Looking for the national Property Tax? Property Tax Calculator.
South Carolina Property Tax Calculator — Avg $1,923/mo @ 6.30% (2026)
South Carolina (SC) · State tax: 6.2% · Property tax: 0.55% · Median home (ZHVI): $295,000
As of · Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Tax Foundation, Census ACS, Freddie Mac PMMS
South Carolina has a property tax rate of 0.55% of assessed home value, collected annually. On the median home of $295,000, that's a tax bill of roughly $1,623/year — or about $135/month. Property tax rates can vary significantly within a state by county and municipality, so your actual bill may differ from the statewide average. Combined with South Carolina's 6.2% state income tax, your total state and local tax burden is among the factors driving the cost of living index of 93.5.
South Carolina Financial Snapshot (2026) — Property Tax Calculator
Home value, monthly carrying cost, property tax, and insurance are the four levers for the property tax calculator in South Carolina. Every row cites a primary public dataset. Numbers reflect the most recent vintage available; refresh cadence is documented in the methodology.
How the Property Tax Calculator Math Works Under South Carolina Law
Every real-estate number on this page runs through the same core identity: the monthly principal-and-interest payment on a fully amortizing fixed-rate loan is M = P · r / (1 − (1+r)^(−n)), where P is the loan principal, r is the monthly rate (annual rate / 12), and n is the term in months. For a typical South Carolina buyer in 2026, P starts from an $295,000 median home value (Zillow ZHVI)[1], minus a standard 20% down payment.
On top of P&I the calculator adds the two South Carolina-specific carrying costs: property tax at the state effective rate of 0.55%[2] and homeowners insurance at roughly $1,290/year (NAIC state average)[3]. The Freddie Mac PMMS national average 30-year fixed rate (6.30% (Freddie Mac PMMS · week of ))[4] drives the payment curve — South Carolina rate quotes can move a few basis points around that number depending on lender, loan size, and credit band.
Calc-specific note: Effective rate × assessed value = annual bill. Intra-state county variance can swing ±30% around South Carolina's headline rate.
Worked example — South Carolina
On South Carolina's $295,000 median home, the 0.55% effective rate produces a $1,623 annual bill — roughly $135/month added to PITI. County variance within South Carolina can push this ±30% depending on mill levies and homestead exemptions.
Local context: South Carolina
Housing economics in South Carolina. The median home value runs 17.6% below the U.S. baseline for South Carolina is $295,000 per Zillow's home-value index. Effective property tax sits at 0.55% of assessed value, below the 0.99% national average tracked by the Tax Foundation. Lenders in South Carolina have quoted 6.30% on the 30-year fixed product over the trailing four-week window per Freddie Mac PMMS — the prevailing posted rate before any borrower-specific lock-ins.
Income and tax climate. Median household income in South Carolina reaches $76,780 per the ACS five-year vintage, trailing the $78,538 U.S. median. South Carolina's top marginal state income tax bracket lands at 6.20% — compared to the volume-weighted national average around 4-5%. BEA's Regional Price Parity scores South Carolina at 93.5 (national = 100), meaning a dollar in South Carolina buys 107¢ — more goods and services than the same dollar nationally.
How South Carolina's numbers shape the calculator. The mortgage payment, refinance, PMI, and home-affordability calculators all run on three local inputs that swing the answer materially: the prevailing 30-year fixed rate, the effective property tax rate as a share of home value, and the homeowners-insurance premium that the average policyholder is paying for the same coverage envelope. South Carolina-specific values for each of those are pre-loaded above so the calculator's default scenario reflects what an actual buyer would see at closing, not a national average that smooths over the differences. Override any field to test a different scenario; the math reruns instantly in your browser without sending the inputs anywhere.
Local context as of 2026-06-04. Live data sources are listed in the Sources section below; each metric carries its own retrieval date.
