Oconee County, South Carolina Property Taxes

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

Median Oconee County effective property tax rate: 0.42%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Oconee County home value: $107,800
Median annual Oconee County tax bill: $454, $1,946 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Oconee County calculated?

Property taxes in Oconee County 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Walhalla or another part of Oconee County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Oconee County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.42%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$453

$420

Ownwell’s Oconee County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Oconee County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Oconee County’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 more 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 Oconee County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Oconee County, South Carolina

Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate the budget needed to fund essential services and divide this amount by the total assessed value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Though votes and legislation play a role in establishing these rates and budgets, this is the essence of the annual process.

You can compare Oconee County's effective property tax rate to other counties in South Carolina or the U.S. median property tax rate. Oconee County's tax rate is notably lower than the national median, making it an attractive option for property owners seeking lower tax burdens. The county's highest median tax rate can be found in Newry, while Walhalla boasts the lowest. This variation within the county highlights the importance of understanding local tax dynamics. By appealing property taxes or exploring available exemptions, homeowners in Oconee County can potentially reduce their tax liabilities even further.

Property Tax Rates Across Oconee County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

0.42%

0.43%

0.44%

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 Oconee County Tax Rate

0.42%

Median Effective South Carolina Tax Rate

0.72%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Oconee County, South Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Fair Play	0.13%	0.33%	0.44%	1.25%	1.34%
Newry	0.12%	0.42%	0.44%	1.30%	1.31%
Salem	0.14%	0.35%	0.44%	1.03%	1.38%
Seneca	0.19%	0.33%	0.42%	1.17%	1.33%
Walhalla	0.10%	0.26%	0.42%	0.89%	1.32%
West Union	0.12%	0.29%	0.42%	0.89%	1.31%
Long Creek	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mountain Rest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tamassee	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Townville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Westminster	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Oconee County, South Carolina

When examining property taxes in Oconee County, 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 Oconee 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.

Assessment notices: In Oconee 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 Oconee County. For example, the median tax bill in Oconee County is $1,130, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Salem has the highest median home price at $232,501.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Oconee County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$52,128

$146,675

$241,222

Median Oconee County Market Value

$107,800

Median South Carolina Market Value

$140,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Oconee County, South Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Fair Play	$12,280	$39,321	$121,056	$245,154	$396,660
Newry	$17,397	$36,999	$52,128	$66,812	$75,790
Salem	$23,698	$77,130	$232,501	$479,250	$832,779
Seneca	$13,636	$47,723	$130,438	$266,829	$555,620
Walhalla	$10,321	$29,400	$78,694	$145,395	$224,701
West Union	$15,836	$53,788	$132,460	$268,185	$485,274
Long Creek	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mountain Rest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tamassee	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Townville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Westminster	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Oconee County, South Carolina

In Oconee County, SC, property tax bills are determined by assessing the market value of a home and applying the local tax rate. The median home price in the area is $107,800, significantly lower than the national median home price. Consequently, the property tax bills in Oconee County tend to be more affordable compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The tax bill for homeowners in the 25th percentile is approximately $144, while those in the 75th percentile pay around $1,099. For homeowners in the 90th percentile, the tax bill can reach up to $2,381. Factors influencing these amounts include the assessed value of the property and any applicable exemptions or deductions. In Salem, the highest median tax bill is $1,130, whereas in Newry, the lowest is $262. These differences highlight how local factors can significantly affect tax obligations. Understanding these elements is crucial for homeowners to effectively manage their property tax liabilities.

Property Tax Bills Across Oconee County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$262

$696

$1,130

Median Oconee County Tax Bill

$454

Median South Carolina Tax Bill

$1,086

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Oconee County, South Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Fair Play	$52	$189	$596	$1,356	$2,545
Newry	$55	$153	$262	$509	$815
Salem	$65	$320	$1,130	$2,545	$5,876
Seneca	$59	$230	$585	$1,400	$2,827
Walhalla	$33	$123	$323	$594	$999
West Union	$43	$197	$563	$1,214	$2,752
Long Creek	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mountain Rest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tamassee	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Townville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Westminster	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell