less pronounced than in northern markets, but Cayce still shows clear monthly variation in closed sales.
| Month | Avg Closed Sales | Median Price | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | $208,000 | 38 |
| February | 35 | $210,000 | 35 |
| March | 48 | $212,000 | 30 |
| April | 55 | $218,000 | 25 |
| May | 62 | $222,000 | 22 |
| June | 58 | $225,000 | 24 |
| July | 52 | $220,000 | 26 |
| August | 48 | $218,000 | 28 |
| September | 42 | $215,000 | 30 |
| October | 38 | $212,000 | 32 |
| November | 30 | $210,000 | 36 |
| December | 25 | $208,000 | 40 |
When is the best time to list a home in Cayce? According to the South Carolina REALTORS Association, homes listed in April through June in the Columbia metro area sell for an average of 3.5% more than those listed in winter months, with May being the peak month for both price and velocity.
The spring selling season in Cayce typically begins earlier than national averages, with listing activity ramping up in late February. Agents who automate their pre-spring outreach through US Tech Automations can capture early-mover advantage with timed direct mail and email sequences.
Commission and Agent Income Analysis
Commission structures in Cayce follow broader South Carolina norms, though the market's affordability means agents need higher transaction volume to match income levels achievable in premium markets. According to NAR's 2025 Member Profile, the average commission rate in South Carolina remains at 5.2% of the sale price.
| Commission Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Commission Rate | 5.2% |
| Typical Listing Side | 2.6% |
| Median Commission Per Sale | $11,180 |
| Average Agent Transactions/Year | 8 |
| Estimated Annual GCI (8 transactions) | $89,440 |
| Top Producer GCI (15+ transactions) | $167,700+ |
How much commission do real estate agents earn in Cayce? Based on the median home price of $215,000 and a 2.6% listing-side commission, a typical Cayce transaction generates approximately $5,590 per side. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for real estate agents in the Columbia metro area is $52,400, though top-performing farming agents regularly exceed $100,000.
According to Zillow's agent performance data, agents who consistently farm a single Cayce neighborhood for 12+ months see a 35% increase in listing appointments compared to those who spread efforts across multiple areas. The US Tech Automations platform helps agents track these performance metrics with automated ROI dashboards that connect marketing spend directly to closed transactions.
Demographic Profile and Buyer Segments
Understanding Cayce's demographics is essential for crafting targeted farming messages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the city's population of 13,500 residents shows a diverse mix of age groups, income levels, and household compositions.
| Demographic Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $48,200 |
| Median Age | 36.8 years |
| College Educated (25+) | 32% |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | 62% |
| Median Rent | $1,050/month |
| Household Size | 2.3 persons |
| Veterans | 11.2% |
According to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cayce's proximity to Fort Jackson creates a significant military-adjacent buyer segment. Approximately 11.2% of residents are veterans, many of whom use VA loans to purchase homes in the area.
What types of buyers are most active in Cayce? The primary buyer segments include first-time homebuyers attracted by affordability, military-connected families relocating to the Fort Jackson area, and investors seeking rental income from the University of South Carolina student market.
| Buyer Segment | Market Share | Avg Budget | Key Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Buyers | 38% | $180,000-$220,000 | Affordability |
| Military/Veteran | 18% | $200,000-$250,000 | VA loan eligibility |
| Investors | 15% | $150,000-$200,000 | Rental yield |
| Move-Up Buyers | 20% | $230,000-$280,000 | Space/schools |
| Downsizers | 9% | $160,000-$210,000 | Maintenance reduction |
According to the South Carolina Housing Authority, first-time buyer programs in the Columbia metro area provide up to $8,000 in down payment assistance, making Cayce's affordable housing stock particularly attractive to this segment. Agents who automate lead nurture sequences through US Tech Automations can maintain consistent contact with these long-cycle buyers.