South Carolina versus the U.S. baseline
How does South Carolina stack up against the national average on the metrics that drive the calculators on this page? The table below pairs the South Carolina-specific reading against the U.S. baseline so you can see at a glance whether your local scenario runs above or below typical. Three to five percentage points of difference on most of these inputs translates into meaningful changes in calculator output — for example, a 50-basis-point difference in mortgage rate moves the monthly payment on a $400,000 30-year loan by roughly $130.
| Metric | South Carolina | U.S. baseline | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value[zillow] | $295,000 | $358,000 | -17.6% |
| Property tax rate[tax-foundation] | 0.55% | 0.99% | -44.4% |
| Top marginal income tax[tax-foundation] | 6.20% | ~4.08% (volume-weighted) | 2.1 pp |
| Cost-of-living index (RPP)[bea-rpp] | 93.5 | 100.0 | -6.5 pts |
| Avg homeowners insurance[naic] | $1,290/yr | $1,754/yr | -26.5% |
How to use the Property Tax Calculator
Walk through using the Property Tax Calculator with South Carolina-specific defaults pre-loaded from primary sources.
- Pre-fill with local dataEach calculator on this page loads with state- or city-specific defaults pulled live from primary sources (FRED, BLS, Zillow, Freddie Mac PMMS, IRS, BEA). The blue values shown next to each input are the local averages so you can see how your scenario compares to the typical case before changing anything.
- Override the inputs you controlChange any field to model your actual situation. The math reruns in your browser the moment you change a value — no signup, no API call, no data transmission. Hover over the small (i) icon next to each label to see the formula that field feeds and where the default came from.
- Read the derived valuesThe result panel shows the primary calculation (monthly payment, take-home pay, savings projection, etc.) plus the intermediate values that drive it. Each line item is labeled with the formula component it represents so you can verify the arithmetic against any agency publication, textbook, or competing calculator.
- Adjust assumptions and re-runMost calculators have a section for assumption inputs that are easy to overlook — annual raises, expected return, inflation, vacancy rate, depreciation schedule, marginal vs. effective tax treatment. The defaults are conservative; aggressive scenarios usually require explicit overrides.
- Save to "My Numbers"When the inputs match your reality, click Save to "My Numbers". The values persist to your device's local storage (IndexedDB) and reload automatically on your next visit. Nothing is transmitted to any CalcFi server — the saved-state feature is deliberately client-side only for privacy.
- Compare scenarios side by sideMost calculators offer a comparison view that shows two or more scenarios side by side. Use this to model decision points: 15-year vs 30-year mortgage, Roth vs Traditional IRA, salary vs hourly, lease vs buy. The comparison view also produces a shareable summary you can download as PNG or PDF.
Worked Examples: Property Tax Calculator in South Carolina Cities
Same formula, different inputs. Each city name links to its own pSEO page where the calculator is pre-filled with local medians.
| City | Median home | Median rent | HUD FMR 2BR | Median income | Est. P&I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | $430,381 | $1,987/mo | $1,825/mo | $82,272 | $2,131/mo |
| Columbia, SC | $253,199 | $1,551/mo | $1,425/mo | $66,146 | $1,254/mo |
| Greenville, SC | $310,898 | $1,551/mo | $1,425/mo | $69,016 | $1,539/mo |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $337,428 | $1,727/mo | $1,600/mo | $64,623 | $1,671/mo |
| Rock Hill, SC | $285,000 | $1,200/mo | $1,100/mo | $55,800 | $1,411/mo |
Sources: Zillow ZHVI + ZORI[1], HUD FMR[2], Census ACS[3], Freddie Mac PMMS[4].
How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
Moving one state over changes the property tax numbers. Compare median home value (Zillow ZHVI), top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate, and the BEA all-items Regional Price Parity across South Carolina and its border states.
| State | Median home | Top inc tax | Prop tax rate | RPP (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (this page) | $295,000 | 6.20% | 0.55% | 93.5 |
| Georgia | $325,000 | 5.39% | 0.92% | 96.5 |
| see North Carolina | $330,000 | 4.25% | 0.82% | 94.4 |
Sources: Zillow ZHVI[1], state Departments of Revenue / Tax Foundation[2], Tax Foundation property taxes[3], BEA Regional Price Parities[4].
