Lee County, South Carolina Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lee County is 0.82%, which is lower than the national median of 0.99% but higher than South Carolina’s state median of 0.72%. With a median home value of $18,320 in Lee County, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $174, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lee County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lee County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide substantial annual savings. Whether you reside in Bishopville or another part of Lee County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lee County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.82%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$150
$139
Ownwell’s Lee County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Lee County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lee County to provide an accurate estimate of your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities, ensuring you're well-prepared for financial planning. For more localized information, scroll down to explore trends at the city level. Your property’s assessed value, determined by the county, is crucial for these calculations and includes any exemptions that may apply to your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, South Carolina
Property taxes in Lee County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lee County is 0.82%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lee County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lee County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. For comparison, the city of Elliott has one of the higher property tax rates in South Carolina at 2.14%, while the city of Cassatt boasts one of the lowest at 0.78%. Analyzing how Lee County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lee County Tax Rate
0.82%
Average South Carolina Tax Rate
0.72%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, South Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune | 0.28% | 0.73% | 0.81% | 2.15% | 2.16% |
| Bishopville | 0.14% | 0.75% | 0.86% | 2.13% | 2.20% |
| Camden | 0.12% | 0.71% | 0.82% | 2.13% | 2.21% |
| Cassatt | 0.18% | 0.70% | 0.78% | 1.66% | 2.16% |
| Dalzell | 0.23% | 0.75% | 0.79% | 1.68% | 2.18% |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hartsville | 0.29% | 0.62% | 0.78% | 2.10% | 2.14% |
| Lamar | 0.11% | 0.74% | 0.80% | 2.13% | 2.22% |
| Lynchburg | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mayesville | 0.12% | 0.53% | 0.79% | 2.13% | 2.18% |
| Rembert | 0.16% | 0.75% | 0.82% | 2.13% | 2.22% |
| Sumter | 0.26% | 0.70% | 0.79% | 2.13% | 2.20% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, South Carolina
In Lee County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Lee County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Lee County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lee County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. For instance, Bethune has the highest median tax bill at $723, while Lamar has the lowest at $150. By understanding these dynamics, you can take proactive steps to ensure your property taxes are fair and manageable.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, South Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$15,220
$22,720
$30,220
Average Lee County Assessed Value
$18,320
Average South Carolina Assessed Value
$140,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, South Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune | $10,830 | $16,950 | $30,220 | $52,940 | $210,491 |
| Bishopville | $4,500 | $8,000 | $17,920 | $42,972 | $90,405 |
| Camden | $5,796 | $9,298 | $21,285 | $49,918 | $104,557 |
| Cassatt | $4,998 | $8,395 | $24,402 | $56,687 | $147,944 |
| Dalzell | $5,000 | $9,000 | $23,650 | $52,898 | $99,826 |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hartsville | $4,008 | $7,840 | $19,610 | $84,280 | $270,254 |
| Lamar | $4,006 | $6,815 | $15,220 | $30,135 | $71,274 |
| Lynchburg | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mayesville | $5,000 | $8,207 | $20,695 | $49,025 | $82,545 |
| Rembert | $5,000 | $8,250 | $20,940 | $46,578 | $81,245 |
| Sumter | $4,596 | $8,900 | $20,960 | $59,550 | $171,898 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, South Carolina
In Lee County, SC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. The assessed value is a percentage of the property's market value, and this percentage can vary depending on property type and use. Once the assessed value is established, the tax rate, or millage rate, is applied to calculate the tax bill. This rate is set by local government entities and can vary annually based on budget needs. Several factors influence the final tax bill, including property location and any applicable exemptions. For instance, the median home price in Lee County is $18,320, leading to a wide range of tax bills. Homeowners in the 25th percentile pay around $80, while those in the 75th percentile pay about $354. The highest median tax bill in the county is $723 in Bethune, whereas Lamar has the lowest at $150. These variations significantly affect homeowners, impacting their annual expenses and financial planning.
Average Lee County Tax Bill
$174
Average South Carolina Tax Bill
$1,086
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, South Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune | $201 | $246 | $723 | $905 | $1,709 |
| Bishopville | $26 | $84 | $180 | $346 | $659 |
| Camden | $41 | $85 | $192 | $388 | $675 |
| Cassatt | $33 | $94 | $184 | $405 | $843 |
| Dalzell | $41 | $84 | $180 | $400 | $817 |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hartsville | $60 | $88 | $167 | $388 | $1,306 |
| Lamar | $10 | $68 | $150 | $259 | $476 |
| Lynchburg | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mayesville | $10 | $94 | $173 | $339 | $652 |
| Rembert | $26 | $97 | $179 | $347 | $542 |
| Sumter | $31 | $78 | $206 | $607 | $1,115 |
Source: Ownwell