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Cherokee County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#13 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.8
County Score
Property Tax 91.6Cost of Living 74Weather & Climate 66.8

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, South Carolina

Affordable Living Below the National Median

Cherokee County holds a composite score of 44.8, which sits under the national median of 50.0. While it struggles with some socio-economic metrics, its sheer affordability keeps it competitive. It offers a traditional rural-suburban profile common in the American Southeast.

Stronger Performance than the State Average

With a score of 44.8, Cherokee County performs better than the South Carolina average of 42.8. It finds a niche as a more affordable alternative to the state’s larger metropolitan hubs. This positioning makes it a viable option for residents looking to stay in-state while lowering their cost of living.

Exceptional Tax and Housing Value

The county’s greatest assets are its Tax Score of 91.6 and its Cost Score of 74.0. With an effective tax rate of 0.436% and median rents at just $813, it is one of the more budget-friendly areas in the region. These scores reflect a community where housing and government costs remain highly accessible.

Addressing Safety and Economic Opportunity

Cherokee County faces difficulties in Safety, where it scores a low 9.1. Economic growth also lags, evidenced by an Income Score of 12.7 and a median household income of $49,047. Health and school outcomes, both scoring in the low 30s, suggest areas where public investment is most needed.

Best for Budget-Focused Residents

Cherokee County is a strong fit for individuals and families whose primary goal is minimizing fixed monthly expenses. It offers a very low cost of entry for homeowners with median values of $135,200. It suits those who prioritize financial breathing room over high-ranking schools or local amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax91.6Cost74Safety9.1Health29Schools32.9Income12.7Risk30.3Water43.7Weather66.8
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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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Nearby counties

Spartanburg County
South Carolina
40.3
Cleveland County
North Carolina
42.4
Union County
South Carolina
38.6
York County
South Carolina
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Gaston County
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Chester County
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Polk County
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Rutherford County
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Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee taxes rank very favorably

Cherokee County's 0.436% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.52%. At just $590 in median annual property tax, Cherokee residents pay less than a quarter what the typical American pays in property tax.

Middle ground among South Carolina counties

Cherokee's 0.436% rate ranks in the lower half of South Carolina's 46 counties, edging below the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $590 falls $349 short of South Carolina's median of $939.

Competitive taxes versus regional peers

Cherokee's rate of 0.436% sits between Chesterfield County's low 0.462% and Chester County's higher 0.588%. Compared to neighboring counties, Cherokee offers moderate property tax burden.

Modest home values, modest taxes

A Cherokee homeowner with the median property value of $135,200 pays about $590 annually in property tax. With a mortgage, that payment typically increases to approximately $728 per year.

Appeal your assessment if value seems high

Many Cherokee County properties carry assessments above fair market value, especially in rural areas where comparables may be sparse. Challenging your assessment through the county's appeal process is free and can reduce your yearly tax.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee offers rare housing relief below national stress

Cherokee County renters spend just 19.9% of income on housing, falling below both the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. With rents at $813 monthly and a median income of $49,047, Cherokee delivers the rare combination of affordability and accessibility.

Among South Carolina's most affordable counties

Cherokee's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's most housing-secure counties. Its $813 median rent trails the state average by $132 monthly, offering genuine relief for budget-conscious households.

Cherokee stays affordable versus Calhoun and Chester

Renters in Cherokee pay $813 monthly compared to $994 in Calhoun County and $918 in Chester County, saving $100–$180 per month. Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% also beats Calhoun's 21.0% and Chester's 21.5%, making it the region's affordability champion.

Housing takes smallest share of income here

Cherokee renters dedicate $813 monthly to housing while earning a median $49,047 annually; homeowners pay $560 monthly for ownership costs. At 19.9% for renters and 13.7% for owners, Cherokee's housing burden remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold.

Cherokee is South Carolina's affordability sweet spot

If you're seeking the best housing value in the region, Cherokee delivers rents under $850 and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. Compare it directly to neighboring Calhoun and Chester to see how much you'll save by choosing Cherokee.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee's income significantly trails nation

Cherokee County's median household income of $49,047 falls nearly $25,700 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lowest quartile nationally, indicating a substantial earnings gap with national averages.

Among South Carolina's lower-income counties

At $49,047, Cherokee ranks in the lower third of South Carolina's 46 counties, sitting $7,959 below the state average of $57,006. The per capita income of $27,175 also trails the state average of $32,382 by nearly $5,200.

