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Allendale County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#17 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.9
County Score
Cost of Living 92Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 64.6

County Report Card

About Allendale County, South Carolina

Navigating the National Median

Allendale County sits at a composite score of 43.9, positioning it below the national median of 50.0. While it faces some headwinds, its score is competitive with many other rural Southern jurisdictions.

Outpacing the State Average

Allendale's score of 43.9 is higher than the South Carolina state average of 42.8. This surprising performance is driven by exceptional scores in specific utility and housing categories.

Housing Affordability and Water Quality

The county boasts a cost score of 92.0 and a water quality score of 86.0. With a median home value of only $61,600, it is one of the most affordable places to live in the entire country.

Severe Economic and Health Obstacles

The county struggles with an income score of 0.4 and a health score of 11.5. A median household income of $31,603 reflects deep-seated economic challenges that impact overall resident wellness.

A Choice for Minimalist Living

Allendale suits individuals for whom extremely low-cost housing is the absolute top priority. It offers a quiet lifestyle for those who can remain self-sufficient despite limited local economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax46.7Cost92Safety15.8Health11.5Schools46.8Income0.4Risk64.6Water86Weather47.8
🏛46.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.2
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

Barnwell County
South Carolina
39.8
Screven County
Georgia
49.9
Hampton County
South Carolina
39.2
Bamberg County
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Burke County
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Jenkins County
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Deep Dives

Allendale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Allendale County

via TaxByCounty

Allendale's high rate reflects low values

Allendale's 0.880% effective tax rate ranks above the national median, yet residents pay only $542 annually because median home values are extremely low at $61,600. This inversion—high rate, low dollar amount—reflects the county's distinct economic profile.

Allendale among South Carolina's highest rates

At 0.880%, Allendale's effective tax rate is 62% higher than South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, ranking it among the most heavily taxed counties in the state. Despite the high rate, the median tax bill of $542 remains below the state median of $939 due to lower home values.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Allendale's 0.880% rate far exceeds Bamberg (0.829%), Barnwell (0.738%), and Aiken (0.432%), making it the highest-taxed county in its region. The disparity suggests Allendale relies more heavily on property tax revenue relative to its tax base.

Low dollar taxes, high effective rate

Though Allendale's rate is steep, residents pay only $542 annually on a median home valued at $61,600. The high percentage rate applied to a small assessed value still results in modest annual tax bills—under $50 per month.

Appeals matter more here

In Allendale, where the effective rate is high, a successful tax assessment appeal delivers outsized savings. Contact your county assessor to request a review if your home's assessed value seems inflated relative to similar properties nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allendale County

via CostByCounty

Allendale faces severe affordability strain

Allendale County residents spend 26.2% of income on rent—nearly double the national standard of roughly 30%, though this comparison masks a deeper crisis. With a median household income of just $31,603, more than 40% below the national average, Allendale's low incomes make even modest rents stretch finances dangerously thin.

South Carolina's most strained renters

Allendale's rent-to-income ratio of 26.2% far exceeds South Carolina's average of 20.1%, making it one of the state's least affordable counties. While median rent at $691 stays below the state average, the real problem is income: Allendale's $31,603 median earnings rank among the lowest in South Carolina.

Lower rent, but far lower income

Allendale's $691 rent costs less than Abbeville's $634 or Barnwell's $695, yet residents struggle more because median income of $31,603 trails neighbors by $10,000–$20,000. This income gap transforms Allendale's moderate rents into a serious financial burden.

Housing consumes a quarter of earnings

Allendale households earning $31,603 allocate 26.2% to rent, consuming income faster than most South Carolina residents. Even for homeowners paying $469 monthly, affordability remains precarious without second incomes or supplemental support.

Allendale requires careful financial planning

Relocating to Allendale demands honest assessment: while homes are cheap at $61,600 and rents are low, median incomes are the state's lowest. Compare these economics to higher-income counties like Beaufort or Aiken to understand the trade-offs before moving.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allendale County

via IncomeByCounty

Allendale faces severe income gap

Allendale County's median household income of $31,603 represents just 42% of the national median of $74,755—a staggering $43,152 shortfall. This ranks among the lowest-income counties in the nation, reflecting limited job opportunities and economic development.

Allendale is South Carolina's poorest

At $31,603, Allendale's median household income falls 44% below South Carolina's state average of $57,006. The county ranks in the lowest tier of the state's 46 counties, facing systemic economic challenges that require urgent intervention.

