Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina Property Taxes
Median Hilton Head Island, SC effective property tax rate: 1.41%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the South Carolina state median of 0.72%.
Median Hilton Head Island, SC home value: $403,550
Median annual Hilton Head Island, SC tax bill: $3,865, $1,465 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Beaufort calculated?
Property taxes in Hilton Head Island, SC are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Hilton Head Island’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Hilton Head Island, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.41%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,690
$5,280
Property Tax Rates Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Local government entities in South Carolina are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can vary significantly across the state. This variation is due to each county's annual process of estimating its required budget for essential services and then dividing that figure by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Although setting these rates and budgets involves votes and laws, this is the basic yearly procedure.
In Hilton Head Island, located in Beaufort County, the effective property tax rate is a key point of comparison with other cities in South Carolina and the national median. With the state’s median property tax rate at 1.41%, Hilton Head Island presents an interesting case of property taxation. The highest median tax rate in the area is found in the 29928 zip code at 1.66%, while the lowest is in the 29926 zip code at 0.64%. By comparing these figures to the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, residents and potential property buyers can gain valuable insights into how Hilton Head Island's property taxes measure up on both a state and national level.
Property Tax Rates Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell

0.51%
1.18%
1.85%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Hilton Head Island Tax Rate
1.41%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Beaufort County Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective South Carolina Tax Rate
0.72%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29926 | 0.53% | 0.58% | 0.64% | 1.54% | 1.78% |
29928 | 0.55% | 0.62% | 1.66% | 1.73% | 1.79% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
When examining property taxes in Hilton Head Island, SC, 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 location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Beaufort County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is 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.
In Beaufort County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Hilton Head Island. For example, the median home price in Hilton Head Island is $403,550, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 29928 has the highest median home price at $415,500.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$42,950
$848,000
$1,653,050
Median Hilton Head Island Market Value
$403,550
Median Beaufort County Market Value
$278,200
Median South Carolina Market Value
$140,000
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29926 | $70,600 | $195,200 | $391,000 | $548,700 | $752,180 |
29928 | $134,400 | $236,000 | $415,500 | $729,900 | $1,232,440 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
In Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, SC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home, which is a percentage of its market value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Factors such as property location, size, and improvements can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Hilton Head Island face a median property tax bill of $4,997 in the 29928 zip code, which is higher than the national median of $2,400. However, in the 29926 zip code, the median bill is $2,739, closer to the national average.
These property tax bills can significantly impact homeowners, especially those with properties in the higher tax brackets, such as the 90th percentile, where bills can reach $13,362. Ownwell helps homeowners by providing property tax appeal and exemption services, potentially lowering their tax burden. By analyzing valuations and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can save homeowners money and ensure they are not overpaying on their property taxes.
Property Tax Bills Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$346
$10,018
$19,689
Median Hilton Head Island Tax Bill
$3,865
Median Beaufort County Tax Bill
$2,400
Median South Carolina Tax Bill
$1,086
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29926 | $678 | $1,680 | $2,739 | $4,342 | $7,708 |
29928 | $1,492 | $2,825 | $4,997 | $9,408 | $17,145 |
Source: Ownwell