10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in South Carolina
If you are comparing property taxes across South Carolina, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Horry County, comes in at 0.34% — 0.17% lower than the South Carolina average (0.51%). The statewide effective rate is 0.51%.
Advertisement
| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horry County | 0.34% | $879 | $260,500 |
| 2 | Pickens County | 0.38% | $821 | $216,000 |
| 3 | Oconee County | 0.39% | $856 | $217,200 |
| 4 | Charleston County | 0.41% | $1,864 | $450,800 |
| 5 | Calhoun County | 0.42% | $630 | $148,800 |
| 6 | Georgetown County | 0.43% | $1,117 | $262,300 |
| 7 | Darlington County | 0.43% | $604 | $141,400 |
| 8 | Aiken County | 0.43% | $862 | $199,500 |
| 9 | Cherokee County | 0.44% | $590 | $135,200 |
| 10 | Florence County | 0.44% | $724 | $165,500 |
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 lowest rates in South Carolina often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
Advertisement