countyscore

Barnwell County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#31 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82.1Property Tax 59

County Report Card

About Barnwell County, South Carolina

Competing Below the National Median

Barnwell County holds a composite score of 39.8, which is roughly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. This score is typical for rural counties in the region dealing with industrial shifts.

Measuring Against the State Average

Barnwell's score of 39.8 is below the South Carolina average of 42.8. However, it maintains a strong presence in basic infrastructure that rivals more urbanized areas.

Pristine Water and Low Housing Costs

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and affordability with a cost score of 82.1. Monthly rent averages just $695, making it a very accessible market for renters.

Economic Growth and School Performance

Income (4.1) and school quality (29.7) represent the primary areas needing focus. With median household earnings at $41,800, the county works to attract more high-paying jobs.

A Practical Choice for Renters

Barnwell County is well-suited for individuals looking for high utility quality and low monthly expenses. It offers a straightforward, low-cost lifestyle for those not dependent on the local school system.

204060801005982.15.817.929.74.154.28642.6Tax59Cost82.1Safety5.8Health17.9Schools29.7Income4.1Risk54.2Water86Weather42.639.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Barnwell County DNA

Foverall

How Barnwell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Barnwell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (5.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59
Cost
82.1+34.099999999999994
Safety
5.8-49.2
Health
17.9-32.1
Schools
29.7-24.3
Income
4.1-46.9
Risk
54.2
Water
86+28
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$695/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,800/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Allendale County
South Carolina
43.9
Aiken County
South Carolina
44.5
Bamberg County
South Carolina
39.5
Burke County
Georgia
49.8
Screven County
Georgia
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Richmond County
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Hampton County
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Jenkins County
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Deep Dives

Barnwell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barnwell County

via TaxByCounty

Barnwell ranks above national tax median

At 0.738%, Barnwell's effective property tax rate exceeds the U.S. median of 0.98%, placing it firmly in the upper half of American counties. Residents pay $717 annually on a median home valued at $97,200, still less than one-quarter of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Barnwell above state average statewide

Barnwell's 0.738% effective rate runs 36% higher than South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median property tax of $717 sits substantially below the state median of $939 due to low home values.

Higher than most surrounding counties

Barnwell's 0.738% rate exceeds Abbeville (0.487%), Anderson (0.464%), and Aiken (0.432%), though it falls below Allendale (0.880%) and Bamberg (0.829%). The county's tax rate reflects mid-range pressure on property owners across the region.

Effective rate feels lighter at checkout

Barnwell's 0.738% rate sounds steep until you apply it to a median home value of $97,200, yielding an annual property tax of just $717—about $60 per month. Low property values make the county's above-average rate manageable for residents.

Challenge your assessment value

Particularly in high-rate counties like Barnwell, verifying your assessed value is critical. If your home's assessment exceeds what similar properties are actually selling for, file an appeal—every dollar of reduced assessment saves you 0.738 cents in annual taxes here.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barnwell County

via CostByCounty

Barnwell's affordability hides income struggles

Barnwell County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits just barely below the national threshold of roughly 30%, but this masks deeper challenges. With median household income of just $41,800—44% below the national average—Barnwell residents face real financial pressure despite modest $695 monthly rents.

Just below South Carolina's affordability average

Barnwell's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% nearly matches South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it in the lower-middle affordability tier. At $695 monthly rent, Barnwell offers some of the state's cheapest rental options for lower-income households.

Cheapest rents in this rural cluster

Barnwell's $695 median rent undercuts Bamberg County by $99 and Abbeville by just $61, making it one of the region's most affordable options. Yet with median income of $41,800—$1,406 below Bamberg—Barnwell's renters feel the pinch more acutely.

Modest costs, but tight household budgets

Barnwell residents earning $41,800 spend 19.9% on rent or roughly 18.6% on mortgage costs, leaving limited income for savings or unexpected expenses. Both renters and owners operate on thin margins, reflecting the county's broader economic challenges.

Barnwell suits those with secure income

Barnwell offers the state's cheapest rents and homes averaging just $97,200, but median income runs among South Carolina's lowest. Relocate here only if your income prospects are strong; compare these economics to higher-wage counties like Aiken or Anderson before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barnwell County

via IncomeByCounty

Barnwell faces 44% income gap

Barnwell County's median household income of $41,800 represents just 56% of the national median of $74,755. This $32,955 shortfall places Barnwell among the lowest-income counties nationally, driven by limited job diversity and wage stagnation.

