Puerto Rico vs South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Puerto Rico vs. South Carolina
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property tax rates and related metrics for Puerto Rico and South Carolina are very close. The following article presents the data side‑by‑side, identifies which jurisdiction has the lower nominal tax rate, and outlines the primary audiences for whom this information may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Puerto Rico | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.50% | 0.51% |
| Median home value | $124,600 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $627 | $1,199 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,258 | $1,266 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,516 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $25,096 | $66,818 |
| Source | Puerto Rico property tax | South Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Property Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower nominal rate): Puerto Rico
- Effective rate: 0.50% (Puerto Rico) vs. 0.51% (South Carolina)
- Rate difference: 0.01 percentage points (approximately a 0.65 % relative difference)
Because Puerto Rico’s effective property tax rate is marginally lower, it is identified as the “winner” in a strict rate‑based comparison. The absolute tax amounts for comparable home values also reflect this small advantage:
| Home Value | Annual Tax Difference |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $8 less in Puerto Rico |
| $500,000 | $16 less in Puerto Rico |
Who Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property tax burden might change if they relocate between the two jurisdictions. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the relative cost of property ownership, especially for homes in the $250k–$500k range. |
| Retirees | Comparing tax obligations alongside median household incomes ($25,096 in Puerto Rico vs. $66,818 in South Carolina) to assess overall affordability. |
| Real‑estate investors | Gauging the impact of property taxes on cash‑flow calculations for investment properties. |
| Policy analysts | Using a concise, data‑driven snapshot to compare fiscal policies across jurisdictions. |
The data presented does not account for other fiscal considerations such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or local fee structures, which may also influence the total cost of living.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Puerto Rico’s effective property tax rate of 0.50 % is slightly lower than South Carolina’s 0.51 %. While the absolute difference in annual tax liability for typical home values is modest ($8–$16), the lower rate makes Puerto Rico the marginal winner in a direct property‑tax rate comparison. Stakeholders—particularly homeowners, retirees, and prospective buyers—can use this information as one component of a broader financial assessment when evaluating relocation or investment decisions.
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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.