South Carolina Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

50.65%

Median Annual Tax

$1,199

Median Home Value

$236,700

South Carolina Property Tax Overview

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1. Key Statistics (2026)

Metric	Value
Median home value	$236,700
Effective property tax rate	0.51 %
Median annual property tax bill	$1,199
Rank (lowest effective rate)	#6 out of 52 states and territories
National average effective rate	0.97 %
Difference vs. national average	47.66 % lower

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

2. How the Tax Is Calculated

South Carolina’s property tax is based on the assessed value of real‑estate, which is typically 4 % of the market value. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local millage rate (tax rate expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate of 0.51 % reflects the average combination of assessment ratios and millage rates across the state.

Example Tax Bills

Assessed Property Value*	Approximate Annual Tax (0.51 %)
$250,000 home	$1,266
$500,000 home	$2,532

*The market values are shown; the tax amount is derived from the effective rate reported by the ACS.

3. Variation by County

Property tax rates are set locally by counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts. Consequently, the effective rate can differ noticeably:

County (example)	Millage rate (per $1,000 assessed)	Effective rate*
Horry County	7.6	~0.30 %
Charleston County	10.9	~0.44 %
Greenville County	13.1	~0.53 %

*Effective rate calculated using the standard 4 % assessment factor.

Prospective homeowners should consult the county tax assessor‑collector for the most current millage rates.

4. Comparison to the National Average

South Carolina’s effective rate (0.51 %) is 47.66 % lower than the national average of 0.97 %.
The state ranks #6 among the 52 U.S. states and territories for the lowest effective property tax rate.

These figures indicate that, on average, South Carolina property owners pay less in property tax than owners in most other states.

5. Implications for Specific Groups

Retirees

South Carolina offers a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 for qualifying seniors (age 65+ with income limits). The exemption reduces the assessed value on which the tax is calculated, effectively lowering the annual bill. No additional statewide property‑tax credit for retirees exists, but many counties adopt supplemental exemptions or tax‑freeze programs for seniors.

Landlords

Property tax in South Carolina applies to all real‑estate, regardless of owner occupancy or rental status. Landlords do not receive a separate rate; the tax is assessed on the market value of the rental property using the same county millage rates. Rental income is subject to state income tax, but property tax does not differ from that on a primary residence.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
What is the average effective property tax rate in South Carolina?	Based on the most recent ACS estimates (2026), the average effective rate is 0.51 % of market value.
How does South Carolina’s property tax compare to the national average?	South Carolina’s rate is 47.66 % lower than the national average of 0.97 %, placing the state among the lowest‑tax states in the nation.
Are there property‑tax benefits for seniors?	Yes. Qualifying seniors (age 65+) can receive a homestead exemption of up to $50,000, reducing the taxable assessed value. Additional local exemptions may be available depending on the county.

7. References

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑Year Estimates, 2023 – property tax data, median home values, and effective tax rates.
South Carolina Department of Revenue – assessment ratios and homestead exemption guidelines.
County Assessor‑Collector Offices – specific millage rates for individual counties.

All figures are presented in U.S. dollars and reflect the most recent available data as of 2023.

Neighboring States

Georgia

North Carolina