Berkeley County

South Carolina · SC

#42 in South Carolina
64.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Berkeley County, South Carolina

Berkeley competes at national level

Berkeley County scores 64.3, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 29%, placing it in the solid middle range of U.S. counties. Strong income metrics and low risk exposure balance higher housing costs.

Below state average in South Carolina

Berkeley's 64.3 score falls below the South Carolina state average of 68.2, positioning it in the lower-middle tier within the state's competitive county landscape.

Strong income and health foundation

Berkeley delivers an income score of 37.1/100 with a median household income of $82,327, plus a health score of 72.7/100 reflecting solid medical infrastructure. Risk resilience is excellent at 5.2/100, offering residents economic stability.

Housing affordability remains tight

The cost score of 61.3/100 shows affordability strain, with median home values at $280,300 and rent at $1,518/month—creating barriers for entry-level and middle-income buyers. This cost burden dampens the county's overall livability score.

Good fit for professional families

Berkeley appeals to dual-income households earning $75,000+ who value proximity to Charleston, strong health care, and economic security over rock-bottom costs. Its growing suburban character suits established professionals seeking access to urban amenities without pure city prices.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.8Cost61.3SafetyComing SoonHealth72.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.1Risk5.2WaterComing Soon
🏛88.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠61.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼37.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
72.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
5.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Berkeley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Berkeley County

via TaxByCounty

Berkeley taxes rank squarely at national average

At 0.479%, Berkeley's effective property tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. Residents pay $1,343 annually on a median home valued at $280,300—half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below state average despite higher home values

Berkeley's 0.479% effective rate runs below South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, positioning it as a relatively affordable county. The median property tax of $1,343 exceeds the state median of $939 only because Berkeley's homes are worth considerably more—$280,300 versus $200,000 statewide.

Competitive rate in growing region

Berkeley's 0.479% rate is lower than Anderson (0.464%) and Abbeville (0.487%), making it one of the region's most tax-friendly counties. Combined with strong median home values of $280,300, Berkeley offers an attractive balance for homebuyers seeking value.

Berkeley homeowners pay about $1,343

On a median home value of $280,300, Berkeley residents pay $1,343 annually in property tax—roughly $112 per month. This represents solid value considering the county's growing economy and home values that rival much more heavily taxed regions nationally.

Appeal if assessed above market

Berkeley's competitive tax rate doesn't mean every assessment is accurate. If your home was assessed at a value higher than comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, file an appeal—you could reduce an already reasonable tax bill further.

Cost of Living in Berkeley County

via CostByCounty

Berkeley's affordability masks rising costs

Berkeley County residents earn $82,327—10% above the national average—yet spend 22.1% on rent, above typical national thresholds. With median rent at $1,518, Berkeley reflects growth pressures in the Charleston metropolitan region, where housing costs climb faster than incomes.

Above-average costs in South Carolina

Berkeley's median rent of $1,518 runs 60% above South Carolina's average of $945, and its 22.1% rent-to-income ratio tops the state average of 20.1%. Berkeley ranks among South Carolina's pricier counties, driven by proximity to Charleston's booming job market.

Pricier than Anderson, slightly less than Beaufort

Berkeley's $1,518 rent runs $566 above Anderson County's $952 but stays $34 below Beaufort's $1,484, positioning it as the second-most expensive rental market regionally. Median home values of $280,300 sit below Beaufort's coastal premium but well above inland alternatives.

Higher incomes stretched by steep costs

Berkeley households earning $82,327 allocate 22.1% to rent or roughly 18.4% to mortgage costs, among the steepest regional burdens despite above-average incomes. Growth in the Charleston area has driven housing costs up faster than wages, squeezing even higher-earning households.

Berkeley attracts Charleston-area commuters

Relocating to Berkeley offers Charleston job access with slightly lower costs than the city proper, though $1,518 rent and $280,300 homes still demand solid six-figure household income. Compare Berkeley to more affordable Anderson or Aiken to weigh commute time against housing savings.

