Property Taxes in South Carolina
The median South Carolina property tax rate is 0.72%, which is significantly lower than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $140,000, the median South Carolina property tax bill amounts to $1,086 annually, compared to the national median annual property tax bill of $2,875. Property taxes in South Carolina are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the actual market value due to property tax exemptions like the primary residence or agriculture exemption. Understanding your county's specific property tax system, exploring property tax exemptions, and recognizing opportunities for property tax reductions can lead to significant annual tax savings. Whether you're in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or any other locale in South Carolina, familiarizing yourself with the property taxes in your location can benefit homeowners and investors alike.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.72%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,008
Ownwell’s South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in South Carolina with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in South Carolina to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a county or city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across South Carolina
Property taxes in South Carolina fund essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in South Carolina is 0.72% compared to the national median tax rate of 0.99%. The tax rate is set by local government entities, and it can vary widely between different areas within the state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services for the upcoming year and then divides that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, that is the process followed each year. Compare a South Carolina county’s effective property tax rate to other counties in South Carolina or the US median property tax rate below. Dillon County has the highest property tax rate in South Carolina at 2.15%. Chesterfield County has the lowest property tax rate in South Carolina at 0.41%.
Average South Carolina Tax Rate
0.72%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across South Carolina
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | 0.25% | 0.43% | 0.76% | 1.71% | 2.42% |
| Aiken | 0.29% | 0.39% | 0.59% | 1.41% | 1.75% |
| Allendale | 0.47% | 0.81% | 1.10% | 2.88% | 2.93% |
| Anderson | 0.28% | 0.43% | 0.55% | 1.61% | 2.46% |
| Bamberg | 0.22% | 0.63% | 1.40% | 3.61% | 4.07% |
| Barnwell | 0.40% | 0.76% | 0.86% | 2.50% | 2.70% |
| Beaufort | 0.50% | 0.59% | 0.82% | 1.70% | 1.86% |
| Berkeley | 0.37% | 0.44% | 0.55% | 1.07% | 1.73% |
| Calhoun | 0.24% | 0.40% | 0.54% | 1.33% | 2.16% |
| Charleston | 0.33% | 0.39% | 0.53% | 1.38% | 1.80% |
| Cherokee | 0.16% | 0.30% | 0.43% | 0.63% | 1.84% |
| Chester | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chesterfield | 0.21% | 0.40% | 0.41% | 0.51% | 0.93% |
| Clarendon | 0.61% | 0.80% | 1.84% | 2.53% | 3.05% |
| Colleton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Darlington | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Dillon | 1.34% | 1.78% | 2.15% | 2.42% | 5.03% |
| Dorchester | 0.13% | 0.73% | 0.84% | 1.09% | 2.55% |
| Edgefield | 0.34% | 0.47% | 0.56% | 0.76% | 2.17% |
| Fairfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Florence | 0.26% | 0.39% | 0.45% | 2.03% | 2.12% |
| Georgetown | 0.44% | 0.52% | 0.91% | 1.56% | 2.18% |
| Greenville | 0.52% | 0.64% | 0.80% | 1.45% | 2.37% |
| Greenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hampton | 0.40% | 0.82% | 1.01% | 2.98% | 3.33% |
| Horry | 0.31% | 0.39% | 0.81% | 1.38% | 1.88% |
| Jasper | 0.47% | 0.60% | 0.79% | 1.92% | 2.01% |
| Kershaw | 0.39% | 0.51% | 0.66% | 1.81% | 2.54% |
| Lancaster | 0.41% | 0.61% | 0.65% | 1.73% | 1.99% |
| Laurens | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lee | 0.14% | 0.70% | 0.82% | 2.13% | 2.21% |
| Lexington | 0.32% | 0.55% | 0.57% | 0.90% | 2.94% |
| McCormick | 0.36% | 0.79% | 1.91% | 2.63% | 3.91% |
| Marion | 0.37% | 0.43% | 1.68% | 2.27% | 2.73% |
| Marlboro | 0.29% | 0.49% | 0.75% | 1.98% | 4.29% |
| Newberry | 0.42% | 0.68% | 0.76% | 2.20% | 2.45% |
| Oconee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Orangeburg | 0.36% | 0.69% | 0.81% | 2.40% | 2.48% |
| Pickens | 0.31% | 0.45% | 0.47% | 1.23% | 1.53% |
| Richland | 0.39% | 0.70% | 1.01% | 2.72% | 3.64% |
| Saluda | 0.35% | 0.65% | 0.88% | 2.16% | 2.45% |
| Spartanburg | 0.37% | 0.49% | 0.63% | 1.08% | 2.12% |
| Sumter | 0.40% | 0.64% | 1.06% | 2.15% | 2.54% |
| Union | 0.25% | 0.63% | 1.59% | 1.95% | 2.02% |
| Williamsburg | 0.11% | 0.17% | 1.16% | 2.23% | 3.94% |
| York | 0.40% | 0.54% | 0.68% | 0.97% | 2.54% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Carolina
When examining property taxes in South Carolina, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by factors such as location, property condition, and economic market trends. Market value is estimated by each South Carolina county assessor for tax purposes. The assessed value is then the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes, or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill. Assessment notices in South Carolina are sent in the spring each year. They should reach your mailbox typically by the end of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value along with an estimate of your property tax bill. In South Carolina, property tax bills vary significantly by county. Beaufort County has the highest median tax bill at $2,400, while Marion County has the lowest median tax bill at $142. By providing insights into how assessed values and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in South Carolina.
