Marlboro
South Carolina

What stands out

Three things set Marlboro County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.24 where 3.0 is grade level), and unemployment is in the top 2% of American counties (6.5%). Within South Carolina it ranks 3rd of 46 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Marlboro County, South Carolina. 26,585 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -135).

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 $34,275 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,857. Unemployment runs 6.5%, higher than 98% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 25 minutes each way.

South Carolina takes 2.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $820 a year.

Home

The median home costs $117K, cheaper than 94% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $641 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $487 a year on that median home, lower than 74% of American counties. 63% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 95% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 69.8 years, shorter than 97% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 2.3 per 10,000 people. 10.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.20 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 55% 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 63°F, highs near 75 and lows near 52, warmer than 78% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 66 out of 100, riskier than 66% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 171 Mbps down, slower than 62% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.