Regional poverty concentration

Allendale's income of $31,603 trails Bamberg ($43,206) and Barnwell ($41,800) counties in the same region. This cluster of low-income counties in the low-country reflects historical underinvestment and limited economic diversity.

Housing costs burden Allendale

Despite a median home value of just $61,600, Allendale's rent-to-income ratio of 26.2% shows households spending more than one-quarter of income on housing. This elevated burden leaves little room for savings, healthcare, education, or emergency expenses.

Wealth-building starts with basics

Allendale residents can begin building financial security by establishing an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses, even if savings starts small. Explore local workforce development programs, vocational training, and community college pathways that increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allendale County

via CrimeByCounty

Allendale Scores High on National Safety

Allendale County achieves an impressive safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2328.8 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Outperforming State Averages in Allendale

The county's total crime rate of 2328.8 is much lower than the South Carolina state average of 2920.8. Its safety score of 96.3 also surpasses the state average of 95.4.

How Allendale Compares Nearby

Allendale maintains a property crime rate of 1659.9 per 100K, which is lower than both the state and national averages. This makes it a relatively safe pocket within the Southern Carolina region.

Property vs. Violent Crime Trends

Violent crime in Allendale sits at 668.9 per 100K, which is higher than the national benchmark of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 1659.9 remains well below the national average of 2015.7.

Enhancing Personal and Home Safety

With violent crime rates exceeding national figures, personal awareness is just as important as home security. Investing in reliable alarm systems helps protect your property against the 1659.9 property crimes reported per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allendale County

via HealthByCounty

Allendale faces significant health disparities

At 69.5 years, Allendale County residents live 6.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—one of the lowest life expectancies in South Carolina. Nearly 27% report poor or fair health, the highest rate among all eight counties profiled here.

Allendale's health crisis demands urgent attention

Allendale ranks among the worst performers in South Carolina, with life expectancy trailing the state average by 3 years. At 13.6% uninsured, the county exceeds the state rate by 2 percentage points, compounding access barriers for its most vulnerable residents.

Allendale struggles compared to peers

Allendale's 69.5-year life expectancy falls significantly below Anderson (73.2), Abbeville (72.9), and Aiken (73.5), with only Barnwell and Bamberg performing worse regionally. The 26.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighboring counties, suggesting concentrated health challenges.

Uninsured and underserved realities

Allendale has 51 primary care providers and 204 mental health providers per 100K, yet 13.6% of residents remain uninsured—the second-highest rate among these counties. High uninsured rates combined with lower-than-average primary care density create daily barriers to preventive and routine care.

Coverage exists—reach out today

If you're uninsured in Allendale, South Carolina Medicaid expansion and Healthcare.gov marketplace plans offer real options. A single enrollment call could transform your health security: 1-855-SA-PLANS or Healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allendale County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small Rural District Focus

Allendale County operates one of the state's smallest systems with just four public schools. The current enrollment stands at 976 students, served by a single elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Competitive Performance in Rural Carolina

Allendale matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% and outperforms the state average. The county invests $7,852 per pupil, which is higher than the South Carolina average of $7,165, resulting in a solid 53.8 school score.

Centralized Learning in Allendale 01

Allendale 01 is the sole district, managing 974 students across three primary campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a traditional, community-centered public school model.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

All four schools are located in rural areas, maintaining a small average school size of 244 students. Allendale-Fairfax Elementary is the hub of the district with 451 students, while high school settings remain very intimate.

Quiet Rural Living Near Allendale Schools

For families who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Allendale offers a unique educational setting. This district provides a focused environment where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allendale County

via RiskByCounty

Allendale ranks among nation's safest

Allendale County scores just 35.46 on the composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America. The county experiences comparatively minimal exposure to combined natural disaster threats.

South Carolina's lowest-risk counties

Allendale's 35.46 score is significantly below South Carolina's state average of 70.75, making it one of the safest places in the state. The county's risk profile reflects unusually low exposure across most hazard categories.

Safest county in its region

Allendale's 35.46 score beats nearby Barnwell (45.83), Bamberg (46.47), and every other surrounding county by a clear margin. It stands as a relative haven for natural disaster risk compared to peers across South Carolina.

