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Bamberg County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#33 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.5
County Score
Cost of Living 78.6Disaster Risk 53.5Property Tax 50.5

County Report Card

About Bamberg County, South Carolina

Facing National Livability Hurdles

Bamberg County’s composite score of 39.5 is well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the common challenges faced by rural counties with transitioning economies.

Trailing the South Carolina Average

With a score of 39.5, Bamberg sits below the state average of 42.8. While it struggles in some areas, it remains competitive with neighboring rural counties in the state's coastal plain.

Manageable Costs and Stable Schools

The county's strongest category is cost, scoring 78.6, followed by a respectable school score of 48.3. Median home values of $96,000 provide a low barrier to entry for first-time buyers.

Income and Safety Constraints

Bamberg faces significant pressure in income (5.3) and safety (7.8). A median household income of $43,206 makes it difficult for the county to invest heavily in public services.

Best for Local Service Workers

Bamberg is most suitable for residents who work locally and need a very affordable roof over their heads. Its school system provides a better foundation for families than many other low-cost counties.

Score breakdown

Tax50.5Cost78.6Safety7.8Health16Schools48.3Income5.3Risk53.5Water38Weather47.4
🏛50.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24
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

Bamberg County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bamberg County

via TaxByCounty

Bamberg's rate ranks well above national median

At 0.829%, Bamberg's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.98% by a significant margin, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. Yet residents pay only $796 annually because median home values are modest at $96,000.

Bamberg among South Carolina's highest rates

Bamberg's 0.829% effective rate is 53% higher than South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, ranking it near the top of the state's tax burden. The median property tax of $796 falls below the state median of $939, but only because of low home values.

Higher than most regional peers

Bamberg's 0.829% rate exceeds Allendale (0.880%), Barnwell (0.738%), and all Piedmont counties measured here, making it one of the region's highest. This high-rate environment suggests heavy reliance on property tax as a county revenue source.

Steep rate yields moderate bills

Although Bamberg's 0.829% rate is among the state's steepest, residents pay $796 annually on a median home value of $96,000—about $66 per month. The high percentage applied to a modest property value creates a paradox of high rates but reasonable bills.

Assessment appeals pay off here

In Bamberg, where rates are exceptionally high, a successful property tax appeal can yield meaningful savings. Review your assessment notice carefully and consider appealing if your home's assessed value appears out of line with comparable properties in the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bamberg County

via CostByCounty

Bamberg rents modest, but income runs low

Bamberg County residents spend 22.1% of income on rent—above the national average of roughly 30% when measured as a percentage—yet the real challenge is modest median income of $43,206. This combination means Bamberg renters dedicate a significant share of limited earnings to housing.

Slightly above South Carolina's affordability line

Bamberg's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% exceeds South Carolina's average of 20.1%, making it less affordable than most state counties. At $794 monthly rent, Bamberg costs more than Abbeville or Barnwell, straining households with below-average incomes.

Pricier rents than nearby Barnwell County

Bamberg's $794 median rent runs $99 above neighboring Barnwell's $695, despite Bamberg's median income of $43,206 being $1,406 higher. This suggests tighter housing affordability pressures in Bamberg compared to its less costly neighbor.

Renters feel the squeeze more than owners

Bamberg households earning $43,206 allocate 22.1% to rent while homeowners spend roughly 14.4% on mortgages, creating a two-tiered affordability problem. Renters in Bamberg face steeper burdens than homeowners, limiting their ability to build wealth through property ownership.

Bamberg suits budget-conscious homebuyers

Relocating to Bamberg makes sense if you're buying: median homes run just $96,000 and ownership costs sit below rent burdens. But renters should compare Bamberg's 22.1% rent ratio to more affordable Abbeville or Barnwell before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bamberg County

via IncomeByCounty

Bamberg faces steep income deficit

Bamberg County's median household income of $43,206 is just 58% of the national median of $74,755—a gap of $31,549. This significant shortfall reflects limited employment diversity and lower-wage job availability compared to U.S. metropolitan areas.

Bamberg ranks among state's poorest

At $43,206, Bamberg's median household income trails South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by $13,800. The county ranks in the lower fifth of South Carolina's 46 counties, facing persistent economic headwinds.

Low-income cluster persists

Bamberg's $43,206 income slightly exceeds Allendale ($31,603) and Barnwell ($41,800), forming a low-income corridor in the low-country. Regional cooperation on workforce development and economic diversification could lift all three counties.