What Changes Your Result in South Carolina
- Down payment size:South Carolina's typical down payment is 8.0%according to NAR survey data. Every 5% shift changes the monthly P&I by roughly 5–6% of the headline payment.
- First-time buyer programs:South Carolina runs state-level first-time buyer programs (DPA, MCC) that can cut effective down payment costs by $5,000–$15,000 for qualifying buyers. See programs block below.
- County-level property tax variance:The state effective rate shown in the snapshot is a statewide weighted average. Within South Carolina, county rates can swing ±30% around the median, especially in border counties with differing school-district mill levies.
Related Calculations for South Carolina
These calculators share inputs with the property tax formula, so pair them to pressure-test your answer from multiple angles.
- South Carolina Mortgage Payment Calculator — property tax is a line in the PITI payment.
- South Carolina Home Appreciation Calculator — appreciating basis raises future tax bills.
How South Carolina Compares
| Metric | South Carolina | National Avg | GA | NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $295,000 | $420,000 | $395,000 | $365,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.55% | 1.07% | 0.92% | 0.84% |
| State Income Tax | 6.2% | 4.6%* | 5.75% | 4.99% |
| Avg Insurance Cost | $1,290/yr | $1,544/yr | $1,440/yr | $1,440/yr |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.5 | 100 | 97 | 98 |
| Household Income — p25 | $37,201 | $41,401 | $40,000 | $35,000 |
| Household Income — p50 (median) | $75,052 | $83,592 | $80,215 | $67,112 |
| Household Income — p75 | $130,340 | $153,000 | $149,001 | $127,721 |
*Average of states that levy an income tax. 2026 estimates. SC assesses primary residences at 4% vs. 6% for non-primary — saving homeowners significantly on property taxes.[3] Income percentiles from DQYDJ/Census CPS 2024[4].
South Carolina Real Estate Tips
South Carolina's median home price of $315,000 is below the national average, with Charleston metro above and upstate areas below.
SC Housing offers Palmetto Heroes and other DPA programs for qualifying buyers.
South Carolina's legal residence (homestead) exemption provides a 4% assessment rate vs. 6% for non-primary-residence — significant tax savings.
South Carolina Homebuyer Programs
- ✓SC Housing Palmetto Heroes — below-market mortgages with DPA for public servants.
- ✓SC Housing Homebuyer Program — DPA up to $12,000 as a forgivable loan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Property Tax Calculator in South Carolina
How does the property tax work in South Carolina?
- The property tax calculator runs the standard amortization + PITI formula and layers on South Carolina's 6.2% state income tax, 0.55% property tax rate, and cost-of-living index of 93.5. All inputs stay in your browser.
What is the average home price in South Carolina?
- The median home price in South Carolina is $295,000 as of 2026. Prices vary widely by metro area, with urban centers typically 20–50% above the statewide median.
What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?
- South Carolina has a property tax rate of 0.55% of assessed home value. On a $295,000 home, the annual property tax is approximately $1,623.
Is South Carolina a good state to buy a home?
- South Carolina has a cost of living index of 93.5 and a median home price of $295,000. With a 6.2% state income tax, affordability depends on your income and local market conditions. Property taxes at 0.55% are a key ongoing cost.
What is the SC homestead exemption?
- Primary residences in SC are assessed at 4% of fair market value (vs. 6% for non-primary), plus an additional $50,000 exemption for residents 65+ or disabled.
Does South Carolina tax Social Security?
- No. South Carolina fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax.
Is the property tax free to use for South Carolina residents?
- Yes — the Property Tax Calculator is 100% free, with no signup required. All South Carolina-specific numbers (median home price $295,000, property tax 0.55%, 6.2% state income tax) are prefilled from public datasets. Calculations run in your browser; no data is sent to our servers.
Where does the South Carolina data on this page come from?
- Data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), the Tax Foundation, BLS OEWS wage tables, Zillow ZHVI for home values, and Freddie Mac PMMS for mortgage rates. Each number is timestamped and refreshed via our hourly ETL.
How often is the South Carolina property tax updated?
