Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Charleston, SC effective property tax rate: 0.69%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the South Carolina state median of 0.72%.
Median Charleston, SC home value: $547,412
Median annual Charleston, SC tax bill: $3,124, $724 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Dorchester calculated?

Property taxes in Charleston, 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 Charleston’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Charleston, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.69%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,777

$3,505

Ownwell’s Charleston Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Charleston with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Charleston’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Dorchester County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Local government entities determine tax rates, which can significantly differ within a state. This variation is due to each county estimating its annual budget to provide essential services and dividing this amount by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and legislation play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is the core of the annual process. In Charleston, located in Dorchester County, the effective property tax rate is 0.69%, which is notably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This makes Charleston an attractive location for property owners looking to benefit from lower tax rates. Furthermore, the median property tax bill in Charleston is likely more affordable compared to the national median of $2,400, offering additional financial relief to homeowners. Comparing Charleston’s property tax rate to other cities in South Carolina and the national average highlights the potential savings and advantages for property owners in this region.

Property Tax Rates Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

0.82%

0.92%

1.02%

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 Charleston Tax Rate

0.69%

Median Effective Dorchester County Tax Rate

0.84%

Median Effective South Carolina Tax Rate

0.72%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29406	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29414	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29420	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

When examining property taxes in Charleston, 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 Dorchester County Assessor 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 Dorchester County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle 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. 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 Charleston.

For example, the median home price in Charleston is $547,412, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$188,773

$201,514

$214,255

Median Charleston Market Value

$547,412

Median Dorchester County Market Value

$202,000

Median South Carolina Market Value

$140,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29406	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29414	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29420	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

In Charleston, located in Dorchester County, SC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a 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. With a median home price of $547,412, homeowners in Charleston can expect varying tax bills. For instance, those at the 25th percentile pay around $368, while those at the 75th percentile face bills of approximately $4,956. The top 10% of taxpayers see bills reaching $6,427. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Charleston's rates can be significantly lower or higher, affecting homeowners' budgets differently. Ownwell assists homeowners by identifying potential savings on property tax bills through appeals and exemptions. By analyzing property assessments and ensuring they are fair and accurate, Ownwell can help reduce the financial burden on homeowners, ensuring they only pay what is necessary.

Property Tax Bills Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$1,933

$2,077

$2,220

Median Charleston Tax Bill

$3,124

Median Dorchester County Tax Bill

$1,926

Median South Carolina Tax Bill

$1,086

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Charleston, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29406	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29414	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29420	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell