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Aiken County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#15 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.5
County Score
Property Tax 91.9Income & Jobs 61.7Water Quality 59.2

County Report Card

About Aiken County, South Carolina

Steady Performance Near National Trends

Aiken County posts a composite score of 44.5, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a modest margin. This ranking suggests a stable environment that matches typical mid-sized American counties in several categories.

Above the South Carolina Average

Aiken's score of 44.5 places it above the South Carolina state average of 42.8. It serves as a reliable middle-ground choice for residents seeking a balance of services and affordability within the state.

Low Tax Burden and Solid Income

The county shines with a tax score of 91.9 and a strong income score of 61.7. An effective tax rate of just 0.432% helps residents keep more of their $67,940 median household income.

Environmental Risks and Public Safety

Aiken faces significant challenges in risk and safety, which score 15.8 and 11.7. These low figures highlight a need for better emergency preparedness and crime prevention initiatives.

Perfect for Professional Commuters

Aiken County is best suited for established professionals who value low property taxes and a healthy income-to-cost ratio. It provides a solid foundation for families who are comfortable managing higher environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax91.9Cost38.6Safety11.7Health41.5Schools51Income61.7Risk15.8Water59.2Weather41.9
🏛91.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.1
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Aiken County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Aiken County

via TaxByCounty

Aiken taxes well below national norm

At 0.432%, Aiken County's effective property tax rate ranks among the lowest in America, placing it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties. Residents pay a median of $862 per year, less than one-third the national median property tax of $2,690.

South Carolina's lowest-taxed county

Aiken boasts the second-lowest effective tax rate in South Carolina at 0.432%, significantly below the state average of 0.542%. With a median property tax of $862, Aiken homeowners pay nearly $80 less than the state median of $939.

Aiken leads its region in tax efficiency

Aiken's 0.432% rate is the lowest among comparable Piedmont counties, beating Anderson (0.464%), Abbeville (0.487%), and Berkeley (0.479%) by measurable margins. This tax advantage makes Aiken increasingly attractive to homebuyers seeking affordability.

What Aiken homeowners actually pay

On a median home value of $199,500, typical Aiken residents pay $862 annually in property tax—roughly $72 per month. That's genuinely affordable compared to national benchmarks and other South Carolina counties.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even at Aiken's low rates, overassessment happens. Request a property tax appeal if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its market value—a successful challenge could reduce your already favorable tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Aiken County

via CostByCounty

Aiken rents run below national averages

Aiken County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% sits below the national standard of roughly 30%, meaning housing costs remain manageable for most households. With a median household income of $67,940—above the national average of $74,755—Aiken offers solid affordability for renters and homeowners alike.

Mid-range affordability in South Carolina

Aiken's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% outperforms South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it in the state's more affordable half. At $1,031 monthly rent, Aiken sits close to the state median, making it a balanced choice for those seeking moderate housing costs.

Pricier than Abbeville, cheaper than Beaufort

Aiken's median rent of $1,031 exceeds Abbeville County's by $397 but runs $453 below Beaufort County's steep $1,484. Similarly, Aiken's median home value of $199,500 sits between Abbeville's $147,200 and the coastal premium of Beaufort's $407,600.

Balanced housing burden across income

Aiken residents earning a median of $67,940 spend 18.2% on rent or roughly 14.6% on mortgage costs, leaving substantial income for other needs. This relatively even split reflects a healthy housing market where both renters and owners maintain financial flexibility.

Aiken offers middle-ground housing economics

If you want urban proximity without coastal premium pricing, Aiken delivers. Compare its $1,031 rent and $199,500 median home values to Anderson and Abbeville to gauge whether this county's balance of income and costs fits your relocation plan.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Aiken County

via IncomeByCounty

Aiken earns near national standard

Aiken County's median household income of $67,940 sits just $6,815 below the national median of $74,755. This 91% alignment with national averages places Aiken among more prosperous counties in a region typically below the national mean.

Aiken ranks in state's top tier

At $67,940, Aiken's median household income exceeds South Carolina's average of $57,006 by nearly $11,000. This 19% advantage positions Aiken solidly above the state median, reflecting stronger local employment and wage growth.

Aiken outpaces regional competitors

Aiken's $67,940 income surpasses Anderson County ($64,683) and significantly outpaces Abbeville ($52,112). This strength reflects Aiken's proximity to the Augusta metropolitan area and established manufacturing and government sectors.

