South Carolinaincome tax up to 6.2%, 3rd lowest property tax, median home $310K
R+13 · Moderate tax burden · COL index 93
6.2%
Income Tax
540
Violent Crime / 100K
75.5
Life Expectancy
$310K
Median Home
$950
Childcare / Mo
South Carolina in plain English
Worth knowing before you move to South Carolina
South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate being cut toward 6%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts up to $10,000 of retirement income per person. Owner-occupied homes are assessed at 4% instead of 6%, which keeps property taxes among the lowest in the country. Charleston, Greenville and the coastal counties have drawn heavy in-migration; hurricane exposure runs the length of the coast.
What South Carolina taxes, and what it doesn't
South Carolina levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 6.2%. A household earning $75,000 pays an effective 6.1%, about $4,551 a year; at $150,000 the effective rate is 6.2%. Among the 41 states that tax income, South Carolina has the 5th highest effective rate at $100,000 of income.
Property tax runs 0.43% of home value a year, roughly $1,333 on the state's median home of $310K. The national effective rate is about 1.10%, and South Carolina has the 3rd lowest rate of the 50 states.
Combined state and local sales tax averages 7.43%, the 17th highest in the country (the state portion is 6%).
For retirees: Social Security benefits are not taxed, pension income is partly exempt, and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Capital gains are taxed at a special rate of 4.7%.
Housing and the cost of living in South Carolina
South Carolina's cost of living index is 93, where 100 is the national average; that is the 19th cheapest of the 50 states.
The median home costs $310K, 2% above the national figure and the 19th lowest among the states. A two-bedroom rents for about $1,350 a month.
Carrying costs matter as much as the price: home insurance averages $2,300 a year, flood coverage adds about $1,100 where it is needed, car insurance runs $1,730.
Budget $145 a month for electricity and gas, $450 a month in groceries for two, $950 a month for full-time infant care.
Safety, health and schools
Violent crime is 540 incidents per 100,000 residents in the FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer figures, above the median state (387); South Carolina is the 9th most violent of the 50 by that measure. Property crime is 2,730 per 100,000.
Life expectancy is 75.5 years (County Health Rankings 2024). 13.1% of residents have no health insurance, and the state has not expanded Medicaid. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 scorecard ranks South Carolina's health system 38th of 50.
Education Week's 2023 Quality Counts report ranks K-12 schools 40th in the country, and the state runs a school-choice voucher program.
Politics, guns and social policy
Politically, South Carolina is a solidly Republican state that went to Trump by 13 points in 2024.
On guns, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, and Giffords grades the state's gun laws F.
Abortion is banned with narrow exceptions. Marijuana is medical only. South Carolina is a right-to-work state, and the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Climate, risk and getting around
Natural disaster risk is high. The main hazards are hurricane, tornado, flood. Annual average air quality index is 34 (under 50 is good).
South Carolina has no top-25 hub airport, with about 65 nonstop destinations from its busiest airport.
Written from the figures on this page. Rankings compare the 50 states. Sources and years are listed with each figure below.
Largest counties in South Carolina
State Profile
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
Income Tax
Top rate reducing to 6% by 2024
Property Tax
~$1,333/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains
44% deduction on long-term capital gains
Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
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Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
Price Level vs US (BEA)
Below US average (100)
Mortgages 90+ Days Late
FHFA, latest quarter
Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Homes in HOAs
HOAs are common (Census ACS 2024)
Zoning Restrictiveness
More restrictive than most states (Wharton WRLURI 2018)
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb)
No statewide STR law; local control.
Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
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Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
Violent Crime Rate
Near national avg
Property Crime Rate
Near national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Among the most dangerous
Registered Sex Offenders
Above the state median (SafeHome 2025)
Homeless Population
Low homelessness rate — 40% unsheltered (HUD 2024 PIT)
Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
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Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
State Healthcare Rank
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Above national avg (~9%)
Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
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Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
College Completion Rate
College Scorecard, in-state institutions (mean)
Avg College Cost of Attendance
College Scorecard 2024
K-12 Quality Rank
Bottom 10 nationally
School Choice / Vouchers
HS Graduation Rate
Near national avg (~87%)
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Near national avg (~16)
Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
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Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
Grid Carbon Intensity
Near US average (~820)
Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Electricity Rate
Below national avg (13¢)
Energy Mix
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
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Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
Nonstop Destinations
From state's primary airport
Major Hub Airport
Regional airport — connections via hub
Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
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Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
Urban Population
Mix of urban and rural
Restaurant Density
Religious Congregations
Pro Sports Teams
NFL + NBA + MLB + NHL + MLS
Major Venues
Stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters (10K+ capacity)
Craft Breweries
2.2/100K residents — Growing
Craft Distilleries
Live Music
Charleston food and live music; Cooper River Bridge Run concerts; Holy City Brewing
Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
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Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Work From Home
State residents who primarily work from home (ACS)
Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
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Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
Formal Volunteering Rate
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023 (US ~28%)
Votes in Local Elections
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023
Abortion Access
6-week ban with exceptions
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Gambling
State Lottery
One of the most restrictive gambling states. No casinos. Offshore gambling boats historically operated from Myrtle Beach.
