CountyScore

Anderson County

South Carolina · SC

#21 in South Carolina
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Anderson County, South Carolina

Anderson surpasses national baseline

Anderson County scores 68.4, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by 37%, placing it comfortably in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. Its balanced profile of low taxes and moderate incomes drives this strong showing.

Ties state average performance

Anderson's 68.4 score matches the South Carolina state average of 68.2, making it a representative benchmark county within the state's competitive landscape.

Excellent tax and health profile

Anderson excels with a tax score of 89.2/100 (effective rate 0.464%) and the highest health score among these eight counties at 67.2/100. A median household income of $64,683 further solidifies its appeal to middle-class families.

Housing costs rising, risk remains low

The cost score of 78.4/100 shows housing pressure building, with median rent at $952/month and home values at $212,500. Risk resilience, while modest at 12.8/100, indicates some economic vulnerability.

Excellent choice for working families

Anderson suits families earning $60,000–$75,000 who prioritize health care access, tax efficiency, and suburban-style living near expanding job centers. Its combination of low taxes, good health infrastructure, and reasonable costs makes it one of South Carolina's most balanced counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.2Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth67.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk12.8WaterComing Soon
🏛89.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Anderson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anderson County

via TaxByCounty

Anderson taxes below the U.S. average

At 0.464%, Anderson County's effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the median of 0.98%. Residents pay $985 annually on a median home value of $212,500, roughly $1,700 less than the national median property tax.

Below state average, midrange statewide

Anderson's 0.464% effective rate sits below South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 46 counties. The median property tax of $985 slightly exceeds the state median of $939, reflecting Anderson's stronger home values.

Mid-range in the Piedmont region

Anderson's 0.464% rate sits between Aiken's 0.432% and Abbeville's 0.487%, representing a moderate tax environment for the region. The county's competitive rate, combined with reasonable home values, makes it attractive to both newcomers and existing residents.

Anderson homeowners pay under $1,000

On a median home valued at $212,500, Anderson residents pay $985 annually in property tax—just under $82 per month. That modest bill reflects both the county's reasonable tax rate and solid median home values.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in reasonably-taxed Anderson County, some homeowners are overassessed. Requesting a property tax appeal costs nothing and could lower your tax burden if your home's assessed value doesn't match its actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anderson County

via CostByCounty

Anderson's housing costs feel reasonable

Anderson County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing, comfortably below the national threshold of roughly 30%. With median household income of $64,683, Anderson households maintain healthy financial cushions while affording median rent of $952 a month.

Anderson outpaces South Carolina averages

Anderson's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% beats South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it in the state's more affordable tier. At $952 monthly rent, Anderson sits just slightly below the state median of $945, offering solid value for renters and homeowners.

Pricier than Abbeville, more affordable than Beaufort

Anderson's $952 rent runs $318 above Abbeville's $634 but $532 below Beaufort's $1,484, positioning it as a moderate-cost alternative. Similarly, Anderson's $212,500 median home value sits between Abbeville and the coastal premium, offering a middle path.

Balanced burden for renters and owners

Anderson residents earning $64,683 spend 17.7% on rent or roughly 15.6% on mortgage costs, leaving room for savings and other expenses. This relatively even split reflects a functioning housing market where neither renters nor owners face extreme strain.

Anderson balances cost and opportunity

If you're relocating and want solid affordability without sacrificing income potential, Anderson offers a compelling middle ground. Compare its $952 rent and $212,500 home values to Abbeville's bargains and Beaufort's premiums to find your financial fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anderson approaches national income

Anderson County's median household income of $64,683 falls $10,072 short of the national median of $74,755. At 86% of the national average, Anderson performs better than most South Carolina counties but still below the U.S. benchmark.

Anderson leads much of South Carolina

At $64,683, Anderson's median household income exceeds South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by $7,677. The county ranks solidly above the state median, benefiting from diverse manufacturing, healthcare, and service sector employment.

Anderson outearns upstate rivals

Anderson's $64,683 income surpasses Abbeville ($52,112) and edges past Aiken ($67,940). Its position as a regional economic hub supports sustained employment and career growth compared to smaller neighboring counties.

Housing affordable with care

Anderson's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% means households spend roughly one-sixth of income on rent—below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $212,500 is accessible for dual-income families and offers solid equity-building potential.

Smart investing in Anderson

With per capita income of $34,923 and favorable housing costs, Anderson households can comfortably direct 15-20% of income toward retirement, college savings, and investment portfolios. Consider automated savings plans that build wealth consistently without requiring constant decision-making.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Anderson County

via HealthByCounty

Anderson edges closer to national health outcomes

At 73.2 years, Anderson County residents live 2.9 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, but the county performs solidly in the middle of South Carolina's range. Only 16.3% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight counties profiled—indicating stronger preventive health outcomes.

Anderson leads the pack in South Carolina

Anderson's 73.2-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.5 years, placing it among South Carolina's healthier counties. With 11.6% uninsured matching the state average, Anderson demonstrates balanced access to healthcare across its population.

Anderson's robust provider network stands out

Anderson's 73.2-year life expectancy and 16.3% poor/fair health rate lead its regional peers including Abbeville and Aiken. The county's 66 primary care providers per 100K is the highest among neighbors, and 191 mental health providers per 100K reflect strong healthcare infrastructure investment.

Strong access supports healthier outcomes

Anderson residents benefit from the highest primary care provider density in this region at 66 per 100K, enabling convenient access to preventive care and chronic disease management. With 11.6% uninsured and 191 mental health providers per 100K, Anderson has built healthcare infrastructure that translates to the lowest poor/fair health rate here.

Ensure your family stays covered

Anderson's strong healthcare access is available to all—if you're among the 11.6% uninsured, Healthcare.gov and South Carolina Medicaid can connect you quickly. Preventive care today prevents crisis care tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anderson County

via RiskByCounty

Anderson faces substantial national risk

Anderson County's composite risk score of 87.18 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it among higher-risk counties across the United States. The county confronts significant combined exposure, particularly in tornado and earthquake hazards.

Among South Carolina's highest-risk counties

At 87.18, Anderson's composite score substantially exceeds South Carolina's state average of 70.75, ranking it among the state's riskier counties. The county's tornado risk (90.81) is notably one of the highest in the state.

Riskiest county in the upstate region

Anderson's 87.18 score far exceeds nearby Abbeville (45.36) and Barnwell (45.83), making it the highest-risk county in its immediate vicinity. Only a handful of South Carolina counties register comparable or higher composite risk ratings.

Tornadoes and floods pose greatest threats

Tornado risk dominates at 90.81, making Anderson one of South Carolina's most tornado-prone counties. Flood risk (88.14) and earthquake risk (87.44) complete a dangerous trio, each exceeding 87 on the risk scale.

Prioritize earthquake and flood coverage

Secure a dedicated earthquake insurance policy—standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage, yet Anderson's 87.44 earthquake score reflects genuine exposure. Add comprehensive flood insurance and ensure your policy covers high-wind damage from tornadoes, given the county's 90.81 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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