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Abbeville County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#3 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51
County Score
Cost of Living 88.7Property Tax 87.3Weather & Climate 56.5

County Report Card

About Abbeville County, South Carolina

Surpassing the National Median

Abbeville County earns a composite score of 51.0, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that performs better than many rural counties across the United States.

Leading the South Carolina Average

With a score of 51.0, Abbeville significantly outperforms the South Carolina state average of 42.8. It stands out as one of the more livable options in the region when considering the full spectrum of local data.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Taxes

The county excels in cost and tax dimensions with scores of 88.7 and 87.3, respectively. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.487% and median gross rent of just $634 per month.

Addressing Safety and Income Gaps

The county faces hurdles in safety and income, which score 17.0 and 18.8 respectively. With a median household income of $52,112, economic growth remains a primary area for local improvement.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

Abbeville is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low overhead and affordable home ownership. It offers a high quality of life for those who can navigate a lower-income local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax87.3Cost88.7Safety17Health37.7Schools36.4Income18.8Risk54.7Water26.8Weather56.5
🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Abbeville County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Abbeville County

via TaxByCounty

Abbeville's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.487%, Abbeville's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. A homeowner here pays roughly $717 annually on a median-valued home, compared to the national median of $2,690—a savings of nearly $2,000 per year.

Below average across South Carolina

Abbeville ranks among the lower-taxed counties in South Carolina, with an effective rate of 0.487% versus the state average of 0.542%. Residents pay $717 in median property tax, about $222 less than South Carolina's median of $939.

Lower than nearby counties

Abbeville's 0.487% rate beats neighboring Anderson County (0.464%) by a small margin but undercuts Bamberg (0.829%) and Barnwell (0.738%) significantly. The effective tax rates in this region vary widely, suggesting different assessment philosophies across the Piedmont.

Median home taxes in Abbeville

On a median home valued at $147,200, the typical Abbeville homeowner pays $717 annually in property tax. That breaks down to roughly $60 per month—one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation for a comparable property.

Check if you're overassessed

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners are assessed above market value. If you haven't appealed your assessment in the past few years, it may be worth requesting a review—you could lower an already modest tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Abbeville County

via CostByCounty

Abbeville's affordability beats the nation

Abbeville County residents spend just 14.6% of their income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 30%. This makes Abbeville one of South Carolina's most affordable rental markets, where housing costs take up a smaller slice of household budgets than in most American counties.

A bargain among South Carolina counties

Abbeville ranks among the state's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% compared to South Carolina's average of 20.1%. At just $634 a month, median rent here runs $311 below the state average, offering renters genuine financial relief.

Cheaper than nearby Anderson and Aiken

Abbeville's median rent of $634 undercuts neighboring Anderson County by $318 a month and Aiken County by $397 a month. While Anderson and Aiken offer higher median incomes, Abbeville's lower housing costs give renters more breathing room in their budgets.

Housing takes modest bite from paychecks

With a median household income of $52,112, Abbeville renters allocate 14.6% of earnings to rent, while homeowners spend about 13.7% on mortgage costs. Both figures fall below state averages, leaving residents more discretionary income than most South Carolina neighbors.

Considering Abbeville? The numbers work.

If you're relocating and prioritizing affordability, Abbeville delivers: low rent, modest home prices averaging $147,200, and housing costs that don't dominate your budget. Compare these figures to pricier coastal counties like Beaufort to see where your paycheck stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Abbeville County

via IncomeByCounty

Abbeville lags behind national income

Abbeville County's median household income of $52,112 falls $22,643 short of the national median of $74,755. This 30% gap reflects economic challenges that many rural South Carolina counties face compared to wealthier metropolitan areas nationwide.

Below average for South Carolina

At $52,112, Abbeville's median household income ranks below South Carolina's state average of $57,006. The county underperforms by nearly $5,000 annually per household, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 46 counties.

Stronger than far-south peers

Abbeville earns more than neighboring Bamberg ($43,206) and Barnwell ($41,800) counties, but significantly less than Anderson County ($64,683) to the north. These disparities highlight regional economic variation across the upstate and low-country regions.

Housing remains affordable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% means Abbeville residents spend just over one-seventh of household income on rent—well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $147,200 is accessible compared to state averages, making homeownership feasible for many families.