Age of Consent
Sex Education
Sex ed required by state
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
Benchmark Resort · Sea Mountain Inn (Cherry Grove) · Carolina Sunbathing
Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
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Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Near national avg
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
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Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Carry in Bars
Carry in Restaurants
Carry in Places of Worship
Consuming while carrying restricted; churches require express permission.
Gambling
Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
Job Openings Rate (JOLTS)
Tight labor market (US ~4.5%)
Quits Rate (JOLTS)
Workers quit when they can find better; BLS 2024 average
Job Market
+2% job growth · 3.2% unemployment
Top Industries
Tech Jobs
Healthcare Jobs
Remote Work
Median Household Income
Union Membership
Among the least unionized states (BLS 2025)
Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
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Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
Corporate Income Tax
LLC Formation Fee
LLC Annual Fee
Business Climate Rank
Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
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Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
Gas Price (Regular)
Well below avg (-0.32 vs national avg)
Consumer Fireworks
Consumer fireworks broadly legal
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Required under 21 (IIHS 2026)
Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
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Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
Winter Severity
Avg January high: 57°F
Summer Heat
Hot summers
Annual Rainfall
Tornado Risk
Hurricane Risk
Wildfire Risk
Flood Risk
Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
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Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
Venomous Snakes
Spider Hazard
Hurricane Risk
Tornado Risk
Wildfire Risk
Earthquake Risk
Armadillo Leprosy Risk
Danger score is a composite index. Methodology ↗
Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
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Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
Veteran-Friendly Score
8.9% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
100% disabled: full property tax exempt
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore South Carolina counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in South Carolina
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
Compare Similar States
SC vs WI
South Carolina vs Wisconsin
COL 93 vs 93 · 6.2% vs 7.65% income tax
Full comparison →
SC vs NC
South Carolina vs North Carolina
COL 93 vs 94 · 6.2% vs 4.5% income tax
Full comparison →
SC vs TN
South Carolina vs Tennessee
COL 93 vs 92 · 6.2% vs No income tax
Full comparison →
SC vs GA
South Carolina vs Georgia
COL 93 vs 91 · 6.2% vs 5.49% income tax
Full comparison →
Trending in South Carolina
In Focus South Carolina: State Budget - Spectrum News
Spectrum News · Sep 6
California made Gavin Newsom famous. Will it drag down his 2028 presidential ambitions? - PBS
PBS · Sep 6
SC is a reliably GOP state. Why Andrews, Johnson argue they have path to victory - The State
The State · Sep 8
Gavin Newsom will leave office in January. In South Carolina, he previews what could come next - CNN
CNN · Sep 7
South Carolina hosts annual Governor’s Summit on Veterans’ Affairs - WCIV
WCIV · Sep 3
What Residents Say
Thinking about moving to SC, looking at either Greenville ...
Hello I’m a 29 year old black guy that lives in Raleigh NC currently, looking for a change of place and frankly someone that’s slightly cheaper. I ......
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Looking at relocating to south carolina and i have some ...
Generally things are that expensive, but be aware that we pay property tax annually on vehicles - that is a surprise for a lot of transplants, ......
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Moving to SC : r/southcarolina
Low cost of living and it's feasible to be able to pay your bills on a fixed income. state tax rate might be a bit higher than some of the ......
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Relocating To Greenville For Job. Need Advice
Just adding to the pile of posts about moving to Greenville and cost of living. I was born in Greenville but moved away when I was fairly young. I still ......
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Moving to the South : r/relocating
Low cost of vehicle ownership. Maybe low cost of living. Pre pandemic it was very cheap to live here. Now however costs have gone up, wages ......
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Moving to SC! : r/southcarolina
It's a beautiful place to live, but it's become VERY crowded. Why are so many people moving to South Carolina? Pros and Cons of living in South ......
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Curious about SC daily life : r/AskSouthCarolina
Unless you live in a high tax area, your taxes won't be less you will just pay them differently. Property taxes may be lower but sales taxes ......
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Perks on Living in South Carolina/ Columbia.
cola has a fairly easy cost of living. capital there are decent job opportunities and relatively low housing costs....
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I Need To Leave South Carolina Immediately!!!
If you are truly serious about moving "anywhere but SC", you need to start doing your research. Check cost of living comparison calculators, ......
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Looking to move to South Carolina on a budget. I have ...
Along with looking for full time. what's a good and safe inexpensive area to live in. any thing such a luxury tax or stuff like that....
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South Carolina will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
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South Carolina Guides
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Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund 2023; life expectancy from County Health Rankings 2024. Education: Education Week 2023. Housing: Zillow monthly index and Census ACS 2022. Insurance: rate surveys 2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.