South Carolina Property Tax Calculator
South Carolina homeowners see property tax assembled from county, city, and school levies applied to the value the county assessor records. Owner-occupied primary residences commonly benefit from homestead-style treatment — a pattern found across much of the South — and owners can contest valuations they believe are inflated. County medians supply the data behind this page; pick a South Carolina county above for an estimate.
Annual Property Tax
$1,264Monthly (Escrow)
$105Effective Rate
0.49%Highest property tax counties in South Carolina
Effective rate = aggregate real-estate taxes paid ÷ aggregate home value (ACS 2024 5-year).
| County | Effective Rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bamberg County | 0.71% | $97,800 |
| Richland County | 0.64% | $242,800 |
| Hampton County | 0.63% | $112,000 |
| Williamsburg County | 0.62% | $104,500 |
| Dorchester County | 0.60% | $329,300 |
| Barnwell County | 0.60% | $106,000 |
| Spartanburg County | 0.58% | $233,300 |
| Orangeburg County | 0.58% | $115,800 |
| Jasper County | 0.55% | $325,500 |
| Lancaster County | 0.54% | $329,900 |
How property tax works in South Carolina
- County, city, and school levies apply to the county-recorded value.
- Owner-occupied primary residences commonly receive homestead-style treatment.
- Valuation contests run through the county.
Methodology
Rates are aggregate-derived from the Census Bureau's ACS 2024 5-year American Community Survey (total real-estate taxes paid ÷ total home value, by county). This is a statistical estimate, not a bill lookup — actual property tax bills vary by city, school district, and special-district levies layered on top of the county rate, and by any homestead, senior, veteran, or other exemptions you qualify for. South Carolina ranks #47 of 51 (including DC) by statewide average effective rate, where #1 is the highest.
Need your South Carolina income tax too? Use the South Carolina income tax calculator .
Compare property tax across every state at the property tax calculator , or see whether your property tax deduction is capped at the SALT deduction cap calculator .
Frequently asked questions
How is property tax calculated in South Carolina?
The county assessor records a value for your home, homestead-style treatment adjusts the taxable amount where the owner lives in the home, and the levies of county, city, and schools apply to the result. All of it collects into one annual bill.
How much property tax will I pay in South Carolina?
Owner-occupancy status and county both move the number meaningfully. For a first estimate, choose a South Carolina county above along with the home's value — the county's median rate is applied automatically.
Can I lower my South Carolina property tax bill?
Ensuring the home is treated as your owner-occupied primary residence is the biggest single step, and homestead relief adds more for qualifying seniors and disabled owners. Contest the valuation through the county if it looks inflated.
Are property taxes deductible?
Under federal SALT rules, yes, for itemizers — capped along with other state and local taxes at the statutory limit. Check IRS guidance for the number in force.
Sources
Related insights
Use these guides for rule explanations, planning context, and follow-up questions beyond the calculator result.