Housing costs climb in Aiken

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% indicates residents spend about one-fifth of household income on housing. While still below the 30% affordability threshold, this ratio is rising compared to national trends, signaling growing housing demand in the county.

Invest for long-term security

With per capita income of $36,627 and housing costs manageable, Aiken residents are well-positioned to build wealth through retirement savings and investment accounts. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring tax-advantaged investment strategies aligned with your household's five-year goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Aiken County

via CrimeByCounty

Aiken County Crime vs. National Trends

Aiken County maintains a safety score of 95.9, which sits just above the state average. The total crime rate of 2622.0 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2385.5.

Ranking Aiken Among SC Counties

Aiken's safety score of 95.9 beats the South Carolina state average of 95.4. The county also reports a total crime rate of 2622.0, which is lower than the statewide average of 2920.8.

A Regional Safety Perspective

Aiken stands out favorably with a violent crime rate of only 352.0 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the state average of 580.8. This makes Aiken one of the safer hubs in the Central Savannah River Area.

Aiken Crime Types and Rates

Property crimes dominate the local statistics at 2270.0 per 100K, exceeding the national property crime rate of 2015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 352.0 is notably lower than the national average of 369.8.

Protecting Your Property in Aiken

Since property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports at 2270.0 per 100K, home security is a priority. Smart cameras and neighborhood watch participation can provide an extra layer of defense for your family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Aiken County

via HealthByCounty

Aiken living just above national health average

At 73.5 years, Aiken County residents live 2.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county in the lower-middle range nationally. About 18.7% of Aiken residents report poor or fair health, suggesting meaningful chronic disease burden.

Aiken ranks above-average in South Carolina

Aiken's 73.5-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.5 years by one full year, putting it in the healthier half of South Carolina counties. At 10.7% uninsured, Aiken performs slightly better than the state rate of 11.6%, indicating stronger insurance penetration.

Aiken's mental health advantage stands out

Aiken's 73.5-year life expectancy falls between Abbeville (72.9) and Anderson (73.2), but the county leads in mental health providers with 172 per 100K. However, primary care access at 34 per 100K lags behind Abbeville (54) and Anderson (66), creating an uneven care landscape.

Mental health shines; primary care needs expansion

Aiken residents benefit from robust mental health infrastructure with 172 providers per 100K, yet only 34 primary care providers per 100K serve the same population. With 10.7% uninsured, most Aiken residents have coverage, but access to first-line physicians remains a daily frustration.

Check your coverage options now

Aiken's 10.7% uninsured rate means thousands still lack healthcare protection despite strong mental health services. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Aiken County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Unified County System

Aiken County manages a robust system of 40 schools serving over 23,000 students. The network is well-balanced with 20 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and nine high schools all under a single district.

High Graduation Standards for Aiken Students

The county boasts an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, far outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending only $7,209 per pupil, the county achieves a strong composite school score of 54.5.

Aiken 01 Directs County Growth

The Aiken 01 district oversees nearly the entire student population with 23,181 enrolled students. Only one charter school operates in the area, meaning the vast majority of students attend traditional district-run schools.

Suburban Reach and Large Campuses

Most students attend one of the 22 suburban schools, where the average enrollment is 595 students. North Augusta High is the county's largest institution, hosting 1,719 students in a bustling high school environment.

Relocating for High-Performing Aiken Schools

With graduation rates hitting the 91% mark, Aiken County is a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Look for suburban properties in North Augusta or Aiken to access these large, well-resourced campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Aiken County

via RiskByCounty

Aiken faces moderate-to-high national risk

Aiken County's composite risk score of 84.22 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it well above the national average and among the higher-risk counties nationwide. The county contends with significant combined exposure to multiple hazards across nearly all disaster types.

Well above South Carolina average

At 84.22, Aiken's composite risk far exceeds South Carolina's state average of 70.75, making it one of the riskier counties in the state. The county's elevated scores span earthquakes (88.87), hurricanes (90.11), and tornadoes (87.44).

Significantly riskier than most peers

Aiken's 84.22 score surpasses neighboring Barnwell (45.83) and Abbeville (45.36) by a substantial margin. Only Richland and certain coastal counties in the state register comparable or higher risk levels.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes dominate

Earthquakes (88.87) and hurricanes (90.11) pose the most serious threats, followed closely by tornado risk at 87.44. Flood risk at 84.45 and wildfire risk at 82.22 round out a comprehensive hazard profile that touches nearly every disaster type.