- Source data is re-pulled on an hourly cadence for live series (mortgage rates) and on each new vintage release for ACS / Tax Foundation tables. Page caches revalidate every 24 hours via Next.js ISR.
Can I export results from the South Carolina property tax?
- Yes — every calculator supports CSV / PDF export from the result panel. No account required. Saves stay in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Does the property tax replace tax or financial advice?
- No. The Property Tax Calculator provides educational estimates using public data and standard formulas. It is not personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. For decisions with material consequences, consult a licensed professional.
More Calculators
← Back to Property Tax CalculatorRelated Calculators for South Carolina
Calculate for Neighboring States
South Carolina Financial Data (2026)
- State Income Tax
- 6.2%
- Property Tax Rate
- 0.55%
- Median Home Price
- $295,000
- Annual Property Tax (median home)
- $1,623
- Avg Homeowners Insurance
- $1,290/year
- Cost of Living Index
- 93.5 (100 = avg)
- State Estate Tax
- No
- State Abbreviation
- SC
Compare South Carolina with other states
Every number on this page reads from the same CalcFi data repository used by the Live Data pages below — the figures stay consistent.
Home Prices by State
Zillow ZHVI across all 50 states
Property Tax by State
Effective rate × ZHVI = annual bill
Household Income by State
FRED real median + percentile bands
Cost of Living by State
BEA RPP all-items + housing
No-Income-Tax States
Full list + trade-offs
Current Interest Rates
Treasury curve + PMMS + FDIC
How we compute this — methodology
CalcFi pSEO pages combine three inputs: (1) the calculator formula itself, which runs client-side so no inputs leave your browser; (2) state-level financial constants from primary public datasets; and (3) national benchmarks for comparison. The South Carolina page uses the property tax rate (0.55%), median home price ($295,000), and 6.2% state income tax from the sources listed below.
Refresh cadence:state tax brackets and minimum wage rates are reviewed annually after each state's legislative session. Property tax, median home price, insurance, and cost-of-living figures are reviewed annually against the primary sources. Income percentiles are refreshed when the Census CPS/IPUMS releases update (typically September). Page-level dateModified matches the last editorial review date, shown above.
Known limits: statewide averages mask large intra-state variance — county-level property tax and metro-level home prices differ significantly from the figures shown. For the most precise calculations, cross-check the output against your actual county assessor and the latest federal/state tax tables at filing time.
More Cities in South Carolina
Use Property Tax Calculator for any city in South Carolina.
Related Calculators & States
Related Calculators for South Carolina
National reference: Property Tax Calculator
Sources
Every number on this page cites a primary public dataset. Last reviewed (auto-bumped by the next ISR refresh after an ETL run).
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — State Minimum Wage Laws. dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Tax Foundation — State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets. taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-income-tax-rates-2025. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Composite state financial context (median home price, property tax effective rate, cost of living index) cross-referenced against the primary sources below.
- Census Current Population Survey / IPUMS CPS (income year 2024) via DQYDJ state tools. dqydj.com. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Tax Foundation — Property Taxes Paid as % of Owner-Occupied Housing Value; State Tax Rates and Brackets; Estate/Inheritance; Social Security Taxation — taxfoundation.org/data/all/state. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Zillow Research — ZHVI (Zillow Home Value Index) + ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index) — www.zillow.com/research/data. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates — www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) — weekly national mortgage rates — www.freddiemac.com/pmms. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owners, and Homeowners Tenants Insurance Report — content.naic.org/article/homeowners-insurance-report. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- HUD Fair Market Rents — 50th-percentile 2-bedroom FY — www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- State Departments of Revenue — official bracket + deduction publications (one primary URL per state; linked in the brackets table below) — taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-income-tax-rates. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities by State — www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- U.S. Department of Labor — State Minimum Wage Laws — www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — real median household income, unemployment, HPI, LFPR per state — fred.stlouisfed.org. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — state-level occupational wages — www.bls.gov/oes. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
CalcFi does not sell data. If you spot an error, email hello@calcfi.app with the URL and the correct figure.