Building wealth in Abbeville

With affordable housing and a per capita income of $30,650, Abbeville residents have opportunity to invest savings in homeownership or retirement accounts. Start by setting aside 10-15% of household income toward long-term wealth building—even modest contributions compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Abbeville County

via CrimeByCounty

Abbeville Outperforms National Safety Standards

Abbeville County reports a total crime rate of 2236.5 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2385.5. This strong performance earns the county a high safety score of 96.5 out of 100.

A Safety Leader in South Carolina

With a safety score of 96.5, Abbeville ranks better than the South Carolina state average score of 95.4. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is nearly 700 points lower than the state average of 2920.8.

How Abbeville Compares to Its Peers

The county's total crime rate of 2236.5 per 100K keeps it significantly safer than more urbanized neighbors like Anderson County. It remains one of the more secure regions in the Upstate area compared to the state average.

Understanding Local Crime Numbers

The local crime landscape consists of 549.9 violent crimes and 1686.6 property crimes per 100K residents. While property crime stays below the national average of 2015.7, the violent crime rate remains slightly elevated above the national benchmark of 369.8.

Keep Your Abbeville Home Secure

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 1686.6 per 100K. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting and smart locks can effectively deter property-related offenses in your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Abbeville County

via HealthByCounty

Abbeville's life expectancy edges closer to the nation

At 72.9 years, Abbeville County residents live about 3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 18.6% poor or fair health rate tracks with many rural southeastern counties, though nearly 1 in 5 residents report struggling with their health daily.

Slightly healthier than South Carolina average

Abbeville outperforms the state average life expectancy of 72.5 years by 0.4 years, ranking it in the middle tier of South Carolina's 46 counties. The uninsured rate of 11.6% matches the state average exactly, reflecting consistent healthcare access challenges across the region.

Anderson County leads the neighborhood

Abbeville's 72.9-year life expectancy sits between Allendale County (69.5 years) to the south and Anderson County (73.2 years) to the north. Abbeville has stronger primary care access (54 per 100K) than Aiken (34 per 100K) but fewer mental health providers than most neighbors.

Healthcare access meets regional challenges

With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Abbeville has reasonable access to routine care, though 11.6% of residents remain uninsured. The county's 61 mental health providers per 100K suggest growing attention to behavioral health, critical for rural populations.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among Abbeville's uninsured residents, options exist at Healthcare.gov and through South Carolina's Medicaid program. A few minutes on the phone or online could connect you to preventive care, prescription help, and peace of mind.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Abbeville County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Network

Abbeville County operates a compact system of 10 public schools serving 3,027 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools distributed across two districts.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an 86.0% graduation rate, which exceeds the South Carolina average of 84.2%. While the $7,228 per-pupil expenditure is significantly lower than the national average, the 51.9 school score remains above the state median.

Abbeville 60 Leads Local Education

Abbeville 60 is the primary local district, managing nine schools and 2,864 students. One charter school, representing 10% of the county's total schools, offers alternative educational pathways for local families.

A Mostly Rural Learning Environment

Eight of the county's schools sit in rural locales, creating an average school size of 336 students. Dixie High is the largest campus with 507 students, while several primary schools maintain smaller, intimate settings.

Finding Your Home in Abbeville Schools

Families seeking a close-knit, rural school environment will find Abbeville County highly appealing. Explore local real estate to settle near top-performing schools like Dixie High or Cherokee Trail Elementary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Abbeville County

via RiskByCounty

Abbeville's risk runs low nationally

Abbeville County scores 45.36 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting well below the national average. This means the county faces fewer combined threats from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes than most U.S. counties.

Among safest counties in South Carolina

With a composite score of 45.36, Abbeville ranks among the lowest-risk counties in South Carolina, where the state average is 70.75. The county's risk profile is substantially better than the statewide norm across multiple hazard types.

Lower risk than surrounding counties

Abbeville's 45.36 score beats nearby Barnwell (45.83) and significantly outperforms Anderson County (87.18) to the south. Among its peers in the upstate region, Abbeville remains one of the safer communities for natural disaster exposure.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose most concern

Earthquakes score highest at 74.43, followed closely by tornado risk at 66.25—both substantially above the county's overall risk level. Flooding and wildfire threats remain more moderate at 37.63 and 39.82 respectively, offering some relief in those hazard categories.