Comprehensive insurance essential for Aiken

Purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy immediately—your standard homeowners policy will not cover seismic damage, yet Aiken's 88.87 earthquake score reflects real exposure. Add flood insurance and ensure your wind/hurricane coverage is adequate for the county's 90.11 hurricane risk rating.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Aiken County

via WeatherByCounty

High heat in a subtropical climate

Aiken's 64.1°F average temperature sits well above the national median, marking it as a warm humid subtropical zone. The area receives 50.8 inches of rain, exceeding the state average of 48.9 inches.

Warmer than the South Carolina average

Aiken is notably warmer than the state norm, recording a 64.1°F annual average compared to 62.8°F statewide. It represents one of the hotter inland counties in South Carolina.

Warmer than its northern Piedmont neighbors

Aiken is significantly warmer than Abbeville at 62.1°F. It shares a nearly identical thermal profile with neighboring Barnwell, which averages 64.3°F annually.

Eighty-six days of extreme summer heat

Residents face 86 extreme heat days annually as July temperatures average 82.3°F. Winters are brief and mild, averaging 47.2°F with less than an inch of annual snowfall.

Plan for extended heat and humidity

Heavy-duty cooling systems are essential to handle nearly three months of temperatures over 90°F. Outdoor activities are best planned for early morning to avoid the intense afternoon peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Aiken County

via SoilByCounty

An elusive soil profile in Aiken

Specific data for Aiken's dominant taxonomic order and pH levels is currently unavailable in the central registry. While the state average pH sits at 5.27, local gardeners often find their levels vary significantly across the county's diverse terrain. Local soil testing remains the most reliable way to identify your specific landscape's identity.

Texture and composition data limited

Granular data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently missing for this region. Historically, Aiken is known for the 'Sandhills' region, suggesting a high sand content that favors quick drainage. Without specific local data, observing how water moves through your yard is the best way to judge workability.

Measuring growing potential through local observation

There is currently no recorded county-wide average for organic matter or water capacity in Aiken. For context, neighboring counties typically struggle to meet the national 2.0% organic matter average. Adding mulch and compost is a safe bet to improve fertility regardless of the missing data points.

Navigating drainage without formal classification

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this county's primary soil units. Residents should watch for ponding after heavy storms to determine if their specific plot leans toward the state's common sandy or clay-heavy extremes. Proper site grading is essential for any new building project in the absence of specific hydrologic data.

Endless possibilities in Zone 8b

Aiken County enjoys the long growing season of Hardiness Zone 8b, allowing for a vast range of ornamental and edible plants. Camellias, azaleas, and even citrus can thrive here with the right care and frost protection. Use this long season to your advantage by starting a backyard orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Aiken County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Tough Lawn Conditions in Aiken

Aiken County presents a difficult environment for turf with a lawn score of 24.1, significantly trailing both the state and national averages. Situated in Zone 8b, the area demands resilient grass types to withstand the intense local heat. Success here requires a more proactive management strategy than in most other parts of the country.

High Heat and Plenty of Sun

The county experiences 86 extreme heat days per year, which is well above the state average of 63. Paired with 5,739 growing degree days, this heat fuels rapid growth but also risks scorching sensitive grass. You must balance the 50.8 inches of annual rain with careful irrigation to keep lawns green through the blistering summer.

Adapting to Local Soil Realities

While specific soil data for Aiken is limited, the surrounding region typically features sandy textures that require organic amendments. Without precise local benchmarks, a professional soil test is your best tool for determining pH and nutrient needs. Focus on building soil structure to help your lawn better handle the region's high evaporation rates.

Managing 30 Weeks of Dry Spells

Aiken has endured 30 weeks of drought conditions over the last year, with the entire county currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is not currently present, the high heat makes moisture retention difficult. Implement mulching mowers to return clippings to the soil, which helps keep roots cool and hydrated.

Planting for the Long Growing Season

The warm climate of Zone 8b favors heat-loving varieties like Centipede or St. Augustine grass. Your growing window is wide, stretching from the last frost on March 21 to the first frost on November 7. Prepare your site now to take advantage of the long growing season and give your lawn time to mature.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aiken County's county score?
Aiken County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Aiken County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Aiken County ranks #15 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 Aiken County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Aiken County is $862, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Aiken County a tax score of 91.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Aiken County?
The median household income in Aiken County, South Carolina is $67,940 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aiken County earns an income score of 61.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aiken County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Aiken County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Aiken 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 Aiken 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.