Hurricane and earthquake risks primary concerns

Hurricane risk registers highest at 87.53, followed by earthquake risk at 76.94, both somewhat incongruous with the county's overall Very Low rating. Flood risk remains remarkably low at just 14.54, and tornado risk at 42.02 poses only moderate concern.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

Your standard homeowners policy should provide solid baseline protection for Allendale's risk profile. Consider adding earthquake insurance as a prudent long-term investment given the 76.94 earthquake score, and verify flood coverage even though flood risk is comparatively low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allendale County

via WeatherByCounty

Well above the national temperature median

With an annual average of 63.4°F, Allendale is significantly warmer than the U.S. median. This humid subtropical region sees 48.8 inches of precipitation, matching the state average.

Slightly warmer than the state norm

Allendale’s 63.4°F average places it above the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. It sits firmly in the warmer half of the state's 46 counties.

Consistent warmth in the southern interior

It is slightly cooler than neighboring Bamberg at 64.4°F but warmer than the state average. This consistency reflects the stable, warm climate of the southern coastal plain.

Heat dominates the local calendar

Summer averages reach 78.9°F, and the county endures 75 days of extreme heat over 90°F. While snowfall data is unavailable for this region, winter remains mild with a 47.5°F average.

Prepare for 75 days of extreme heat

The high frequency of 90-degree days requires reliable air conditioning and heat-safety awareness for outdoor workers. Gardeners can take advantage of the mild 47.5°F winters for extended growing seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allendale County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic soils define the region

Allendale County features an average soil pH of 4.98, which is notably more acidic than both the state average of 5.27 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile suggests that many local growers will need to apply lime to neutralize the soil for standard crops. Detailed taxonomic data is limited, but the acidity is a defining chemical characteristic.

Dominated by high sand content

The soil is remarkably sandy, consisting of 80.7% sand, 8.8% silt, and 8.5% clay. This composition means the soil is exceptionally easy to till and work, but it lacks the structural stability provided by clay. Water and nutrients move through this grit very quickly, which can lead to rapid drying.

Strong organic matter but low water storage

Allendale boasts a high organic matter content of 2.68%, outperforming the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. However, its available water capacity is just 0.098 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.115 in/in. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it struggles to hold onto water for long periods.

Managing drainage in the Lowcountry

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented for Allendale in this dataset. Given the 80.7% sand content, the soil likely exhibits rapid drainage in many areas, though local water tables can influence actual moisture levels. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering rather than occasional heavy soaking.

Gardening success in Zone 8b

As a Zone 8b region, Allendale is ideal for heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and melons that thrive in sandy conditions. The high organic matter provides a great head start for any new garden beds. With a little extra irrigation, your backyard can become a highly productive southern landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allendale County

via LawnByCounty

Confronting Hardship in Allendale Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 25.2, Allendale County is a challenging place to maintain a lush green space compared to the national average of 50.0. The Zone 8b climate brings intense heat that can quickly stress traditional turf. You will need to choose your grass variety carefully to succeed in these demanding conditions.

Tackling Intense Summer Heat Cycles

Allendale sees 75 extreme heat days annually, surpassing the state average of 63. These temperatures, combined with 5,479 growing degree days, create a high-energy environment where lawns grow fast but require heavy maintenance. Proper watering is essential to supplement the 48.8 inches of annual precipitation during the hottest months.

Correcting Highly Acidic Sandy Soils

The soil in Allendale is notably acidic with a pH of 4.98, falling far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Composed of 80.7% sand, the ground drains quickly but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. You will likely need significant lime applications and regular fertilization to create a healthy foundation for growth.

Surviving Severe and Prolonged Drought

Over 95% of Allendale is currently in a severe drought, following a year where the county spent 33 weeks under drought conditions. These extreme dry spells mean you must prioritize water conservation and drought-tolerant turf. Avoid over-fertilizing during dry periods, as this can lead to salt buildup and further stress the grass.

Strategic Planting for Allendale's Climate

Bahiagrass and Bermuda are the most resilient options for the local sandy, acidic soil and Zone 8b heat. The safest time to establish your lawn is between the spring frost on March 28 and the fall frost on November 7. Starting early in this window allows your lawn to develop the deep roots necessary for summer survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allendale County's county score?
Allendale County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 43.9 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 Allendale County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Allendale County ranks #17 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 Allendale County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Allendale County is $542, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Allendale County a tax score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allendale County?
The median household income in Allendale County, South Carolina is $31,603 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allendale County earns an income score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allendale County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Allendale County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Allendale 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 Allendale 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.