Income challenges shared across region

Cherokee's $49,047 median income aligns closely with Chester ($51,216), Chesterfield ($47,620), and Clarendon ($48,887), reflecting the shared economic pressures of rural upstate South Carolina. Charleston County's $84,320 income lies nearly $35,000 higher, highlighting regional inequality.

Affordable housing crucial for stability

Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% is among the state's best, giving households more breathing room for other expenses. The median home value of $135,200 remains accessible, making housing affordability a relative strength in the county's economic profile.

Strategic savings unlock economic opportunity

Cherokee households can benefit from maximizing tax-advantaged savings accounts and exploring side income opportunities to close the earnings gap. Community programs and workforce training in growing sectors offer pathways to higher-wage jobs that strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherokee County Crime and Safety Trends

Cherokee County records 2875.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, a figure that exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 95.5, indicating moderate overall security.

Meeting State Safety Averages

The safety score of 95.5 is almost identical to the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Cherokee residents live in an environment that reflects the typical safety landscape of the state.

A Comparison with Nearby Counties

At 2875.4, Cherokee's crime rate is higher than Charleston's 2472.7 but lower than Chesterfield's 3420.1. It occupies a middle ground for safety in the region.

Violent and Property Crime Figures

Violent crime in Cherokee is relatively low at 366.5, just under the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of the total rate, reaching 2508.9 per 100,000.

Improving Your Residential Safety

To deter property crime, ensure all entry points are well-lit and secure. Joining a neighborhood watch program can also help lower the risk of local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags national average

Cherokee residents live to 70.6 years on average, 7.3 years below the U.S. average and 1.9 years below South Carolina's state average. Nearly one in five residents (19.9%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 15%.

Among the lowest in the state

Cherokee County ranks 41st out of 46 South Carolina counties for life expectancy at 70.6 years, placing it in the bottom 15%. The county faces above-average rates of poor health and chronic disease relative to state peers.

Struggling alongside rural peers

Cherokee's 70.6-year life expectancy mirrors Chester County (68.6) and Chesterfield County (70.9), reflecting shared healthcare challenges in rural upstate. With 34 primary care providers per 100,000, Cherokee has more than Calhoun but far fewer than Charleston's 124 per 100,000.

Sparse provider network challenges access

Cherokee's 11.5% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, and the county has just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health care is limited at 86 providers per 100,000, forcing many residents to travel for specialized behavioral health services.

Check your coverage options today

If you're uninsured, South Carolina's Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid programs offer affordable coverage options for eligible families. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore plans available in Cherokee County.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cherokee's Educational Framework

Cherokee County features 16 total public schools, including 10 elementary and three high schools, serving 8,405 students. One unified district manages the majority of these campuses.

Investing Above State Spending Averages

The county spends $7,483 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,165. However, the graduation rate of 82.0% currently trails both the state and national averages.

Cherokee 01 and Local Options

Cherokee 01 is the primary district, managing 15 schools and 7,925 students. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which makes up about 6% of the local educational landscape.

Town and Country School Spirit

The county's schools are divided between rural areas and town settings, with an average school size of 560 students. Gaffney High is the largest campus by far, enrolling 1,838 students.

Community-Centered Living in Cherokee

Families can find homes near high-capacity schools like Gaffney High or in more secluded rural areas. The county's above-average per-pupil spending demonstrates a commitment to local education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee's risk approaches national average levels

Cherokee County's composite risk score of 69.69 places it in the Relatively Low category, remaining slightly below the national average and reflecting modest-to-moderate exposure to natural disasters. While the county scores moderately on tornado (82.57) and earthquake (74.17) hazards, flood and wildfire risks remain controlled. The overall profile suggests a county with manageable but meaningful disaster exposure.

Cherokee ranks near middle of state risk

Cherokee County's composite score of 69.69 sits just below South Carolina's state average of 70.75, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county avoids the extreme exposures found in coastal counties like Charleston while remaining vulnerable to inland hazards like tornadoes and earthquakes. This positioning reflects Cherokee's Piedmont geography and distance from hurricane-prone coastal areas.

Cherokee riskier than Chester, safer than Chesterfield

Cherokee County's 69.69 score sits between Chester County (43.16) to the south and Chesterfield County (73.98) to the north, reflecting the county's mid-range vulnerability within the region. Cherokee's tornado risk (82.57) is notably elevated compared to Chester's (74.49), while earthquake risks are relatively consistent across the three counties. This positioning reflects Cherokee's exposure to both Piedmont thunderstorms and seismic hazards.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate Cherokee risks

Cherokee County's highest hazard exposure comes from tornado risk (82.57) and earthquake risk (74.17), both scoring well above state average thresholds and representing the county's primary disaster concerns. Hurricane risk (71.01) ranks moderately elevated, while flood (72.52) and wildfire (37.47) risks remain more controlled. The tornado exposure reflects the county's position in the path of spring severe weather systems.