Earthquake and storm coverage recommended

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, so consider a separate earthquake policy given the county's 74.43 rating. Review your tornado and wind coverage to ensure adequate protection, particularly if you live in a mobile home or older structure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Abbeville County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than the national median

Abbeville’s 62.1°F annual average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives 47.2 inches of rain annually, nearly matching the South Carolina average.

A cooler pocket within the Palmetto State

The county is slightly cooler than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. It ranks among the more temperate regions in the state, offering relief from the higher heat found in the coastal plains.

Positioned between the Upstate and Central Savannah

With an annual average of 62.1°F, Abbeville sits between the cooler Anderson at 61.3°F and the much warmer Aiken at 64.1°F. This positioning reflects its place in the transitional climate zone of the Piedmont.

Long summers and very mild winters

Summers reach a July average of 80.9°F and include 60 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters remain mild with a 45.0°F average and see negligible snowfall of only 0.3 inches.

Prioritize cooling and Piedmont storm prep

Homeowners should maintain efficient HVAC systems to manage two full months of extreme heat. Minimal winter gear is required, as the light 0.3-inch snowfall rarely impacts local infrastructure.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Abbeville County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols dominate the Abbeville landscape

Abbeville features Alfisol soils with a dominant sandy loam texture and an average pH of 5.68. While this is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains higher than the South Carolina state average of 5.27. These moderately weathered soils provide a stable foundation for the county's varied agricultural uses.

A gritty mix of sand and loam

The soil composition consists of 66.0% sand, 18.8% silt, and 15.2% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides excellent aeration for root systems. However, the moderate clay percentage helps the soil retain more nutrients than the state's sandier coastal regions.

Steady water capacity despite lower organic matter

The county's organic matter sits at 1.11%, which is below the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.133 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.115 in/in. This suggests that Abbeville's soil holds onto moisture effectively during the hot South Carolina summers.

Well-drained land with slow infiltration rates

The soil is classified as well-drained, which prevents waterlogging in most gardening and farming scenarios. It belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating a high runoff potential and slow infiltration when the ground is thoroughly wet. Builders and farmers should account for this surface runoff during heavy Piedmont rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Abbeville sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, a region perfect for heat-tolerant crops like peaches, okra, and peppers. The sandy loam texture is ideal for root vegetables and orchard fruits if you supplement the soil with organic compost. Start your garden today to take advantage of these well-drained upland soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Abbeville County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Moderate Lawn Challenges in Abbeville

Abbeville County earns a lawn difficulty score of 42.7, making it easier to maintain than the state average of 35.1 but still more challenging than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8a region requires specific care to handle the transition between seasons. You will find that standard turf management is manageable but requires consistent effort to thrive.

Ample Rainfall Meets High Growing Energy

With 47.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits within the ideal range for healthy turf. However, 60 extreme heat days and 5,189 growing degree days mean your grass grows rapidly and faces significant summer stress. Mowing schedules must remain aggressive throughout the long peak season to prevent overgrowth.

Navigating Acidic Sandy Loam Soil

The local soil is a well-drained sandy loam, but its pH of 5.68 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. To boost lawn health, you likely need to apply lime to neutralize the acidity and improve nutrient uptake. The 66.0% sand content ensures good drainage but may require more frequent light watering.

Combating Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Abbeville has spent 25 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the county faces severe drought conditions. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption. Maintaining a taller grass height will also help shade the soil and retain precious moisture.

Timing Your Abbeville Lawn Success

Bermuda or Zoysia grasses are excellent choices for this 8a climate due to their heat tolerance. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 27 and before the first fall frost hits on November 7. Starting your lawn during this window ensures your grass establishes strong roots before the winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abbeville County's county score?
Abbeville County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 51 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Abbeville County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Abbeville County ranks #3 among all counties in South Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Abbeville County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Abbeville County is $717, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Abbeville County a tax score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Abbeville County?
The median household income in Abbeville County, South Carolina is $52,112 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Abbeville County earns an income score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Abbeville County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Abbeville County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Abbeville County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Abbeville County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.