Connecticut vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: Connecticut vs. South Carolina
Introduction
Both Connecticut and South Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Connecticut’s effective property‑tax rate is more than three times that of South Carolina. The following side‑by‑side table presents the key metrics that determine the tax burden for typical homeowners in each state.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Connecticut | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.92 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $343,200 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $6,575 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $4,789 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $9,579 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $93,760 | $66,818 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): South Carolina
- Rate difference: 1.92 % – 0.51 % = 1.41 percentage points, which represents a 73.56 % lower effective rate in South Carolina.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $4,789 – $1,266 = $3,523 less in South Carolina.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $9,579 – $2,532 = $7,047 less in South Carolina.
Because the effective tax rate is the primary determinant of the yearly tax bill, South Carolina consistently yields a lower property‑tax obligation across comparable home values.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the relative ongoing cost of owning a home in each state can inform decisions about refinancing, relocating, or budgeting for future tax payments. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The data highlight the potential long‑term tax liability tied to purchase price, which is a material factor in total housing affordability. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce cash‑flow pressures; South Carolina’s lower rates may be advantageous for those on limited incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates affect net operating income and return on investment calculations; investors may prefer jurisdictions with lower rates when evaluating comparable properties. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; it does not address other considerations such as state income taxes, cost of living, or quality of public services.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Connecticut’s property‑tax structure: Connecticut property tax
- Detailed information on South Carolina’s property‑tax structure: South Carolina property tax
Conclusion
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, South Carolina imposes a substantially lower effective property‑tax rate than Connecticut, resulting in considerably smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. Stakeholders whose primary concern is the property‑tax burden—such as homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors—may find South Carolina’s tax environment more financially favorable.
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Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.