countyscore

Calhoun County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#8 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.8
County Score
Property Tax 92.4Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 77.4

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, South Carolina

A Stable Alternative Near the National Median

Calhoun County earns a composite score of 47.8, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that avoids the extremes seen in more urbanized regions. Residents enjoy a quality of life that remains competitive with many mid-tier counties across the country.

Outperforming the South Carolina Average

While the state average composite score sits at 42.8, Calhoun County rises above its peers with a 47.8 rating. It represents one of the more stable performers in the state's central region. This ranking suggests a higher-than-average baseline for general livability compared to neighboring South Carolina counties.

Low Taxes and Reliable Infrastructure

The county shines with a Tax Score of 92.4, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.423%. It also boasts a strong Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 77.4, indicating high environmental stability. These factors make it an attractive spot for those prioritizing financial efficiency and safety from natural disasters.

Room to Grow in Safety and Income

Safety is a notable concern here, with a score of 11.0 trailing significantly behind other metrics. The Income Score of 29.5 also reflects a median household income of $56,690, which is lower than many national benchmarks. Improving health outcomes, currently at a score of 33.9, remains a long-term developmental goal for the area.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Suburban Seekers

Calhoun County suits families or retirees who value low property taxes and a quiet, low-risk environment. With median rents under $1,000, it offers a high degree of affordability for those who don't mind a slower economic pace. It is best for residents who prioritize long-term financial predictability over high-speed urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax92.4Cost56.9Safety11Health33.9Schools46.6Income29.5Risk77.4Water86Weather38.6
🏛92.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨9.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Calhoun County

Whether buying or refinancing in Calhoun County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Calhoun County with Douglas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Douglas County
Colorado
Median income: $145,737
47.8
De Witt County
Illinois
Median income: $64,802
47.8
Goodhue County
Minnesota
Median income: $82,749
47.8
McDowell County
North Carolina
Median income: $55,527
47.8
Jefferson County
Ohio
Median income: $56,983
47.8
Madison County
Ohio
Median income: $83,229
47.8
Lancaster County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $83,703
47.8
Concho County
Texas
Median income: $59,632
47.8

Nearby counties

Orangeburg County
South Carolina
36.4
Richland County
South Carolina
36.7
Sumter County
South Carolina
35.2
Lexington County
South Carolina
38.3
Clarendon County
South Carolina
42.6
Bamberg County
South Carolina
39.5
Lee County
South Carolina
43.9
Kershaw County
South Carolina
42.5

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County's National Safety Standings

Calhoun County reports a total crime rate of 2693.5 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county earns a strong safety score of 95.7 out of 100.

Outperforming the South Carolina Average

The county's safety score of 95.7 slightly exceeds the South Carolina state average of 95.4. This indicates that Calhoun is generally safer than many other regions across the state.

Comparing Crime Rates with Neighbors

Calhoun's crime rate of 2693.5 is nearly identical to Chester County's 2695.0. It remains significantly safer than Clarendon County, where the crime rate surges to 4014.3 per 100,000.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

The violent crime rate of 346.4 is actually lower than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 2347.1 drives the majority of local law enforcement activity.

Proactive Steps for Home Security

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should focus on secure locks and outdoor lighting. Installing a doorbell camera provides an effective layer of protection against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Educational Hub in Calhoun

Calhoun County operates a streamlined education infrastructure consisting of three total public schools within a single district. This network serves 1,546 students across two elementary schools and one high school.

Calhoun Hits National Graduation Standards

The county achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average and exceeding the South Carolina state average of 84.2%. Local investment of $7,827 per pupil outperforms the state average despite the lower national benchmark.

Calhoun 01 Leads Local Education

The Calhoun 01 school district manages all 1,546 students in the county's public system. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience.

Rural Roots and Community Schools

All three schools in the county are situated in rural settings, fostering a close-knit atmosphere with an average enrollment of 515 students. Sandy Run School is the largest campus with 570 students, while Calhoun County High serves 423 students.

Small-Town Learning for Families

Families seeking a personalized education in a rural environment should explore homes in Calhoun County. With graduation rates beating the state average, it is a compelling choice for those prioritizing school quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Calhoun

Calhoun County's soil registers a pH of 5.14, which sits well below the national median of 6.5. This measurement is also lower than the South Carolina state average of 5.27, indicating a very acidic environment. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, the low pH suggests a history of significant mineral leaching.

A Sandy Foundation

The soil composition is 75.7% sand, leaving just 14.8% silt and 9.4% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability but means the ground drains rapidly. Such a mix requires frequent monitoring of soil moisture and nutrient levels during the growing season.

Lower Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter sits at 1.42%, falling short of the state average of 2.05%. The available water capacity of 0.092 in/in is also below the state benchmark of 0.115. These factors contribute to a soil score of 9.6, indicating that consistent amendments are necessary for high yields.

Managing Water Movement

Though specific drainage class data is limited for this county, the high sand percentage typically suggests rapid water movement. Gardeners should plan for supplemental irrigation during the hot summer months. Understanding local runoff patterns is essential for any new building project or field layout.

Growing in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b provides a long growing season for heat-tolerant crops like peppers and sweet potatoes. These plants thrive in sandy soil provided they receive consistent water and organic fertilizers. Grab your tools and take advantage of the warm climate to start your garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Local Growing Hurdles

Calhoun County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.4, making it more challenging to maintain turf than the South Carolina average of 35.1 and the national median of 50.0. The region sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, where mild winters and sweltering summers dictate a specific set of horticultural demands.

Managing High Heat and Humidity

While local precipitation data is limited, Calhoun County typically faces the state average of 63 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. These sustained high temperatures accelerate evaporation, meaning your mowing and watering schedule must adapt to prevent summer dormancy. Establishing a deep root system is critical to surviving the intense South Carolina sun.

Correcting Acidic, Sandy Soils

The soil foundation here is highly acidic with a pH of 5.14, falling well below the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. With 75.7% sand and only 9.4% clay, nutrients leach away quickly, requiring regular organic amendments. You will likely need lime applications to neutralize the acidity and improve turf health.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Calhoun County spent 23 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and build resilience. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain essential moisture during these dry periods.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Turf

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best performers in Hardiness Zone 8b due to their natural heat tolerance. Aim to seed or sod in late spring once the threat of frost passes to ensure rapid establishment before the peak summer heat. Start your soil testing now to determine the exact amount of lime needed for a lush, green result.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 47.8 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Calhoun County ranks #8 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 Calhoun County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $630, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, South Carolina is $56,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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