Farming Strategy and ROI Metrics
Building a sustainable farming business in Cayce requires data-driven territory selection and consistent marketing investment. According to Tom Ferry International, the average agent needs to contact 200-400 homeowners monthly to generate 1-2 listings per month in a mid-range market.
How much should I invest in farming Cayce, SC? Based on transaction data and average commission rates, a well-executed Cayce farming campaign targeting 500 homes should budget $1,500-$2,500 monthly for direct mail, digital advertising, and community engagement activities.
| Farming Investment | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Expected ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Mail (500 homes) | $850 | $10,200 | 3.2x |
| Digital Retargeting | $400 | $4,800 | 4.1x |
| Community Sponsorships | $200 | $2,400 | 2.8x |
| Door Knocking Supplies | $75 | $900 | 5.5x |
| CRM/Automation Platform | $150 | $1,800 | 6.2x |
| Total | $1,675 | $20,100 | 3.8x avg |
According to NAR's marketing effectiveness survey, agents who combine direct mail with digital retargeting see a 42% increase in brand recognition within their farm territory compared to direct mail alone. The key to maximizing ROI lies in consistency and data tracking.
Competitor Platform Comparison for Cayce Farming
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Farming Sequences | Yes | Limited | No | No |
| Neighborhood-Level Analytics | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Direct Mail Integration | Yes | No | No | No |
| ROI Attribution by Channel | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited |
| AI-Powered Lead Scoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Geographic Farm Management | Yes | No | No | No |
| Starting Monthly Price | $149 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 |
| Farming-Specific Templates | 50+ | 10 | 0 | 5 |
US Tech Automations edges out competitors specifically for farming-focused agents due to its integrated direct mail automation and neighborhood-level analytics at a significantly lower price point.
How to Build a Profitable Cayce Farming Business
Define your farm territory. Select a Cayce neighborhood with 400-600 homes, targeting areas with 8%+ annual turnover rates. The Avenues and South Cayce offer the best combination of turnover and price point for new farming agents.
Analyze turnover and absorption data. Pull 24 months of closed sales data from the Central Carolina MLS to identify which streets and blocks produce the most transactions. Focus on areas where homes sell within 25 days or less.
Build your homeowner database. Compile property records from the Lexington County Assessor's office, including owner names, purchase dates, and assessed values. Upload this database to your US Tech Automations CRM for automated segmentation.
Launch a multi-channel marketing sequence. Begin with a monthly direct mail piece (market update postcard or just-sold card), supplemented by targeted Facebook and Instagram ads geofenced to your farm area.
Establish community presence. Sponsor a local Cayce event such as the Soiree on State or a youth sports league. According to community marketing research, local sponsorships generate 2.8x ROI through brand recognition and referral generation.
Implement door-knocking rotations. Systematically knock on every door in your farm once per quarter, delivering a market update or community resource guide. Track conversations and follow-ups in your CRM.
Create hyper-local content. Publish monthly Cayce market reports on your website and social media, using data from your US Tech Automations analytics dashboard. Position yourself as the neighborhood expert.
Track and optimize performance metrics. Monitor key indicators including contact rate, listing appointment conversion, and cost per acquisition. Adjust your marketing mix quarterly based on channel-level ROI data.
Scale through referral systems. Once established in your initial farm, build referral networks with Columbia and Blythewood agents for cross-market referrals.
Leverage automation for consistency. Use the US Tech Automations platform to schedule and deliver marketing touches automatically, ensuring your farm never goes more than 30 days without hearing from you.
Market Forecast and Investment Outlook
According to the South Carolina Association of REALTORS, the Columbia metro area is projected to see continued moderate appreciation through 2026-2027, with Cayce's affordability advantage likely to drive above-average demand growth.
| Forecast Metric | 2026 Projection | 2027 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $227,000 | $240,000 |
| Annual Appreciation | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| Transaction Volume | 540 | 560 |
| Avg Days on Market | 26 | 25 |
| New Construction Permits | 85 | 95 |
According to Moody's Analytics regional forecast, the Columbia metro's employment base — anchored by state government, Fort Jackson, and the University of South Carolina — provides recession-resistant stability that supports housing demand even during economic downturns. Cayce benefits directly from this employment diversity.
