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Chester County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#28 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 75.6Weather & Climate 63.9

County Report Card

About Chester County, South Carolina

Rural Stability with National Hurdles

Chester County carries a composite score of 40.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the challenges often faced by rural counties transitioning their economies. However, its baseline infrastructure provides a foundation that some more volatile areas lack.

Trailing the South Carolina Average

The county's score of 40.3 is lower than the South Carolina state average of 42.8. While it maintains decent scores in specific categories, it lags behind the state's faster-growing corridors. It remains a quieter, more traditional alternative to the bustling areas of the Upstate.

Solid Infrastructure and Moderate Costs

A Water Score of 86.0 indicates high reliability in essential utilities for Chester County residents. The Tax Score of 75.6 and Cost Score of 61.6 also show that living here is relatively affordable compared to national averages. Median home values of $143,800 provide an accessible entry point for first-time buyers.

Bridging the Gap in Schools and Safety

The School Score of 19.4 and Safety Score of 10.8 represent the county's primary areas for improvement. Health outcomes also face pressure, with a score of 26.1 suggesting limited access or poorer wellness metrics. These factors can make it a tougher sell for families looking for top-tier public services.

A Fit for Independent, Value-Seekers

Chester County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low-cost property and reliable utilities over local services. It appeals to those who may work remotely or in nearby counties but want a quiet, affordable home base. The county offers a straightforward, no-frills lifestyle for the budget-conscious.

Score breakdown

Tax75.6Cost61.6Safety10.8Health26.1Schools19.4Income17.2Risk56.9Water86Weather63.9
🏛75.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.6
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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Deep Dives

Chester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chester County

via TaxByCounty

Chester County taxes notably above average

Chester's effective rate of 0.588% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. The median property tax of $846 is roughly 30% higher than the national median of $2,690, relative to its lower home values.

Chester ranks among South Carolina's highest

At 0.588%, Chester County has the highest effective tax rate among these eight counties and ranks in the top tier statewide, well above South Carolina's 0.542% average. Residents pay $846 annually versus the state median of $939.

Highest tax burden in this cluster

Chester's 0.588% rate towers over Calhoun (0.423%), Charleston (0.413%), and Chesterfield (0.462%). Only Colleton County (0.605%) and Clarendon County (0.576%) approach Chester's elevated rate among these eight counties.

Mid-range homes, steep tax bills

Chester homeowners with a $143,800 median-value property pay approximately $846 in annual property tax. Adding mortgage escrow typically brings that annual obligation to around $1,014.

Chester residents should scrutinize assessments

Given Chester's above-average tax rate, a careful assessment review is especially worthwhile for homeowners here. Many properties may be carrying inflated assessed values—an appeal could significantly lower your yearly bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chester County

via CostByCounty

Chester's rent burden edges above national norm

Chester County renters spend 21.5% of income on housing, surpassing both the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's state average of 20.1%. At a median household income of $51,216—$23,539 below the national average—residents here feel housing costs more acutely.

Chester ranks among South Carolina's tight markets

Chester's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper tier of South Carolina housing burden, alongside similarly stressed counties like Colleton and Darlington. Its $918 median rent exceeds the state average of $945 only slightly, yet the lower incomes make affordability tighter.

More expensive and strained than Cherokee

Chester renters pay $918 monthly with a 21.5% housing burden, compared to Cherokee's $813 rents and 19.9% ratio just to the north. Chesterfield to the south offers even lower costs at $776 rent and a 19.6% ratio, making both neighbors more affordable options.

One in five dollars goes to keeping a roof

Chester renters spend $918 monthly on housing from a median income of $51,216, while homeowners pay $590 for ownership costs. Renters shoulder 21.5% of income toward housing; owners pay 13.8%—a gap reflecting limited homeownership access for lower-income households.

Chester offers modest housing at moderate cost

With rents near $920 and median home values around $143,800, Chester suits those seeking small-town living and lower costs than Charleston. Before committing, compare it to nearby Cherokee and Chesterfield, which both offer superior affordability ratios and lower monthly rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chester County

via IncomeByCounty

Chester faces significant national income gap

Chester County's median household income of $51,216 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $23,500. This 32% shortfall places Chester in the lower range of U.S. counties, reflecting broader rural economic challenges.

Below-average income for South Carolina

Chester's $51,216 falls $5,790 short of South Carolina's state average of $57,006, ranking in the lower-middle tier among 46 counties. Per capita income of $27,656 also trails the state average of $32,382 by nearly $4,700.

Similar struggles with neighboring counties

Chester's $51,216 income resembles Cherokee ($49,047), Chesterfield ($47,620), and Clarendon ($48,887), indicating shared structural challenges across rural counties. The contrast with Charleston County's $84,320 underscores the economic divide between metro and rural areas.