Barnwell ranks near state bottom

At $41,800, Barnwell's median household income trails South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by $15,206. The county sits in the bottom tier of all South Carolina counties, requiring targeted economic development and workforce investment.

Low-income region needs growth

Barnwell's $41,800 income is similar to Allendale ($31,603) and Bamberg ($43,206), reflecting a struggling low-country economic zone. Cross-county collaboration on job creation and entrepreneurship could help break this cycle.

Housing costs strain budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% indicates Barnwell households spend nearly one-fifth of income on housing. While the median home value of $97,200 is affordable, limited discretionary income makes home maintenance and repairs financially stressful.

Start small, save consistently

Barnwell residents with per capita income of $26,141 can build wealth through disciplined saving, even if amounts seem small initially. Set up automatic transfers of $20-40 per paycheck into a dedicated savings account—consistency matters more than size in long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barnwell County

via CrimeByCounty

Barnwell County Crime vs. the Nation

Barnwell County has a total crime rate of 3321.6 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2385.5. This translates to a safety score of 94.8.

Barnwell Below State Safety Average

The county safety score of 94.8 is lower than the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Its total crime rate of 3321.6 also sits above the state average of 2920.8.

A Regional Comparison for Barnwell

Barnwell's property crime rate of 2643.7 is higher than the national average, making it less secure than nearby Allendale. However, it maintains active reporting across 10 different agencies.

Breaking Down the Barnwell Crime Rate

Violent crime in Barnwell is 677.9 per 100K, which is higher than the state average of 580.8. Property crime is also high at 2643.7, compared to the national property rate of 2015.7.

Home Protection Tips for Barnwell

Since property crime is the primary concern at 2643.7 per 100K, residents should focus on securing valuables. Improving outdoor lighting and joining local safety groups can help reduce the incidence of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Barnwell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Town Schooling

Barnwell County serves 1,974 students through a compact network of five public schools. The system is comprised of one elementary, two middle, and two high schools split across two districts.

Steady Investment in Local Schools

The county spends $7,189 per pupil, aligning closely with the South Carolina state average. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 82.4%, which is lower than both the state and national benchmarks.

Barnwell 45 Dominates the Area

Barnwell 45 is the primary provider of education, serving all 1,974 students across four active campuses. There are no charter schools in the county, making Barnwell 45 the central hub for all local families.

Town-Based Education Hubs

Four out of the five schools are located in town settings, resulting in a moderate average school size of 494 students. Barnwell Primary is the largest school with 661 students, providing a centralized start for young learners.

Find Your Neighborhood in Barnwell

Barnwell offers a traditional town-based school experience where most campuses are centrally located. Families can find affordable homes within walking or short-driving distance of the Barnwell 45 campus cluster.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barnwell County

via RiskByCounty

Barnwell's risk sits below national average

Barnwell County scores 45.83 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county faces comparatively modest combined threats from major natural disasters.

Below state average across South Carolina

At 45.83, Barnwell's composite score falls well short of South Carolina's state average of 70.75, positioning it among the state's safer counties. The county's overall risk profile is notably more favorable than most statewide peers.

Lower risk than most surrounding areas

Barnwell's 45.83 score closely matches Abbeville (45.36) and slightly beats Bamberg (46.47), keeping it among the region's safest counties. It substantially outperforms the high-risk counties of Aiken (84.22) and Anderson (87.18) to the west and north.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires top list

Earthquake risk registers highest at 80.60, followed by hurricane risk (85.31) and wildfire risk (59.89), creating a mixed hazard profile. Flood risk (35.02) and tornado risk (66.06) remain more moderate and less immediately concerning.

Earthquake insurance is worthwhile investment

Obtain a dedicated earthquake insurance policy to protect against seismic damage excluded from standard homeowners coverage, given Barnwell's 80.60 earthquake score. Confirm that your wind and hurricane coverage is sufficient for the county's 85.31 hurricane risk rating.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Barnwell County

via WaterByCounty

Barnwell Excels in Drinking Water Safety

Barnwell County earns a Grade A with zero recorded health violations over the past five years. This perfect record places the county well ahead of the state's average violation rate of 22.2 per 100,000 people.

Total Impairment Found in Assessed Waters

Despite clean drinking water, 100% of assessed surface water bodies in Barnwell are listed as impaired in the 2022 cycle. E. coli contamination is the leading cause of these failures under the Clean Water Act.

Active Testing Across Ten Local Sites

Monitoring teams have captured 1,427 measurements from 10 different sites over the last five years. Testing primarily focuses on nutrients, metals, and physical characteristics to track potential environmental shifts.

