The rate in context
On a $400,000 home, 0.49% means roughly $1,960 per year in property tax, escrowed monthly, so it lands directly in your payment and your debt-to-income ratio.
Exemptions and notes
Owner-occupied homes are assessed at 4% of value versus 6% for rentals and commercial; reassessment growth is capped at 15%.
Sources: Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); NAR/NCSL transfer tax table. County-level rates vary; your county page has local detail.
Counties in South Carolina
FAQ
What is the average property tax rate in South Carolina?
The average effective property tax rate in South Carolina is about 0.49%, per Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); NAR/NCSL transfer tax table. Individual counties vary above and below that average.
How do South Carolina property taxes affect my mortgage?
Taxes are escrowed into your monthly payment, so a higher rate directly reduces how much house you qualify for. Owner-occupied homes are assessed at 4% of value versus 6% for rentals and commercial; reassessment growth is capped at 15%.