Housing affordability provides stability

Chester's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% means households dedicate roughly one-fifth of earnings to housing—a sustainable level well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $143,800 remains affordable relative to local incomes, supporting homeownership.

Build wealth through disciplined planning

Chester residents benefit from lower housing costs, freeing resources for savings and investments that compounds over time. Exploring employer retirement benefits, side income, and community workforce programs offers realistic pathways to increase household earnings and long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chester County

via CrimeByCounty

Chester County's National Safety Profile

Chester County's crime rate of 2695.0 per 100,000 people is roughly 13% higher than the national average. Despite this gap, it holds a safety score of 95.7, suggesting a generally secure community.

Chester vs the South Carolina Average

The county's safety score of 95.7 ranks slightly better than the South Carolina state average of 95.4. It is often viewed as a safer alternative to the more high-crime urban centers.

How Chester Compares to Neighbors

Chester's crime rate is very similar to Calhoun County's 2693.5. However, it is significantly lower than Chesterfield County, which reports a rate of 3420.1 per 100,000.

A Look at Violent Crime Trends

While property crime is 1880.6, the violent crime rate is 814.4, more than double the national average of 369.8. This indicates that person-to-person crime is a more pressing issue here than in neighboring areas.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Given the higher violent crime rate, residents should prioritize alarm systems and monitored security. Keeping doors locked and being aware of surroundings are essential safety habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chester County

via HealthByCounty

Among the lowest life expectancy

Chester residents face a life expectancy of just 68.6 years—9.3 years below the U.S. average and 3.9 years below South Carolina's state average. One in five residents (20.8%) report poor or fair health, significantly exceeding the national 15% rate.

Second-lowest in South Carolina

Chester County ranks 45th out of 46 South Carolina counties for life expectancy, with only Colleton County performing worse. The county's health profile reflects persistent challenges with chronic disease, healthcare access, and economic conditions.

Struggling in rural South Carolina

Chester's 68.6-year life expectancy ties Colleton County for lowest in the region, though it slightly exceeds Cherokee County's 70.6 years. Provider access is thin: 28 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents offer limited choice for routine medical needs.

Limited access compounds health challenges

Chester's 11% uninsured rate sits just below the state average, but the county struggles with provider scarcity: only 28 primary care providers and 56 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Residents often must travel significant distances for specialty care or preventive services.

Get insured, improve your health

One in nine Chester residents lacks health insurance—explore coverage through South Carolina's Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid. Contact your county health department or call 1-855-5-HEALTH to enroll in a plan that fits your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Chester's Local School Network

Chester County maintains a focused network of 12 public schools serving 4,767 students. This infrastructure includes six elementary schools and four high schools under a single district.

Performance and Spending Metrics

Chester County reports an 83.0% graduation rate, slightly below the state average of 84.2%. Educational investment stands at $6,311 per pupil, which is below the state median of $7,165.

The Unified Chester 01 District

The Chester 01 district oversees all 12 schools and 4,767 students within the county. One charter school operates here, providing residents with alternative educational pathways.

Rural Character and Intimate Schools

The majority of schools are in rural locales, contributing to an average school size of 433 students. Chester Senior High is the largest school with 754 students, while Lewisville Elementary serves 510.

Quiet Living and Community Schools

Chester County offers a rural lifestyle where schools serve as central community hubs. Exploring homes near the Lewisville or Chester schools allows families to integrate into these small-town environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chester County

via RiskByCounty

Chester County carries below-average disaster risk

Chester County's composite risk score of 43.16 places it in the Relatively Low category, sitting comfortably below both national and South Carolina state averages (70.75). The county demonstrates modest exposure across most hazard categories, with tornado (74.49) and earthquake (71.34) representing the primary concerns. Overall, Chester offers residents significantly lower disaster risk than typical American counties.

Chester ranks among South Carolina's safest

Chester County's composite score of 43.16 is substantially below South Carolina's 70.75 state average, ranking it among the state's safest counties for natural disasters. This favorable positioning reflects the county's Piedmont location, distance from coastal hurricane zones, and relatively stable geological setting. Chester residents benefit from one of South Carolina's most benign natural disaster profiles.

Chester substantially safer than surrounding counties

Chester County's 43.16 score sits well below neighboring Cherokee County (69.69) and Chesterfield County (73.98), making it the safest county in this cluster. The difference reflects Chester's distance from major tornado corridors and its favorable geographic position within the state. This relative safety advantage makes Chester an attractive location from a disaster preparedness perspective.

Tornadoes and earthquakes drive Chester hazards

Chester County's highest risks come from tornado (74.49) and earthquake (71.34) hazards, both elevated but still below state averages for many counties. Wildfire (45.48), flood (41.70), and hurricane (63.87) risks all remain significantly lower, reflecting the county's inland position and adequate moisture. Tornado exposure represents the county's primary seasonal concern.

