countyscore

Chesterfield County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#22 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.6Cost of Living 80.4Weather & Climate 54.6

County Report Card

About Chesterfield County, South Carolina

Low-Cost Living Below National Medians

Chesterfield County’s composite score of 43.2 sits below the national median of 50.0. This score is typical for rural regions that offer high affordability but lower economic density. It functions as a stable, low-cost pocket within the broader regional landscape.

Matching the South Carolina Average

At 43.2, Chesterfield County is performing slightly better than the South Carolina average of 42.8. It provides a standard Palmetto State experience, balancing low taxes with rural development challenges. It holds its own against similar counties in the state’s interior.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Chesterfield shines in financial metrics with a Cost Score of 80.4 and a Tax Score of 89.6. Median rents are remarkably low at $776, and home values average just $101,400. These figures make it one of the most accessible housing markets in the entire state.

Navigating Safety and Income Barriers

The county struggles with a Safety Score of 5.4 and an Income Score of 10.4, reflecting limited local high-wage employment. A Water Score of 28.8 and a Risk Score of 26.0 also suggest some infrastructure and environmental vulnerabilities. These metrics indicate a need for focused local investment and revitalization.

Ideal for Maximizing Monthly Savings

This county is a prime choice for those whose main priority is minimizing the cost of living. With extremely low home prices and favorable tax rates, it offers significant financial relief for those on fixed incomes. It is best for residents who value independence and fiscal efficiency over urban convenience.

Score breakdown

Tax89.6Cost80.4Safety5.4Health26.4Schools30.3Income10.4Risk26Water28.8Weather54.6
🏛89.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨12.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.1
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 Chesterfield County

Whether buying or refinancing in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County with Gordon County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Gordon County
Georgia
Median income: $61,997
43.2
Paulding County
Georgia
Median income: $94,557
43.2
Massac County
Illinois
Median income: $62,584
43.2
LaPorte County
Indiana
Median income: $70,452
43.2
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $67,418
43.2
Warren County
Missouri
Median income: $77,989
43.2
Box Butte County
Nebraska
Median income: $68,778
43.2
Fulton County
New York
Median income: $62,615
43.2

Nearby counties

Darlington County
South Carolina
44.9
Marlboro County
South Carolina
39.8
Anson County
North Carolina
34.8
Kershaw County
South Carolina
42.5
Lancaster County
South Carolina
44.8
Lee County
South Carolina
43.9
Union County
North Carolina
46.1
Richmond County
North Carolina
32.8

Deep Dives

Chesterfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chesterfield County

via TaxByCounty

Chesterfield offers strong tax savings

Chesterfield's 0.462% effective tax rate beats the national median of 0.52% by a meaningful margin, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of just $468 is less than 18% of the national median of $2,690.

Chesterfield ranks fourth-lowest in state

At 0.462%, Chesterfield County taxes favorably across South Carolina's 46 counties, landing well below the state average of 0.542%. Residents pay roughly $471 less annually than South Carolina's median of $939.

Second-lowest taxes in this group

Only Charleston (0.413%) undersells Chesterfield's 0.462% rate within this eight-county cluster. Chesterfield significantly undercuts Chester (0.588%), Colleton (0.605%), and Clarendon (0.576%) counties.

Lowest home values, lowest taxes

Chesterfield's median home value of $101,400 is the lowest among these eight counties, yielding the smallest median tax bill at just $468 annually. With a mortgage, that bill rises modestly to approximately $665 per year.

Even low-tax Chesterfield warrants assessment review

Overassessment happens in every county, including those with low overall tax rates like Chesterfield. Request a formal reassessment from the county assessor if your home's tax basis appears inconsistent with recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chesterfield County

via CostByCounty

Chesterfield beats national housing stress test

Chesterfield renters spend 19.6% of income on housing, edging below the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. At $776 monthly rent and a median household income of $47,620, Chesterfield delivers genuine affordability for lower-income earners.

Among South Carolina's most affordable counties

Chesterfield's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, beating the South Carolina average by 0.5 percentage points. Its $776 median rent represents the lowest among all eight surveyed counties, offering unmatched housing value across the region.

Chesterfield undercuts every neighboring county

At $776 monthly, Chesterfield rents are $37 cheaper than Clarendon's $728 benchmark and significantly lower than Chester's $918 or Calhoun's $994. Chesterfield also delivers a superior rent-to-income ratio (19.6%) compared to Cherokee (19.9%), Cherokee (19.9%), making it the region's affordability leader.

Lowest rents paired with lowest incomes

Chesterfield renters pay $776 monthly on a median income of $47,620, while homeowners spend $531 monthly for ownership. At 19.6% of income for renters and 13.4% for owners, Chesterfield keeps housing costs within the critical 30% affordability threshold.

Chesterfield is South Carolina's value champion

If affordability is your priority, Chesterfield's $776 rents and 19.6% housing burden are unmatched in the region. Compare it directly to Cherokee and Clarendon to confirm: Chesterfield delivers the lowest monthly housing costs in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chesterfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Chesterfield's income trails far behind nation

Chesterfield County's median household income of $47,620 falls nearly $27,100 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among the lowest-earning regions nationally, reflecting deep rural economic constraints.

Among South Carolina's lowest-income counties

At $47,620, Chesterfield ranks in the bottom quarter of South Carolina's 46 counties, sitting $9,386 below the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $28,363 edges slightly above state average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Lowest-earning county in immediate region

Chesterfield's $47,620 is the lowest among nearby counties including Clarendon ($48,887), Colleton ($48,779), Darlington ($47,419), and Chester ($51,216). The rural character of surrounding counties means limited access to higher-wage employment hubs.

Lowest home values aid household budgets

Chesterfield's median home value of $101,400—the lowest among these eight counties—combined with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio makes housing highly affordable. This advantage allows households to allocate more income toward savings and economic mobility.

Leverage affordability to build assets

Chesterfield's exceptionally low housing costs create an opportunity for residents to prioritize savings and asset-building that wealthy counties cannot match proportionally. Consider workforce training programs and entrepreneurship to tap higher-wage opportunities and accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chesterfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County faces a crime rate of 3420.1 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 94.6, reflecting these local challenges.

Chesterfield Below State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 94.6 is lower than the South Carolina average of 95.4. Residents experience higher incident rates than those in many other parts of the state.

Regional Crime Rate Comparisons

Chesterfield's rate of 3420.1 is much higher than Chester County's 2695.0. However, it remains safer than Darlington County, where the crime rate reaches nearly 5,000.

The Breakdown of Local Offenses

Violent crime is elevated at 739.6 per 100,000, while property crime hits 2680.5. These numbers show that both theft and violent incidents occur more frequently than national norms.

Prioritizing Household Safety

Visible security measures like cameras and 'No Trespassing' signs can discourage potential offenders. Proactive home maintenance and lighting also play a key role in crime prevention.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chesterfield County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average

Chesterfield residents live to 70.9 years on average, 7 years below the U.S. average and 1.6 years below South Carolina's state average. One in five residents (20.5%) report poor or fair health, compared to the nation's 15%.

Below-average outcomes statewide

Chesterfield County ranks 39th among South Carolina's 46 counties for life expectancy at 70.9 years. The county's health profile reflects challenges common to rural Pee Dee communities: limited healthcare infrastructure and higher rates of chronic disease.

Rural Pee Dee struggles persist

Chesterfield's 70.9-year life expectancy sits just above Cherokee County (70.6) and well above Colleton and Chester (68.6 each). With 30 primary care providers per 100,000, the county has thin coverage compared to state leaders like Charleston with 124.

High uninsured rate, sparse providers

At 12.4% uninsured, Chesterfield has one of the state's highest rates, and the county offers limited provider density with 30 primary care and 139 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Gaps in coverage and access create barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Find affordable coverage now

One in eight Chesterfield residents lack health insurance—enrollment in South Carolina's marketplace or Medicaid can provide protection and improve health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chesterfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Chesterfield

Chesterfield County supports 16 public schools including nine elementary campuses and four high schools. A single school district manages the education of 7,019 local students.

Chesterfield Surpasses State Graduation Rates

The county boasts an 87.0% graduation rate, outperforming the South Carolina state average of 84.2%. While per-pupil spending of $6,554 is below the state average, the county's school score remains competitive at 51.0.

Chesterfield 01's Broad Reach

Chesterfield 01 manages all 16 public schools in the area, serving over 7,000 students. There are no charter schools currently available, focusing resources on the traditional public system.