Income & Jobs in Berkeley County

via IncomeByCounty

Berkeley ranks above national norm

Berkeley County's median household income of $82,327 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $7,572—a 10% advantage. This solid performance places Berkeley in the upper tier of U.S. counties, benefiting from Charleston metro growth and nuclear industry employment.

Berkeley ranks among state's best

At $82,327, Berkeley's median household income towers over South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by $25,321. The county ranks second only to Beaufort in state income rankings, reflecting spillover prosperity from the Charleston metropolitan area.

Berkeley trails Beaufort slightly

Berkeley's $82,327 income closely rivals Beaufort County's $84,819, with both counties forming South Carolina's most prosperous region. This coastal concentration reflects population growth and higher-wage employment driving the Lowcountry economy.

Housing affordability tightens

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% means Berkeley residents spend about one-fifth of household income on housing costs. The median home value of $280,300 reflects rapid appreciation, requiring households earning above the median to comfortably afford ownership.

Capitalize on Berkeley prosperity

With per capita income of $39,727 and strong household earnings, Berkeley residents can pursue aggressive wealth-building: maxing retirement accounts, investing in taxable portfolios, and considering real estate appreciation as a wealth tool. Partner with a financial planner to optimize investments aligned with your 10-20 year timeline.

Health in Berkeley County

via HealthByCounty

Berkeley's life expectancy nears national average

At 76.7 years, Berkeley County residents live just 0.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—an exceptional outcome in South Carolina's profile. Only 15.3% report poor or fair health, indicating strong chronic disease prevention and management.

Berkeley leads South Carolina in health outcomes

Berkeley's 76.7-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.5 years by 4.2 years, placing it among South Carolina's top performers. At 9.7% uninsured—the lowest rate in this eight-county profile—Berkeley demonstrates exceptional healthcare access.

Berkeley's strong outcomes reflect investment

Berkeley's 76.7-year life expectancy and 15.3% poor/fair health rate significantly outpace Anderson (73.2 years), Aiken (73.5 years), and all southeastern peers. With 33 primary care and 161 mental health providers per 100K, Berkeley's solid infrastructure supports its strong population health.

Low uninsured rate drives access and outcomes

Berkeley's 9.7% uninsured rate—the lowest here—means nearly 90% of residents have healthcare coverage and access to preventive care. With 33 primary care and 161 mental health providers per 100K, Berkeley residents enjoy reliable access that translates to its strong 76.7-year life expectancy.

Complete Berkeley's coverage success

With only 9.7% uninsured, Berkeley is nearly there—but those remaining residents deserve protection too. Healthcare.gov and South Carolina Medicaid ensure everyone can access the primary and mental health care that make Berkeley thrive.

Disaster Risk in Berkeley County

via RiskByCounty

Berkeley faces very high national risk

Berkeley County scores 94.82 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively High rating, placing it among the most disaster-prone counties in the United States. The county contends with substantial combined exposure across multiple major hazard types.

Second-highest risk in South Carolina

At 94.82, Berkeley's composite score far exceeds South Carolina's state average of 70.75, making it the second-riskiest county in the state behind only Beaufort (97.11). The county's risk profile rivals some of the nation's most hazardous regions.

Only Beaufort poses greater risk nearby

Berkeley's 94.82 score trails only Beaufort County (97.11) in the coastal region, making it the second-most hazardous community in its immediate area. The county faces dramatically higher risk than inland South Carolina counties.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods dominate

Earthquake risk registers extraordinarily high at 97.74, the highest such rating in South Carolina, followed by hurricane risk (98.33) and flood risk (80.66). Wildfire risk (89.82) and tornado risk (78.09) further compound Berkeley's comprehensive disaster exposure.

All specialized insurance policies essential

Obtain both flood insurance and a dedicated earthquake policy immediately—Berkeley's 97.74 earthquake score and 80.66 flood risk demand coverage that standard policies exclude, and these are your two greatest threats. Maximize your hurricane wind coverage given the county's 98.33 hurricane rating, the second-highest in South Carolina.

ByCounty Network

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