South Carolina housing costs at a glance
| South Carolina | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $308,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.44% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.55% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $2,700 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
South Carolina home for $308,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $1,557 + property tax $141 + insurance $225 = about $1,924 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
South Carolina property tax: apply for the 4% rate
South Carolina assesses a primary residence at 4% of its value, while second homes and rentals are assessed at 6%, so the tax on the same house is 50% higher if you do not apply for the legal residence (4%) assessment with the county. Owner-occupied homes are also exempt from school operating millage. As a result the average effective rate is only about 0.44%, one of the lowest in the country. Reassessment happens every five years, with increases capped at 15% unless the home is sold.
Other South Carolina costs
- Deed recording fee: $3.70 per $1,000 of the price, customarily paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $2,700 a year on average, and much more on the coast, where wind coverage is expensive.
- See also the South Carolina paycheck calculator for the new 2026 income tax.
Other states
See also the South Carolina paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% assessment in South Carolina?
Primary residences are assessed at 4% of value instead of 6%; you must apply to the county for the legal residence assessment.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced South Carolina home?
On a $308,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $1,557; with property tax at 0.55% and average insurance the total is about $1,924 a month.
What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?
About 0.44% of home value on average for owner-occupied homes, one of the lowest in the US.
Who pays the deed recording fee in South Carolina?
Customarily the seller: $3.70 per $1,000 of the sale price.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Revenue – property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026