Housing pressures in Bamberg

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% means Bamberg residents dedicate more than one-fifth of household income to housing costs. With a median home value of $96,000, homes are cheaper, but tight household budgets limit flexibility for emergencies or savings.

Building from modest means

Bamberg residents with per capita income of $22,182 can start wealth-building with even $25-50 monthly contributions to savings or retirement accounts. Explore employer-sponsored retirement plans, matched savings programs, and low-cost index funds that multiply small investments over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bamberg County

via CrimeByCounty

Bamberg County Safety Score Context

Bamberg County reports a total crime rate of 3005.0 per 100K, which is above the national average of 2385.5. It currently holds a safety score of 95.3.

Bamberg Ranks Near State Averages

The county's safety score of 95.3 is nearly identical to the South Carolina state average of 95.4. However, its total crime rate of 3005.0 is slightly higher than the state average of 2920.8.

Comparing Bamberg to Neighboring Counties

Bamberg faces a violent crime rate of 826.4 per 100K, which is much higher than the state average of 580.8. This rate indicates a need for higher vigilance compared to adjacent counties like Allendale.

Violent vs. Property Crime Realities

Bamberg's property crime rate of 2178.6 per 100K is slightly above the national rate of 2015.7. More concerning is the violent crime rate of 826.4, which is more than double the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Safety in Bamberg County

With elevated violent and property crime rates, investing in comprehensive home security is a smart move. Secure all entry points and consider installing video doorbells to monitor activity around your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bamberg County

via HealthByCounty

Bamberg's health gap mirrors rural challenges

At 70.6 years, Bamberg County residents live 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting chronic rural health disparities. Nearly 24% report poor or fair health, suggesting significant chronic disease and limited access to preventive care.

Bamberg lags behind South Carolina average

Bamberg's life expectancy of 70.6 years trails the state average of 72.5 years by nearly 2 years, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. At 13.9% uninsured, Bamberg exceeds the state rate by 2.3 percentage points, a marker of economic and access barriers.

Bamberg peers with struggling counties

Bamberg's 70.6-year life expectancy and 23.9% poor/fair health rate align closely with Barnwell and Allendale, the region's most challenged counties. Primary care access at 38 per 100K falls below stronger neighbors like Anderson (66), adding to daily care barriers.

Limited primary care, high uninsured rates

Bamberg has only 38 primary care providers per 100K—less than half Anderson's density—while 13.9% of residents lack health insurance. The combination of limited providers and high uninsured rates means many Bamberg residents delay or skip routine care, driving poor health outcomes.

Get coverage to access care

Bamberg's 13.9% uninsured rate means thousands lack financial protection for healthcare; South Carolina Medicaid and Healthcare.gov marketplace plans are available now. One enrollment can open doors to the primary care your county lacks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bamberg County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dedicated Resources for Bamberg Students

Bamberg County maintains a focused educational environment with a composite school score of 54.2. The system prioritizes local student needs within a traditional South Carolina school structure.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county invests a significant $8,239 per pupil, well above the state average of $7,165. This investment pays off with an 86.1% graduation rate, which comfortably beats the South Carolina statewide average.

Local District Governance

Schooling in Bamberg is managed by local districts that maintain a high degree of community involvement. While specific school directory counts are limited, the county continues to prioritize traditional public education.

Intimate Learning Environments

Schools in Bamberg are characterized by their small-town feel and community-centric locations. Students benefit from higher-than-average spending in a setting that reflects the county's rural and town heritage.

Join the Bamberg Community

If you are looking for a district that invests heavily in its students, Bamberg County is worth a close look. Consider the area's strong graduation rates as you evaluate homes in this quiet South Carolina county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bamberg County

via RiskByCounty

Bamberg's risk falls below national norm

Bamberg County scores 46.47 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, sitting well below the national average. The county benefits from lower combined exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Well below South Carolina average

Bamberg's 46.47 composite score is substantially lower than South Carolina's state average of 70.75, placing it among the safer counties statewide. The county's risk profile is notably more favorable than most of its state peers.

Among region's safest counties

Bamberg's 46.47 score rivals nearby Allendale (35.46) for the lowest risk in its immediate area, and significantly beats Aiken (84.22) and Anderson (87.18). The county enjoys one of the better disaster-risk profiles in central South Carolina.

Hurricanes and earthquakes are top concerns

Hurricane risk leads at 89.07 despite the county's overall Relatively Low rating, reflecting coastal-influenced storm exposure even in an inland location. Earthquake risk (79.26) and wildfire risk (55.85) pose secondary threats, while flood (20.64) and tornado (35.50) risks remain substantially lower.

