CountyScore

Calhoun County

South Carolina · SC

#3 in South Carolina
73.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, South Carolina

Calhoun County Scores Well Above National Median

With a composite score of 73.8, Calhoun County ranks in the 74th percentile nationally—significantly ahead of the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top quarter of U.S. counties on overall livability, reflecting solid fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

A Top Performer in South Carolina

Calhoun County's 73.8 score exceeds South Carolina's state average of 68.2, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. Its above-average ranking reflects consistent strength across affordability and tax policy.

Exceptional Tax Rates and Housing Affordability

Calhoun County's standout strengths are its low tax burden (90.4 score, 0.423% effective rate) and affordable housing market, with a median home value of $148,800 and median rent of $994/month. The county also demonstrates solid environmental resilience with a 77.4 risk score, suggesting lower exposure to climate and natural hazards.

Income Levels Significantly Below Average

The county's income score of 20.4 reflects a median household income of just $56,690—below state and national averages. This is the most significant livability constraint, limiting earning potential and long-term wealth building for residents.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families and Retirees

Calhoun County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. Its combination of strong affordability and lower environmental risk makes it attractive for those seeking a stable, low-cost lifestyle in a relatively resilient community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.4Cost81.4SafetyComing SoonHealth63.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.4Risk77.4WaterComing Soon
🏛90.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.4
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 Calhoun County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Osceola County
Iowa
73.8
Median income: $69,138
Trego County
Kansas
73.8
Median income: $73,375
Caldwell County
Kentucky
73.8
Median income: $57,618
Clinton County
Kentucky
73.8
Median income: $42,168
Cumberland County
Kentucky
73.8
Median income: $39,662

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.423%, Calhoun's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The typical Calhoun home pays $630 annually in property taxes—less than a quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Among the lowest taxed in South Carolina

Calhoun ranks in the lower half of South Carolina's 46 counties on effective tax rate, undercutting the state average of 0.542%. Its residents pay about $309 less per year than the state median of $939, offering relative tax relief.

Lower taxes than most county peers

Calhoun's 0.423% rate beats nearby Chester County (0.588%) and Clarendon County (0.576%), though it trails Chesterfield County's low 0.462%. Among comparable rural counties in the region, Calhoun offers competitive tax burden relief.

Median home, median tax bill

A Calhoun homeowner with a $148,800 median-value property pays roughly $630 annually in property tax. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $811 when factoring in escrow arrangements.

Many Calhoun homeowners may be overassessed

Property assessments don't always reflect true market value—and Calhoun is no exception. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales nearby, a formal appeal to the county assessor's office could lower your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun rents bite slightly harder than nation

Renters in Calhoun County spend 21% of their income on housing, compared to a national median of 20.1%—a modest but meaningful gap. This county's median household income of $56,690 falls short of the national average of $74,755, making every housing dollar count more.

Middle-of-the-road affordability for South Carolina

Calhoun's 21% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above South Carolina's 20.1% average, suggesting moderate housing pressure compared to peer counties statewide. Its $994 monthly rent exceeds the state median of $945, though the difference remains modest.

More expensive than nearby Chesterfield

Calhoun renters pay $994 monthly versus $776 in neighboring Chesterfield County—a 28% premium for comparable housing. If affordability is your priority, Chesterfield's lower rents and Clarendon's superior rent-to-income ratio (17.9%) offer nearby relief.

Housing claims one-fifth of Calhoun income

Renters here dedicate $994 per month to rent while earning a median $56,690 annually, while homeowners pay $589 monthly. Combined, housing costs consume roughly 21% of gross income for renters and 12% for owners, leaving limited resources for other essentials.

Consider Calhoun for modest housing costs

With a median home value of $148,800 and rents under $1,000, Calhoun offers accessible housing for those seeking lower costs than state averages. Before relocating, compare it to nearby Chesterfield and Clarendon to find your best affordability match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun trails national income benchmark

Calhoun County's median household income of $56,690 sits nearly $18,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap places Calhoun in the lower half of American counties, though the county remains competitive within South Carolina's economic profile.

