countyscore

Chester County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#24 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 76.8Cost of Living 69.7

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.

2040608010076.869.710.826.119.416.256.98663.9Tax76.8Cost69.7Safety10.8Health26.1Schools19.4Income16.2Risk56.9Water86Weather63.942/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Chester County DNA

Foverall

How Chester County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Chester County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.8+24.799999999999997
Cost
69.7+21.700000000000003
Safety
10.8-44.2
Health
26.1-23.9
Schools
19.4-34.6
Income
16.2-34.8
Risk
56.9+9.899999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
63.9
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Chester County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$853/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,458/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 Chester County with White County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
Median income: $55,249
42
Clarke County
Iowa
Median income: $71,641
42
Dallas County
Iowa
Median income: $102,379
42
Marshall County
Iowa
Median income: $73,315
42
Russell County
Kansas
Median income: $62,392
42
Caroline County
Maryland
Median income: $68,457
42
Crawford County
Missouri
Median income: $57,629
42
Salem County
New Jersey
Median income: $79,960
42

Nearby counties

York County
South Carolina
44.4
Fairfield County
South Carolina
45.5
Lancaster County
South Carolina
44.5
Union County
South Carolina
37.9
Cherokee County
South Carolina
44.1
Union County
North Carolina
46.5
Mecklenburg County
North Carolina
33.4
Gaston County
North Carolina
31.9

Deep Dives

Chester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 42 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 #24 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 $890, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Chester County a tax score of 76.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chester County?
The median household income in Chester County, South Carolina is $52,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chester County earns an income score of 16.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chester County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Chester County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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