New Jersey vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: New Jersey vs South Carolina
Quick summary – Both states levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), South Carolina’s effective property‑tax rate is markedly lower than New Jersey’s, resulting in substantially smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | New Jersey | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 2.23 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value (2026) | $427,600 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $9,541 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $5,578 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $11,157 | $2,532 |
| Median household income (2026) | $101,050 | $66,818 |
| Internal link – detailed state info | New Jersey property tax | South Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Taxes?
Winner (lower tax rate): South Carolina
- Effective tax‑rate gap – South Carolina’s rate of 0.51 % is 1.72 percentage points lower than New Jersey’s 2.23 %. This represents a 77.30 % lower rate.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home – $5,578 (NJ) – $1,266 (SC) = $4,312.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home – $11,157 (NJ) – $2,532 (SC) = $8,625.
Because the comparison is based solely on the effective property‑tax rate, South Carolina provides the lower fiscal burden for homeowners at any given property value.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower annual tax bills in South Carolina can reduce the total cost of homeownership, especially for buyers of median‑priced or higher‑priced homes. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize states with lower property taxes; South Carolina’s rate is roughly one‑quarter of New Jersey’s, which may make it more affordable for retirement housing. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors evaluating cash‑flow projections will see higher operating expenses in New Jersey due to the higher tax rate. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policy translates into concrete differences in household expenses, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
| Household budgeting planners | Understanding the tax differential helps families align housing costs with income; note that New Jersey’s median household income ($101,050) is higher than South Carolina’s ($66,818), which may offset some tax burden for higher earners. |
Key Takeaways
- Based on the most recent ACS estimates, South Carolina’s effective property‑tax rate (0.51 %) is substantially lower than New Jersey’s (2.23 %).
- For identical home values, the annual property‑tax bill in South Carolina is roughly $4,300–$8,600 less than in New Jersey.
- The lower tax burden may be particularly advantageous for homeowners, retirees, and investors who prioritize lower recurring costs.
All numbers presented are factual and sourced directly from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.