Earthquake and hurricane coverage advised

Purchase separate earthquake insurance to cover seismic damage, which standard policies exclude, given the county's 79.26 earthquake score. Verify your wind and hurricane coverage is adequate for the 89.07 hurricane rating, and consider flood insurance as a secondary precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bamberg County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm humid subtropical climate patterns

Bamberg's 64.4°F annual average is much warmer than the national median. This climate sees 48.5 inches of rain, which is very close to the South Carolina state average.

One of the state's warmer regions

Bamberg is warmer than most of the state, exceeding the South Carolina average of 62.8°F by over 1.5 degrees. It ranks as one of the warmest inland counties in the region.

Tied with neighbors for high heat

It is nearly identical to neighboring Barnwell at 64.3°F and slightly warmer than Allendale at 63.4°F. This region maintains a consistently warm thermal corridor across the coastal plain.

Two months of extreme heat days

The county experiences 63 days of extreme heat as July averages 81.2°F. Winters are exceptionally mild at 48.7°F with only 0.3 inches of average annual snowfall.

Focus on AC and winter projects

HVAC maintenance is critical to manage the 63 days of extreme heat each year. The mild winters allow for outdoor projects and light attire for most of the season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bamberg County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic coastal plain soils

Bamberg County features an average soil pH of 5.00, placing it among the more acidic regions in South Carolina. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even falls below the state average of 5.27. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the acidity suggests a landscape shaped by coastal weathering.

The grit of the South Carolina sands

The soil is comprised of 78.3% sand, 11.7% silt, and only 8.3% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil very light and easy to till, though it provides little natural structure. Such a high sand content usually results in rapid drainage and a need for frequent fertilization.

High organic matter meets low water storage

Bamberg's organic matter content is 2.23%, which is higher than both the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.091 in/in. Plants may struggle to access water quickly in this soil, despite the abundance of organic nutrients.

Navigating unknown drainage patterns

There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed for Bamberg in this dataset. However, the 78.3% sand content typically indicates that water moves through the profile very quickly. Homeowners should be mindful that while surface water clears fast, the soil may dry out rapidly during summer heat.

Maximizing a Zone 8b garden

The warm climate of Zone 8b offers Bamberg residents a long growing season for heat-loving favorites like peppers and tomatoes. The high organic matter provides a solid foundation, but you will need to monitor moisture closely due to the low water capacity. Adding a layer of mulch is a great way to help this sandy soil keep your plants hydrated.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bamberg County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling the Toughest Conditions in Bamberg

Bamberg County has a lawn difficulty score of 24.0, making it one of the most challenging places in the state for lawn care. The Zone 8b climate combined with poor soil quality means homeowners must work harder to maintain green space. Success is possible, but it requires a data-driven approach to irrigation and fertilization.

Balancing High Growth with Seasonal Rain

Bamberg sees 5,781 growing degree days, indicating a very active and long growing season for your grass. While the 48.5 inches of annual rain is nearly ideal, the 63 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the landscape. You will need to monitor soil moisture closely during the peak of summer to prevent dormancy.

Overcoming Acidic and Sandy Soil Hurdles

The local soil pH of 5.00 is significantly below the 6.0-7.0 range needed for healthy nutrient absorption. With a high sand content of 78.3% and only 8.3% clay, your lawn's foundation drains very rapidly but struggles to hold onto water and fertilizer. Regular lime applications and organic matter additions are essential to improve these conditions.

Enduring the Longest Droughts in the Region

Bamberg has experienced 35 weeks of drought over the past year, the highest frequency in the local area. Currently, 33.2% of the county is in severe drought, while the entire area remains abnormally dry. To protect your lawn, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep your blades sharp to reduce grass stress.

Starting Your Bamberg Lawn Journey

Centipede grass is a popular choice for Bamberg because it tolerates acidic, sandy soils better than most varieties. The growing season kicks off after the last frost on March 18 and lasts until November 12. Use this long period to establish a resilient lawn that can withstand the county's significant summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bamberg County's county score?
Bamberg County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39.5 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 Bamberg County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Bamberg County ranks #33 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 Bamberg County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Bamberg County is $796, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Bamberg County a tax score of 50.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bamberg County?
The median household income in Bamberg County, South Carolina is $43,206 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bamberg County earns an income score of 5.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bamberg County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Bamberg County scores 39.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Bamberg 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 Bamberg 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.