Missing USGS Streamflow Records

There is no primary USGS streamgage currently reporting live flow data for Barnwell County. Local officials rely on surface water monitoring and the county's strong SDWA compliance to manage water resources.

Protect Streams from Bacterial Runoff

Because all assessed surface waters are impaired by E. coli, residents should avoid contact with local streams after rain. While tap water compliance is excellent, protecting the watershed is vital to maintaining long-term source water quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barnwell County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm temperatures in the coastal plain

Barnwell averages 64.3°F, well above the national median in a classic humid subtropical zone. The county receives 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, slightly below the state average.

Significantly warmer than the state norm

Barnwell is notably warmer than the state average of 62.8°F. It stands out as one of the hotter regions in the southern half of South Carolina.

Similar heat patterns to local neighbors

Its 64.3°F average mirrors Bamberg at 64.4°F and sits just above Aiken at 64.1°F. This consistency shows a uniform heat pattern across the western coastal plain region.

Intense summer heat and mild winters

Summer is intense with 81 days of extreme heat and a July average of 81.3°F. While snow data is unavailable, a 48.4°F winter average suggests frozen precipitation is very rare.

Prepare for a long summer season

With 81 days of temperatures over 90°F, energy-efficient cooling is the primary concern for local homes. Residents should plan for a long, hot summer and very brief, mild winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barnwell County

via SoilByCounty

A unique and unclassified soil profile

Specific data for Barnwell's soil pH and taxonomic order is currently missing from the primary records. While the state average pH is 5.27, local conditions in Barnwell can vary significantly. Testing your soil is the only way to know if your land matches the national median of 6.5 or the more acidic state trend.

Incomplete composition data for Barnwell

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this county. Generally, this region of South Carolina is known for sandy textures that offer high workability but low nutrient retention. You can test your own soil's texture at home using a simple jar test to see if it leans toward sand or clay.

Uncertain fertility requires local testing

There is no recorded county-wide average for organic matter or available water capacity in Barnwell. For reference, the state average for organic matter is 2.05%, a benchmark that many South Carolina counties struggle to hit. Adding organic amendments like compost is a reliable strategy for any gardener in this data-sparse area.

Managing water without formal data

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for Barnwell County. Residents should observe their land after a heavy rain to see if water soaks in immediately or pools on the surface. Understanding these local patterns is crucial for successful landscaping and garden planning.

Abundant growth in Hardiness Zone 8b

Barnwell is located in Zone 8b, which features mild winters and a long, warm growing season. This climate is ideal for southern staples like pecans, blueberries, and camellias. Despite the lack of county-wide soil data, the favorable climate ensures that with a little care, any garden can thrive here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barnwell County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lawn Care in Barnwell County

Barnwell County scores a 31.0 for lawn difficulty, placing it below the state average of 35.1. In Zone 8b, your lawn must survive high heat and variable moisture levels throughout the year. While more manageable than some neighboring counties, you still face significant environmental hurdles compared to the national median.

Extreme Heat Defines the Growing Season

With 81 extreme heat days—nearly 20 more than the state average—your lawn faces a brutal summer. The 5,773 growing degree days signal a long season of rapid growth that requires frequent mowing and maintenance. Your 47.5 inches of annual rain provides a good base, but the high heat creates massive evaporation demands.

Building a Foundation in Barnwell

Local soil data is limited for Barnwell, so you should start with a professional soil test to determine your specific needs. Most lawns in this part of South Carolina deal with sandy textures that require extra organic matter to retain water. Without these amendments, the high local heat can quickly deplete the soil of necessary moisture.

Resilience During 27 Weeks of Drought

Barnwell has faced 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. While only 4.3% is in severe drought, the frequent dry spells require a focus on drought-tolerant landscaping. Grouping plants with similar water needs and using smart controllers for sprinklers can save your lawn and your water bill.

Maximizing the 8b Growing Window

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda are best suited for Barnwell's intense 81 days of heat. You can begin planting after the last frost on March 22, with a long runway until the first frost on November 13. This extended season gives your new grass plenty of time to build a robust root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barnwell County's county score?
Barnwell County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39.8 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 Barnwell County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Barnwell County ranks #31 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 Barnwell County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Barnwell County is $717, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Barnwell County a tax score of 59/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barnwell County?
The median household income in Barnwell County, South Carolina is $41,800 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barnwell County earns an income score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barnwell County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Barnwell County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Barnwell 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 Barnwell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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