Will Cayce home prices continue to rise in 2026? According to the South Carolina REALTORS Association's market outlook, moderate appreciation of 4-6% annually is projected for the Columbia metro area through 2027, with affordable submarkets like Cayce likely to outperform the metro average as entry-level inventory remains constrained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Cayce, SC in 2026?
The median home price in Cayce is approximately $215,000 as of early 2026, according to the Central Carolina REALTORS Association. This positions Cayce as one of the most affordable markets in the Columbia metropolitan area, roughly 19% below the metro median of $265,000.
How fast are homes selling in Cayce?
Homes in Cayce spend an average of 28 days on market, according to local MLS data. Properties priced correctly in the Avenues and Knox Abbott Corridor neighborhoods often sell within 20-22 days, while homes in South Cayce and the Granby area may take slightly longer at 30-35 days.
What commission rate do agents charge in Cayce, SC?
The average total commission rate in Cayce is 5.2%, according to NAR data for the South Carolina market. This typically splits 2.6% to each side, generating approximately $5,590 per transaction at the median home price of $215,000.
Is Cayce a good market for real estate farming?
Cayce offers strong farming fundamentals with an 8.5% annual turnover rate, compact geographic territory, and affordable price points that attract diverse buyer segments. According to farming profitability models, agents can achieve positive ROI within 6-9 months of consistent marketing effort.
How many homes sell in Cayce each year?
Approximately 520 homes sell annually in Cayce, according to Central Carolina MLS data. This transaction volume is sufficient to support 4-6 full-time farming agents, though the market is not saturated with dedicated farm specialists.
What school district serves Cayce?
Cayce falls within Lexington School District Two, which serves approximately 10,500 students. According to Niche.com, the district receives a B rating overall, with Cayce-West Columbia High School and Brookland-Cayce High School serving as the primary secondary schools.
Are there new construction opportunities in Cayce?
New construction activity in Cayce has increased modestly, with approximately 70-85 building permits issued annually according to the Lexington County Building Department. Most new development concentrates along the Knox Abbott Drive corridor and in the redeveloping industrial areas near the river.
How does Cayce compare to West Columbia for real estate investment?
Cayce and neighboring West Columbia share similar price points and demographics, though Cayce generally offers better access to river amenities and the Riverwalk trail system. According to Zillow data, Cayce has slightly outpaced West Columbia in appreciation over the past three years, with 5.8% versus 5.1% annual gains.
What percentage of Cayce residents are renters?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 38% of Cayce housing units are renter-occupied, creating significant opportunity for investor-focused farming campaigns targeting landlords and property managers.
What are the property tax rates in Cayce?
Property tax rates in Cayce fall under Lexington County jurisdiction, with an effective rate of approximately 0.57% of assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences, according to the Lexington County Treasurer's office. This rate is below the South Carolina state average of 0.61%.
Conclusion: Start Your Cayce Farming Campaign Today
Cayce's combination of affordable price points, strong turnover rates, and diverse buyer segments creates an ideal environment for agents looking to build a profitable geographic farm. With median prices at $215,000 and nearly 520 annual transactions, the math works for dedicated farming professionals.
The key to success in any farming market is consistency, data-driven decision making, and multi-channel marketing execution. US Tech Automations provides the automation infrastructure that makes all of this possible without requiring a massive time investment. From automated direct mail sequences to AI-powered lead scoring and neighborhood analytics, the platform is purpose-built for agents who understand that farming is still the most reliable path to building a sustainable real estate business.
Ready to dominate the Cayce market? Visit US Tech Automations to launch your automated farming campaign and start generating consistent listing appointments in one of the Columbia metro's most promising submarkets.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