Average South Carolina Assessed Value
$140,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Carolina
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | $7,500 | $15,000 | $33,600 | $118,550 | $264,240 |
| Aiken | $4,860 | $13,000 | $71,607 | $177,441 | $276,559 |
| Allendale | $2,800 | $5,600 | $19,600 | $37,500 | $59,780 |
| Anderson | $15,250 | $48,660 | $138,430 | $234,525 | $362,090 |
| Bamberg | $3,900 | $10,900 | $35,100 | $66,650 | $121,760 |
| Barnwell | $3,200 | $9,700 | $37,200 | $93,775 | $163,000 |
| Beaufort | $46,400 | $160,000 | $278,200 | $469,200 | $777,320 |
| Berkeley | $115,100 | $163,800 | $231,300 | $329,000 | $467,800 |
| Calhoun | $6,500 | $22,600 | $64,700 | $162,850 | $267,325 |
| Charleston | $70,000 | $177,200 | $305,700 | $502,400 | $845,000 |
| Cherokee | $12,200 | $36,200 | $82,600 | $149,100 | $222,100 |
| Chester | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chesterfield | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 | $29,380 |
| Clarendon | $5,900 | $11,000 | $32,100 | $62,000 | $115,210 |
| Colleton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Darlington | $5,800 | $19,100 | $53,600 | $119,000 | $205,830 |
| Dillon | $3,415 | $6,930 | $19,512 | $49,012 | $72,954 |
| Dorchester | $89,665 | $142,000 | $202,000 | $273,273 | $354,916 |
| Edgefield | $7,972 | $23,370 | $82,866 | $181,828 | $285,418 |
| Fairfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Florence | $3,222 | $8,000 | $26,678 | $98,564 | $185,632 |
| Georgetown | $9,000 | $42,200 | $155,000 | $315,400 | $539,000 |
| Greenville | $53,000 | $104,310 | $178,730 | $270,080 | $401,710 |
| Greenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hampton | $3,000 | $6,900 | $23,800 | $67,400 | $126,800 |
| Horry | $35,400 | $87,000 | $160,000 | $245,000 | $350,000 |
| Jasper | $2,900 | $18,000 | $92,100 | $259,150 | $387,060 |
| Kershaw | $10,500 | $34,100 | $113,100 | $200,200 | $292,900 |
| Lancaster | $23,400 | $66,700 | $164,500 | $314,600 | $422,200 |
| Laurens | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lee | $4,500 | $8,000 | $18,320 | $44,070 | $92,900 |
| Lexington | $27,944 | $86,755 | $147,464 | $222,150 | $336,314 |
| McCormick | $3,500 | $7,500 | $15,500 | $33,400 | $63,910 |
| Marion | $3,500 | $6,057 | $10,000 | $26,411 | $51,188 |
| Marlboro | $3,575 | $8,951 | $33,059 | $70,478 | $112,842 |
| Newberry | $7,600 | $19,500 | $69,300 | $158,075 | $265,360 |
| Oconee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Orangeburg | $3,900 | $10,158 | $41,835 | $103,030 | $175,742 |
| Pickens | $48,000 | $88,600 | $142,700 | $215,300 | $333,080 |
| Richland | $7,200 | $47,700 | $117,300 | $195,500 | $304,400 |
| Saluda | $7,500 | $25,000 | $64,000 | $142,600 | $252,780 |
| Spartanburg | $14,200 | $66,700 | $171,600 | $264,000 | $381,000 |
| Sumter | $4,000 | $8,000 | $37,792 | $133,635 | $207,499 |
| Union | $3,400 | $5,100 | $24,000 | $65,875 | $113,200 |
| Williamsburg | $4,482 | $7,627 | $21,858 | $58,480 | $143,650 |
| York | $44,110 | $110,258 | $210,005 | $331,422 | $459,915 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across South Carolina
In South Carolina, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of the property's market value. The state uses an assessment ratio of 4% for owner-occupied residences. Once the assessed value is determined, local tax rates, known as millage rates, are applied. These rates vary by county and municipality, significantly impacting the final tax bill. Homeowners in South Carolina experience a wide range of property tax bills. The median home price in the state is $140,000, and property tax bills can vary widely. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is $436, while the 75th percentile tax bill rises to $2,063. The highest median tax bill in the state is found in Beaufort County at $2,400, whereas Marion County has the lowest at just $142. These disparities highlight how local factors and varying millage rates can influence the property tax burden on homeowners, making it essential to understand local tax structures.
