Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Property Taxes

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

Median Columbia, SC effective property tax rate: 1.04%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the South Carolina state median of 0.72%.
Median Columbia, SC home value: $116,550
Median annual Columbia, SC tax bill: $1,316, $1,084 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Richland calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.04%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,212

$1,125

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

Property Tax Rates Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary widely within South Carolina. Each county estimates its required budget annually 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. Columbia, located in Richland County, is a prime example of how property taxes can differ even within a single region. The effective property tax rate in Columbia offers a unique comparison to other cities within South Carolina. Notably, Richland County's median tax rate of 1.04% is slightly above the national median of 1.02%. However, within Columbia, the tax rates can vary significantly. For instance, the highest median tax rate in the area is 2.22% in the 29201 zip code, while the lowest is 0.70% in the 29205 zip code. These variations highlight the importance of understanding local property tax dynamics to ensure accurate budgeting and financial planning.

Property Tax Rates Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

0.70%

1.99%

3.29%

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 Columbia Tax Rate

1.04%

Median Effective Richland County Tax Rate

1.01%

Median Effective South Carolina Tax Rate

0.72%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29201	0.53%	0.70%	2.22%	2.87%	3.54%
29205	0.48%	0.67%	0.70%	2.79%	2.87%
29206	0.52%	0.68%	0.77%	1.04%	2.90%
29209	0.45%	0.69%	0.86%	2.63%	3.22%
29210	0.62%	0.70%	1.09%	2.95%	3.48%
29212	0.48%	0.70%	0.72%	1.22%	3.12%
29223	0.55%	0.84%	1.11%	2.85%	3.81%
29229	0.33%	0.94%	1.06%	1.55%	3.63%
29203	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29204	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

When examining property taxes in Columbia, 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Columbia. For example, the median home price in Columbia is $116,550, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 29206 has the highest median home price at $225,900.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$13,900

$136,250

$258,600

Median Columbia Market Value

$116,550

Median Richland County Market Value

$117,300

Median South Carolina Market Value

$140,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29201	$7,000	$68,000	$135,000	$194,000	$281,760
29205	$46,800	$104,700	$185,800	$299,900	$437,490
29206	$93,800	$164,200	$225,900	$344,100	$538,500
29209	$31,700	$71,100	$118,600	$170,000	$284,100
29210	$20,000	$63,100	$85,600	$105,900	$131,820
29212	$77,100	$94,000	$132,700	$175,500	$224,880
29223	$41,200	$71,550	$112,100	$170,000	$274,140
29229	$79,100	$110,600	$147,200	$189,900	$244,100
29203	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29204	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

In Columbia, located in Richland County, SC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of the market value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Homeowners in Columbia experience a range of property tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $637 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,323. Notably, the highest median tax bill is $2,041 in the 29206 zip code, while the lowest is $967 in the 29210 zip code. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Columbia's tax bills can be significantly lower, offering potential savings for homeowners. However, these bills can still be a burden. Ownwell assists homeowners by providing property tax appeal and exemption services, which can lead to significant savings. By reviewing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell ensures homeowners pay only their fair share, potentially reducing their overall tax burden.

Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$476

$1,329

$2,182

Median Columbia Tax Bill

$1,316

Median Richland County Tax Bill

$1,343

Median South Carolina Tax Bill

$1,086

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29201	$94	$766	$1,584	$3,516	$5,633
29205	$314	$1,025	$1,973	$3,514	$5,924
29206	$656	$1,321	$2,041	$3,504	$5,645
29209	$201	$634	$1,130	$2,046	$3,812
29210	$201	$605	$967	$1,803	$3,024
29212	$368	$839	$1,207	$1,861	$3,328
29223	$368	$794	$1,456	$2,553	$4,200
29229	$368	$1,134	$1,616	$2,414	$4,707
29203	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
29204	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell