Dorchester
South Carolina

What stands out

Against every county in America, Dorchester County is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is in the top 3% of American counties (97 of 100), population growth is in the top 5% of American counties (+2.3% a year), and the average commute is in the top 11% of American counties (29 minutes). Within South Carolina it ranks 5th of 46 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Dorchester County, South Carolina. 162,139 people live here with you. The population grew 2.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +3,021).

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 $73,686 a year, higher than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,559. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 69% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 29 minutes each way.

South Carolina takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,873 a year.

Home

The median home costs $351K, pricier than 79% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,159 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $1,626 a year on that median home, lower than 78% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 68% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.0 years, longer than 64% of American counties. There are 136 active physicians in the county, about 8.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.15 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 56% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 15 points. 66% 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 77 and lows near 55, warmer than 85% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 97 out of 100, riskier than 97% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 278 Mbps down, faster than 88% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 museums.