Average South Carolina Tax Bill
$1,086
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across South Carolina
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | $94 | $142 | $277 | $664 | $1,438 |
| Aiken | $65 | $136 | $442 | $904 | $1,584 |
| Allendale | $33 | $86 | $221 | $522 | $937 |
| Anderson | $170 | $468 | $929 | $1,629 | $2,743 |
| Bamberg | $70 | $99 | $391 | $906 | $1,863 |
| Barnwell | $54 | $143 | $366 | $885 | $1,457 |
| Beaufort | $331 | $1,237 | $2,400 | $4,683 | $9,061 |
| Berkeley | $592 | $905 | $1,364 | $2,335 | $4,628 |
| Calhoun | $80 | $157 | $366 | $798 | $1,278 |
| Charleston | $494 | $1,061 | $1,751 | $3,326 | $7,067 |
| Cherokee | $63 | $169 | $381 | $704 | $1,128 |
| Chester | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chesterfield | $13 | $21 | $26 | $52 | $103 |
| Clarendon | $121 | $191 | $360 | $769 | $1,700 |
| Colleton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Darlington | $58 | $188 | $513 | $1,100 | $1,930 |
| Dillon | $94 | $180 | $372 | $917 | $1,499 |
| Dorchester | $157 | $1,148 | $1,926 | $2,881 | $4,332 |
| Edgefield | $100 | $230 | $555 | $1,000 | $1,472 |
| Fairfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Florence | $68 | $198 | $515 | $1,009 | $1,758 |
| Georgetown | $116 | $382 | $1,240 | $2,453 | $5,772 |
| Greenville | $492 | $987 | $1,574 | $2,460 | $3,940 |
| Greenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hampton | $88 | $199 | $543 | $1,181 | $2,016 |
| Horry | $200 | $590 | $1,084 | $2,131 | $3,770 |
| Jasper | $49 | $211 | $815 | $2,299 | $3,506 |
| Kershaw | $203 | $337 | $792 | $1,322 | $2,060 |
| Lancaster | $205 | $523 | $1,306 | $2,334 | $3,290 |
| Laurens | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lee | $20 | $80 | $174 | $354 | $690 |
| Lexington | $289 | $609 | $1,039 | $1,758 | $3,155 |
| McCormick | $80 | $118 | $213 | $404 | $715 |
| Marion | $37 | $68 | $142 | $261 | $672 |
| Marlboro | $35 | $170 | $278 | $483 | $769 |
| Newberry | $99 | $257 | $768 | $1,537 | $2,639 |
| Oconee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Orangeburg | $111 | $242 | $620 | $1,246 | $2,101 |
| Pickens | $277 | $497 | $811 | $1,420 | $2,689 |
| Richland | $123 | $609 | $1,343 | $2,372 | $4,079 |
| Saluda | $86 | $249 | $641 | $1,362 | $2,634 |
| Spartanburg | $295 | $756 | $1,309 | $2,100 | $3,417 |
| Sumter | $61 | $120 | $351 | $1,000 | $1,700 |
| Union | $44 | $79 | $195 | $499 | $949 |
| Williamsburg | $27 | $101 | $188 | $421 | $988 |
| York | $333 | $801 | $1,529 | $2,658 | $4,258 |
Source: Ownwell
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