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Anderson County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#26 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.9
County Score
Property Tax 89.4Water Quality 71.1Weather & Climate 60.5

County Report Card

About Anderson County, South Carolina

Ranking Below the National Median

Anderson County earns a composite score of 40.9, which falls nearly 10 points behind the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates room for growth in several core livability sectors compared to the rest of the country.

Just Below the State Average

At 40.9, Anderson trails the South Carolina state average of 42.8 by about two points. While it is a major regional hub, the data reveals specific pressure points that lower its overall standing.

Excellent Water and Low Taxes

Anderson delivers high performance in tax burden (89.4) and water quality (71.1). The effective tax rate of 0.464% remains very attractive to homeowners and businesses alike.

Addressing Safety and Natural Risk

The county sees its lowest marks in safety (3.3) and risk (12.8). Improving public safety and mitigating environmental hazards are critical for elevating the county's long-term appeal.

A Hub for Value-Seekers

Anderson County is a great fit for middle-income families who want low taxes and reliable utilities. It serves those well who are active in the local workforce and prioritize day-to-day cost savings.

Score breakdown

Tax89.4Cost41.5Safety3.3Health45.4Schools30.8Income52.9Risk12.8Water71.1Weather60.5
🏛89.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.9
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

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Anderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Anderson County Faces Higher Crime Rates

Anderson County's total crime rate of 3957.6 per 100K is significantly higher than the national average of 2385.5. This results in a safety score of 93.8.

Anderson Safety vs. State Norms

The safety score of 93.8 is lower than the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Additionally, the county's total crime rate exceeds the state average of 2920.8 by over 1000 points.

Anderson Among Its Upstate Neighbors

Compared to nearby Abbeville, Anderson County sees a much higher volume of incidents across all categories. Its violent crime rate of 518.6 per 100K is higher than the national average but remains below the state average of 580.8.

High Property Crime Impacts Rankings

Property crime is the primary driver of the high total rate, sitting at 3439.0 per 100K. This is substantially higher than the national property crime rate of 2015.7.

Fortify Your Home in Anderson

Given the property crime rate of 3439.0 per 100K, high-quality deadbolts and security systems are essential. Being proactive about securing your vehicle and home can help mitigate the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Anderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Expansive System

Anderson County features a large education infrastructure with 55 schools and 33,302 students. The county is uniquely organized into seven different school districts to serve its diverse population.

Academic Excellence on a Lean Budget

The county achieves an 87.8% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national benchmarks. This is accomplished with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,401, which is significantly lower than the state average.

Anderson 05 and 01 Lead the Way

Anderson 05 is the largest district with 12,560 students, closely followed by Anderson 01 with 10,839. Three charter schools operate here, representing roughly 5.5% of the county's educational options.

Large Schools in Suburban Settings

With 23 suburban and 21 rural schools, the county offers a mix of environments and an average school size of 628 students. T. L. Hanna High is the largest campus, serving a student body of 1,910.

Invest in a Home Near Anderson Schools

Anderson County's high graduation rates and diverse school districts make it a top choice for families moving to the Upstate. Explore homes in the Anderson 05 or 01 districts for access to some of the area's largest high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Anderson County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild climate above national averages

Anderson averages 61.3°F, placing it roughly eight degrees above the national median temperature. The humid subtropical climate brings 48.6 inches of rain per year to the Upstate.

One of the state's cooler counties

At 61.3°F, Anderson is one of South Carolina's cooler counties compared to the 62.8°F state average. Its location provides a slight reprieve from the peak heat found further south.

Cooler than its southern neighbors

Anderson is cooler than neighbor Abbeville at 62.1°F and significantly milder than Aiken at 64.1°F. It offers a more temperate environment than the central Savannah River region.

Occasional snow and warm summers

Summers are warm with a July average of 79.8°F and 56 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winter temperatures average 44.2°F, occasionally bringing 0.9 inches of annual snow.

Manage both heat and winter freezes

Residents should prepare for two months of extreme heat while maintaining systems for freezing winter nights. A light snow shovel is rarely needed but useful for the occasional dusting.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Anderson County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols with a sandy loam touch

Anderson County is characterized by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with limited profile development. The dominant texture is sandy loam with an average pH of 5.51. This pH level is slightly more alkaline than the South Carolina average of 5.27 but remains well below the national median of 6.5.

A balanced, workable soil mix

The soil composition is 60.0% sand, 20.2% silt, and 16.7% clay, providing a versatile environment for roots. This mix offers a better balance of drainage and nutrient retention than the sandier coastal counties. It is generally considered easy to work, though the clay content can make it sticky when wet.

Low organic matter but excellent water capacity

At 0.96%, the organic matter in Anderson is significantly lower than both the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. However, it excels in available water capacity at 0.124 in/in, which is higher than the state average. This means the soil is efficient at storing the water it receives, even if it lacks natural nutrients.

Well-drained with moderate infiltration

The county's soils are classified as well-drained, making them excellent for a variety of construction and agricultural uses. Falling into Hydrologic Group B, these soils have a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. This group is generally favorable for home gardening as it balances drainage with moisture retention.

Tapping into Zone 8a potential

Anderson County lies in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, which is perfect for growing everything from summer squash to vibrant zinnias. Because the organic matter is low, your plants will benefit greatly from regular applications of compost or aged manure. With its strong water capacity, your garden will be resilient even during dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anderson County

via LawnByCounty

Anderson's Favorable Path to a Better Lawn

Anderson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 43.9, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 35.1. While still slightly tougher than the national median, the Zone 8a climate provides a more balanced environment for homeowners. You have a distinct advantage here compared to your neighbors in the south.

Milder Heat Leads to Healthier Turf

The county experiences only 56 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 63. This moderate heat, paired with 48.6 inches of rain, means your grass faces less thermal stress throughout the summer. You can expect a consistent growing season fueled by 4,955 growing degree days.

Managing Well-Drained Sandy Loam

Your lawn sits on well-drained sandy loam with a pH of 5.51, which is slightly acidic but better than many nearby counties. With 16.7% clay content, the soil retains nutrients better than pure sand but still requires lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. Regular aeration can help maintain the excellent drainage this soil naturally provides.

Navigating 100% Severe Drought Coverage

Despite having a shorter 20-week drought history over the last year, the entire county is currently facing severe drought. It is critical to follow local watering restrictions and use smart irrigation techniques. Focus on maintaining a deep root system by watering less frequently but more deeply to help your lawn endure.

Best Grasses for the Anderson Area

Tall Fescue can thrive here in the shade, but Bermuda and Zoysia remain the champions for full-sun areas in Zone 8a. Plan your seeding or sodding between the frost dates of March 29 and November 8. This window provides ample time for your lawn to establish itself before the winter chill sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anderson County's county score?
Anderson County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 40.9 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 Anderson County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Anderson County ranks #26 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 Anderson County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Anderson County is $985, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Anderson County a tax score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anderson County?
The median household income in Anderson County, South Carolina is $64,683 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anderson County earns an income score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anderson County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Anderson County scores 40.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Anderson 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 Anderson 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.