10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in South Carolina
If you are comparing property taxes across South Carolina, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Allendale County, comes in at 0.88% — 0.37% higher than the South Carolina average (0.51%). The statewide effective rate is 0.51%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allendale County | 0.88% | $542 | $61,600 |
| 2 | Bamberg County | 0.83% | $796 | $96,000 |
| 3 | Hampton County | 0.81% | $826 | $102,400 |
| 4 | Barnwell County | 0.74% | $717 | $97,200 |
| 5 | Richland County | 0.70% | $1,569 | $224,200 |
| 6 | Newberry County | 0.69% | $1,090 | $158,200 |
| 7 | Williamsburg County | 0.66% | $630 | $95,100 |
| 8 | Orangeburg County | 0.66% | $724 | $109,700 |
| 9 | McCormick County | 0.64% | $1,014 | $159,000 |
| 10 | Marlboro County | 0.64% | $475 | $74,500 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the highest rates in South Carolina often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
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