Just below South Carolina's average income

At $56,690, Calhoun's median household income ranks near the state average of $57,006, placing the county in the middle tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county's per capita income of $32,567 exceeds the state average of $32,382, signaling solid individual earning power.

Stronger than rural neighbors to the east

Calhoun outearns most adjacent rural counties, including Cherokee ($49,047), Chester ($51,216), and Chesterfield ($47,620). Charleston County to the east dominates the region with a median income of $84,320, reflecting the boost from the Charleston metro area's economic hub.

Affordable housing supports household budgets

With a rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%, Calhoun residents spend roughly one-fifth of income on housing—within the recommended 30% threshold. The median home value of $148,800 remains accessible relative to local incomes, making homeownership realistic for many families.

Build financial stability in Calhoun County

Calhoun's affordable housing presents an opportunity to invest in homeownership without stretching household budgets. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions and build emergency savings—critical steps to close the income gap with national averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy in line with state average

Calhoun residents live to an average of 72.5 years, matching South Carolina's state average but falling 5.4 years short of the U.S. average of 77.9 years. One in five residents (20.5%) report poor or fair health, compared to the nation's 15% rate.

Middle of the pack statewide

Calhoun ranks 24th among South Carolina's 46 counties for life expectancy, tying the state average at 72.5 years. The county's health outcomes reflect broader statewide challenges with chronic disease and healthcare access.

Outpacing some nearby counties

Calhoun's 72.5-year life expectancy edges out Chester County (68.6) and Colleton County (68.6), though it lags Charleston County's 77.9 years. The county's primary care provider rate of 21 per 100,000 is significantly lower than Charleston's 124 per 100,000.

Below-average provider access

With 10.7% uninsured—slightly below the state average of 11.6%—most Calhoun residents have coverage, but only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve the county. Mental health care is equally sparse at 21 providers per 100,000, creating gaps for residents seeking routine and behavioral health services.

Find coverage that works for you

If you're among Calhoun's uninsured residents, health insurance options are available through the South Carolina Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore plans that fit your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun ranks well below national disaster risk

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 22.65 places it in the Very Low category and well below the national average, making it one of South Carolina's safest counties for natural disasters. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most hazard types across flood, wildfire, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane risks. Your county's resilience to these combined threats significantly outpaces the typical American county.

Calhoun is South Carolina's lowest-risk county

With a composite score of 22.65, Calhoun County ranks substantially below South Carolina's state average of 70.75, positioning it as the safest county in the state. This distinction reflects the county's geographic isolation from the major coastal hurricane corridors and lower exposure to the state's most severe weather hazards. Residents benefit from one of the state's most favorable natural disaster profiles.

Calhoun safer than surrounding counties

Neighboring Chester County (43.16) and Cherokee County (69.69) both carry substantially higher composite risk scores than Calhoun's 22.65. Calhoun's inland location shields it from the hurricane and coastal flood threats that elevate risk in counties closer to the Atlantic. This geographic advantage makes Calhoun a notably safer choice within the region.

Earthquake and hurricane pose greatest threats

Calhoun's highest risks come from earthquake (72.46) and hurricane (81.02) hazards, though both remain well-contained compared to statewide averages. Flood risk (19.40) and wildfire risk (51.81) are substantially lower, reflecting the county's inland Piedmont location with adequate moisture and distance from drought-prone areas. Tornado risk (37.91) also remains moderate relative to other South Carolina counties.

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

While Calhoun County's overall risk profile is favorable, homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage including earthquake and wind protection given the moderate to elevated scores in those categories. Your county's low flood risk means standard homeowners policies are generally adequate, but reviewing coverage annually ensures you're protected against the hazards most relevant to your location. Consider consulting a local insurance agent about earthquake endorsements given the state's geological positioning.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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