Berkeley
South Carolina

What stands out

Against every county in America, Berkeley County is unusual in three ways: population growth is among the fastest growing in America (+4.2% a year), natural-hazard risk is in the top 2% of American counties (98 of 100), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 10% of American counties ($1,242 a month). Within South Carolina it ranks 2nd of 46 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 231,419 people live here with you. The population grew 4.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +8,801).

South Carolina has a two-bracket income tax with a top rate of 5.21% for 2026, 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.

Money

The typical household here brings in $77,874 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $68,211. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 63% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

South Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,091 a year.

Home

The median home costs $376K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,242 a month. Property tax is 0.51% of home value, roughly $1,282 a year on that median home, lower than 87% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 52% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.2 years, longer than 66% of American counties. There are 298 active physicians in the county, about 12.9 per 10,000 people. 10.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.90 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 72% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 17 points. 64% of eligible voters turned out. Under South Carolina law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 66°F, highs near 76 and lows near 55, warmer than 84% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 253 Mbps down, faster than 75% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.