Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Taxes
Median Summerville, SC effective property tax rate: 0.83%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but higher than the South Carolina state median of 0.72%.
Median Summerville, SC home value: $214,024
Median annual Summerville, SC tax bill: $2026, $374 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dorchester calculated?
Property taxes in Summerville, 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 Summerville’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Summerville, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.83%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,776
$1,648
Property Tax Rates Across Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its 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, this is the annual process.
In Summerville, located in Dorchester County, the effective property tax rate is a crucial factor for homeowners. Compared to the median property tax rate in South Carolina, Summerville's rate is slightly lower, making it an attractive option for property owners looking to save. The highest median tax rate in the area is found in the 29485 zip code, while the lowest is in the 29483 zip code, showing some variation even within the same county. When compared nationally, Summerville's property tax rate is below the national median, offering a financial advantage to residents. This lower rate can make a significant difference in annual property tax bills, providing a more affordable living option without compromising on the quality of services.
Property Tax Rates Across Summerville, 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 Summerville Tax Rate
0.83%
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 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 Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29483 | 0.27% | 0.73% | 0.82% | 1.09% | 2.48% |
29485 | 0.51% | 0.73% | 0.93% | 1.08% | 2.60% |
29486 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
When examining property taxes in Summerville, 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 location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Dorchester County Assessor's Office 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 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 Summerville. For example, the median home price in Summerville is $214,024, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 29485 has the highest median home price at $214,255.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$188,773
$201,514
$214,255
Median Summerville Market Value
$214,024
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 Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29483 | $90,497 | $140,428 | $213,652 | $296,486 | $385,026 |
29485 | $119,545 | $164,860 | $214,255 | $273,775 | $340,509 |
29486 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Property Tax Bills Across Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$1,933
$2,077
$2,220
Median Summerville Tax Bill
$2,026
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 Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29483 | $357 | $1,189 | $1,933 | $2,938 | $4,430 |
29485 | $595 | $1,431 | $2,102 | $2,877 | $4,465 |
29486 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell