US Real Estate & Mortgage Research Analyst
Published: August 9, 2026 · Updated: August 9, 2026
Key Takeaways for South Carolina
- • Effective rate: 0.49% of owner-occupied home value (2024).
- • National rank: #46 highest of 50 states — one of the 10 lowest in the nation.
- • Higher than 4 other states; 0.41 pts below the ~0.90% U.S. state average.
- • 2023 rate was 0.51% — down year over year.
South Carolina's effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing is 0.49%, making it one of the 10 lowest in the nation. Because property taxes are levied locally, this state-level figure is a useful benchmark — but your county, city, and school district set the rate you actually pay.
Worked Example (Illustrative)
Annual Property Tax — South Carolina
0.49% × $350,000 (illustrative) = $1,715/year
That is about $143/month through escrow. The $350,000 figure is an example for comparison only — it is not South Carolina's median home value. Use your own assessed value for a real estimate.
How South Carolina Compares
The average U.S. state effective rate is about 0.90%. South Carolina sits below that line by 0.41 percentage points. Only 45 states levy more, and 4 levy less. Remember that effective rates hide local variation: within any state, urban counties or high-service school districts can owe far more than rural ones.
Estimate Your Own Bill
Use our free Property Tax Calculator with your assessed value and local rate, and read our Property Tax Guide for how assessments, appeals, and escrow work. See the full state-by-state table to compare South Carolina with neighbors.
Typical tax on South Carolina's median-priced home
$259,000 × 0.49% ≈ $1,269/year
Using the state median home value with South Carolina's effective rate. See the Median Home Value in South Carolina page for the full price breakdown and how it stacks up nationally.
Sources
Tax Foundation — Property Taxes by State and County, 2026 — https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/property-taxes-by-state/
Effective rates on owner-occupied housing, U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey (datasets B25082, B25090).
Retrieved: 2026-08-09.
Explore More
- Property Tax by State — full table
- Property Tax Guide — how assessments, appeals, and escrow work.
- Median Home Value in South Carolina — see the typical tax on a median-priced home.
- Property Tax Calculator — estimate your own bill.
- Mortgage Payment Calculator — add tax to a full PITI payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective property tax rate in South Carolina?
Based on 2024 Census ACS data, South Carolina's effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes is 0.49%, which ranks it #46 highest among the 50 states. This is the total residential tax paid divided by total owner-occupied home value — a rate that smooths out differences in home prices.
Why might my actual bill differ from this rate?
These are state-level effective rates. Your county, city, and school district set the specific millage, and local rules such as assessment ratios, homestead exemptions, senior or veteran abatements, and annual increase caps all change the final bill. Confirm the exact amount with your local assessor.
How do I estimate my own property tax?
Multiply your home's assessed value by the local tax rate. Using South Carolina's effective rate of 0.49% on an illustrative $350,000 home gives about $1,715 per year, or roughly $143 per month through escrow. For your real numbers, use our Property Tax Calculator and your assessor's rate.