Property Tax in South Carolina (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

South Carolina Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within South Carolina

Property Tax Calculator — South Carolina

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's 0.52% effective rate and $305,800 median price

Property Tax by City in South Carolina

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

How South Carolina Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Every 5 years with assessment updates between cycles. Legal residence assessment ratio of 4% vs. 6% for non-legal-residence is the key homeowner benefit.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $305,800 home in South Carolina

Property tax represents 5% of the true monthly cost in South Carolina.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — South Carolina

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How South Carolina's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$133/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in South Carolina

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?

South Carolina's effective property tax rate is 0.52%, ranking #44 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $1,590 ($133/month). Rates range from 0.32% in Horry County (Myrtle Beach) to 0.71% in Florence County. Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does South Carolina have a homestead exemption?

Yes — South Carolina offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Owner-occupied primary residences are assessed at 4% of market value (vs. 6% for investment properties and 10.5% for commercial). This legal residence classification significantly reduces the effective rate. Homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled are exempt from the first $50,000 of assessed value for school operating levies.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in South Carolina?

South Carolina reassesses property on a every 5 years with assessment updates between cycles. legal residence assessment ratio of 4% vs. 6% for non-legal-residence is the key homeowner benefit. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in South Carolina?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In South Carolina, the effective rate is 0.52% of market value. On a $305,800 home: $305,800 × 0.52% = $1,590/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in South Carolina?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in South Carolina?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $133/month ($1,590/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What South Carolina counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

South Carolina's highest effective rate is in Florence County at 0.71%. The lowest is Horry County (Myrtle Beach) at 0.32%. That's a 0.39% spread — on a $305,800 home, the difference is $1,193/year.