Wind and earthquake coverage prove essential

Cherokee County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage in their homeowners policies given the elevated tornado risk—ensure deductibles are manageable for storm damage repairs. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the county's 74.17 score, and many insurers offer reasonably priced endorsements for Piedmont locations. While flood risk remains relatively modest, reviewing your flood exposure is still prudent, particularly in areas near creeks and river bottoms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Foothills Climate

Cherokee County averages 57.9°F annually, keeping it cooler than much of the Deep South but still warmer than the national median. Its location in the Piedmont region creates a balanced temperate climate. Residents enjoy more distinct seasonal shifts than coastal areas.

Among the State's Coolest Counties

With an annual average of 57.9°F, Cherokee sits well below the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. This temperature difference reflects the county's higher elevation and northern position within the state. It offers a refreshing break from the sweltering heat found in the Lowcountry.

Cooler Than Its Southern Neighbor

Cherokee is notably cooler than Chester County, which averages 60.4°F. While South Carolina averages 48.9 inches of rain, Cherokee stays slightly drier at 47.2 inches annually. This makes it a unique pocket of moderate weather in the region.

True Winters and Manageable Summers

The county sees a significant 1.9 inches of snow annually, the highest among its peers in this group. July averages a comfortable 76.7°F, and extreme heat days are limited to just 34 per year. Winter brings a brisk average of 40.7°F, requiring more heating than coastal counties.

Prepare for Frost and Moderate Heat

Homeowners should winterize pipes to handle January's 38.7°F average lows. Since extreme heat is less frequent than in the state's interior, outdoor activities remain viable for more of the summer. A versatile wardrobe with heavy winter coats is necessary for this region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols of the Upstate

Cherokee County features acidic Ultisols with an average pH of 5.46. While this is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.27, it remains well below the national median of 6.5. This soil type is characteristic of the Southeast, defined by its highly weathered nature.

Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The soil is a coarse sandy loam, consisting of 51.5% sand, 29.3% silt, and 18.7% clay. This composition offers a superior balance of drainage and nutrient retention compared to sandier coastal soils. The clay content provides enough structure to hold fertilizers effectively while remaining easy to till.

High Water Capacity, Lower Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.00%, less than half of the state average of 2.05%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.115. This high capacity allows the soil to act as a reliable reservoir for plants during dry spells.

Well-Drained Upstate Ground

The dominant soil is well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, which offers moderate infiltration rates. This makes the land excellent for both agriculture and residential construction. You can expect manageable runoff and minimal saturated conditions in most areas.

Abundance in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a supports a wide range of fruit trees, including peaches and apples, which benefit from the loamy texture. The soil score of 22.5 indicates solid potential that can be boosted with regular organic amendments. It is a fantastic time to plant a diverse orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in the Upstate

Cherokee County is a standout performer with a lawn difficulty score of 52.2, beating both the state average of 35.1 and the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this area offers a more balanced environment for traditional Southern lawns than much of the state.

Mild Heat and Reliable Rain

The county experiences only 34 extreme heat days per year, nearly half the state average of 63 days. Paired with 47.2 inches of annual rainfall, this climate reduces the risk of heat stress and excessive watering costs. Lower Growing Degree Days (4,124) also mean a slightly more manageable mowing schedule compared to coastal counties.

Working with Well-Drained Loam

The soil is a coarse sandy loam that is well-drained, though the pH of 5.46 is somewhat acidic for optimal growth. With 18.7% clay content, the soil retains nutrients better than the sandier regions of the state. Target a pH of 6.0 through lime applications to unlock the full potential of this fertile foundation.

Weathering the Recent Dry Spell

Cherokee County faced 26 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently in a severe drought (D2+) state. Even in a higher-scoring county, you must prioritize water conservation during these cycles. Using a rain sensor on your irrigation system can prevent overwatering when the typical 47 inches of rain do arrive.

Springing into Action by April

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in Zone 8a and take full advantage of the local sandy loam. Your last spring frost usually occurs around April 20, making late spring the ideal time to start your seeding projects. Start prepping your soil in early fall to prepare for the first frost on October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 44.8 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Cherokee County ranks #13 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 Cherokee County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $590, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, South Carolina is $49,047 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 44.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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.