Richland
South Carolina

What stands out

If you had to describe Richland County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is in the top 7% of American counties (93 of 100), homeownership is in the bottom 7% of American counties (60%), and home internet speed is in the top 9% of American counties (287 Mbps). Within South Carolina it ranks 7th of 46 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Richland County, South Carolina. 416,161 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,512).

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 $59,850 a year, lower than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $62,784. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 55% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

South Carolina takes 3.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,152 a year.

Home

The median home costs $246K, pricier than 55% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,095 a month. Property tax is 0.74% of home value, roughly $1,489 a year on that median home, lower than 61% of American counties. 60% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.1 years, longer than 54% of American counties. There are 1,676 active physicians in the county, about 40.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.8 of 5 stars. 10.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.85 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 70% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 35 points. 62% 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 64°F, highs near 75 and lows near 53, warmer than 80% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 93 out of 100, riskier than 93% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 287 Mbps down, faster than 91% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 3 museums, 1 National Park Service site.