Georgia vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Georgia vs. South Carolina
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), both Georgia and South Carolina have property‑tax systems that are funded primarily at the county and municipal levels. The two states differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents the key metrics side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower effective property tax rate, and outlines the groups for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Georgia | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.81 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $272,900 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,214 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,028 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $4,057 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $74,664 | $66,818 |
| Reference | Georgia property tax | South Carolina property tax |
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, South Carolina has the lower effective property tax rate (0.51 % versus 0.81 % in Georgia). The difference in rates is 0.30 percentage points, which represents a 37.57 % lower rate in South Carolina.
Annual tax difference examples
| Home value | Georgia tax | South Carolina tax | Difference (Georgia – SC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2,028 | $1,266 | $762 |
| $500,000 | $4,057 | $2,532 | $1,525 |
The lower rate in South Carolina translates into a smaller yearly property‑tax bill for comparable home values.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing property‑tax expense helps in budgeting and comparing overall housing affordability between the two states. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower annual taxes can reduce the cost of living, especially when combined with the median household income figures provided. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differentials affect cash‑flow projections for rental or investment properties. |
| Relocating individuals/families | The comparison offers a concise snapshot of tax burden alongside median home values and household incomes, useful for overall relocation decisions. |
The data are presented without recommendation; they simply reflect the tax rates and associated costs reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Summary
- Effective property tax rate: South Carolina (0.51 %) is lower than Georgia (0.81 %).
- Annual tax impact: For a $250k home, South Carolina saves $762 per year; for a $500k home, the savings increase to $1,525 per year.
- Contextual factors: Median home values and median household incomes also differ, which may influence the overall affordability picture for each state.
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Explore More Comparisons
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.