Standard coverage with wind endorsement recommended

Chester County homeowners should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with emphasis on wind and hail coverage given the moderate tornado risk of 74.49. Flood insurance is not typically essential given the low flood risk (41.70), though reviewing drainage around your property remains prudent. Consider adding earthquake coverage if available at reasonable rates, and ensure your policy limits reflect current property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chester County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures and Dry Air

Chester County averages 60.4°F annually, positioning it as a mild but distinctly Southern climate. It is significantly warmer than the national median temperature. The region experiences a mix of humid subtropical and continental weather influences.

Drier and Cooler Than State Norms

The county's 43.5 inches of annual precipitation is noticeably lower than the state average of 48.9 inches. At 60.4°F, it also ranks cooler than the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. This combination creates a unique, less humid environment for the region.

A Drier Choice Than Clarendon

Chester County receives over 12 inches less rain per year than Clarendon County's 55.7 inches. Its 60.4°F average is also cooler than the 63.1°F found in neighboring Darlington. This makes the county one of the drier, more moderate areas in the central state.

Fifty-Four Days of Extreme Heat

Summer peaks in July with a 79.5°F average, including 54 days where temperatures exceed 90°F. Winters are cool and mostly dry, averaging 42.9°F with only 0.5 inches of snowfall. These seasons offer clear distinctions without the coastal humidity.

Focus on Irrigation and Efficient Cooling

The lower-than-average 43.5 inches of rainfall makes summer irrigation important for local landscaping. Residents should ensure HVAC systems can handle the 54 extreme heat days. Winter requires only light insulation given the rare snowfall and moderate lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chester County

via SoilByCounty

Unique Mollisols in Chester

Chester County features Mollisols, a soil order often associated with grasslands and high fertility. The average pH is 5.65, which is notably less acidic than the South Carolina state average of 5.27. This higher pH level makes it more hospitable to many common garden plants than neighboring counties.

The Utility of Loam

With a dominant texture of loam, the soil contains 65.7% sand, 18.4% silt, and 15.9% clay. This mix provides a stable medium for roots while retaining more nutrients than pure sand. It strikes a functional balance between ease of cultivation and structural integrity.

Strong Water Storage Potential

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.04%, but the available water capacity is strong at 0.124 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.115, providing a safety net for crops during the Piedmont summers. With a soil score of 20.0, the ground is primed for productivity with basic organic care.

Managing Poorly Drained Soils

Unlike many neighbors, this soil is categorized as poorly drained and falls into Hydrologic Group C/D. These soils have slow infiltration rates and can stay wet for long periods, which may require raised beds for gardening. Builders should take extra care to ensure proper foundation drainage in these areas.

Thriving in Zone 8a

The 8a climate is perfect for growing cool-season greens and hardy perennials that enjoy the loamy soil. Because the soil can stay wet, moisture-loving native plants will do particularly well here. Start your gardening project by focusing on drainage-tolerant varieties for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chester County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in Zone 8a

Chester County holds a respectable lawn difficulty score of 44.6, outperforming the South Carolina state average of 35.1. While it is easier to grow grass here than in many neighboring counties, the Hardiness Zone 8a climate still requires careful attention to summer extremes.

High Heat and Moderate Rain

Annual precipitation of 43.5 inches is lower than the state average of 48.9, requiring more supplemental irrigation. The county faces 54 extreme heat days per year, which can quickly dry out the soil during the peak of summer. Monitoring your 4,818 Growing Degree Days will help you time your fertilization and pre-emergent applications perfectly.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam

Chester County features loamy soil with 15.9% clay and 65.7% sand, but it is classified as poorly drained. This means your lawn may hold water too long after heavy rains, increasing the risk of root rot or fungal diseases. Improving the 5.65 pH through aeration and liming will help create a more hospitable environment for roots.

Confronting Long-Term Drought

Over the past year, Chester County endured 33 weeks in drought conditions, and the entire county is currently under severe drought (D2+). Since the soil drains poorly but the climate is dry, precise watering is essential to avoid oscillating between swampy and parched conditions. Mulching is highly recommended to protect the soil surface from the 54 days of intense heat.

Planning Around the Frost Line

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Tall Fescue (in shaded areas) are suitable for the local climate. Aim for a planting date after the last frost on April 3 to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination. With the first fall frost arriving around November 2, your lawn has a long window to establish itself.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chester County's county score?
Chester County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 40.3 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 Chester County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Chester County ranks #28 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 Chester County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Chester County is $846, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Chester County a tax score of 75.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chester County?
The median household income in Chester County, South Carolina is $51,216 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chester County earns an income score of 17.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chester County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Chester County scores 40.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Chester 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 Chester 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.