A Traditional Rural Setting

With 11 rural and 5 town-based schools, Chesterfield offers a classic small-town feel. Cheraw High is the largest institution with 654 students, followed closely by Central High with 644.

Graduation Success for Homebuyers

With graduation rates that match the national average, Chesterfield County is an attractive option for families. Consider exploring neighborhoods near the high-performing high schools in Cheraw and Central.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chesterfield County

via RiskByCounty

Chesterfield faces above-average national disaster risk

Chesterfield County's composite risk score of 73.98 places it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average, indicating moderate-to-elevated exposure to natural disasters. The county scores highest on tornado (84.73), earthquake (78.05), wildfire (76.75), and hurricane (91.03) hazards, suggesting meaningful risk across multiple disaster types. This profile positions Chesterfield as a county requiring attentive disaster preparedness.

Chesterfield ranks above state average risk

Chesterfield County's composite score of 73.98 exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties despite its Relatively Low rating. The county's tornado (84.73) and hurricane (91.03) scores particularly elevate its overall profile compared to peers. This positioning reflects Chesterfield's exposure to Atlantic hurricane tracks and spring severe weather systems.

Chesterfield higher risk than nearby Chester County

Chesterfield County's 73.98 score significantly exceeds Chester County's 43.16, making Chesterfield substantially more exposed to natural disasters despite their geographic proximity. This difference primarily reflects Chesterfield's higher tornado (84.73 vs 74.49) and hurricane (91.03 vs 63.87) risks compared to Chester. The gap illustrates how small geographic variations create meaningful differences in disaster exposure.

Tornadoes and hurricanes pose primary threats

Chesterfield County faces elevated tornado risk (84.73) and hurricane risk (91.03), making severe weather the county's dominant disaster concern with significant wind damage potential. Earthquake (78.05) and wildfire (76.75) risks also score substantially above many county averages, while flood risk (65.84) remains moderate. The combination of spring tornado season and Atlantic hurricane exposure creates compound seasonal risk periods.

Comprehensive wind coverage is non-negotiable

Chesterfield homeowners must prioritize robust wind and hail coverage in their homeowners policies given tornado (84.73) and hurricane (91.03) exposures—review deductibles to ensure affordability of likely storm repairs. Earthquake insurance deserves consideration given the 78.05 score, and wildfire coverage may apply if your property is near forested areas. Annual policy reviews are essential as hurricane seasons intensify and storm patterns evolve.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chesterfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Heat and Humidity

Chesterfield County's 62.4°F annual average reflects a warm climate typical of the American South. It sits well above the national median, providing long growing seasons. The area experiences consistent rainfall throughout the year.

Aligning With the South Carolina Average

With an annual average of 62.4°F, Chesterfield sits right near the state average of 62.8°F. Its 48.9 inches of annual precipitation perfectly matches the South Carolina state norm. This makes the county a representative sample of the state's overall climate.

Cooler and Drier Than Darlington

Chesterfield is slightly cooler than Darlington County, which averages 63.1°F. It also sees 10 fewer extreme heat days than its southeastern neighbor. However, it remains much warmer than the foothills of Cherokee County.

Frequent Heat and Rare Snow

The county endures 63 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 80.9°F. Winter is mild at 45.4°F and provides almost no snow, averaging just 0.1 inches. The heat dominates the calendar from late spring through early autumn.

Prepare for Intense Summer Heat

With 63 days above 90°F, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Snow gear is rarely needed, as the 0.1-inch average means winter precipitation is almost always rain. Outdoor planning should account for the peak humidity of 80.9°F July averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chesterfield County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols of the Sandhills

Chesterfield County's soil is characterized as Ultisols, with an average pH of 5.28. This mirrors the state average of 5.27 but remains much more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These weathered soils are typical of the region and often require lime to balance acidity for vegetables.

Versatile Sandy Loam

The dominant texture is sandy loam, made up of 62.8% sand, 25.9% silt, and 11.3% clay. This composition offers better silt levels than many coastal counties, which helps with nutrient holding capacity. It is easy to till and responds well to regular irrigation and fertilization.

Steady Growth Potential

Organic matter is measured at 1.30%, while the available water capacity sits at 0.113 in/in. These figures are close to the state average of 0.115, providing a predictable baseline for agricultural productivity. A soil score of 12.7 suggests that while the soil is usable, it benefits significantly from cover cropping.

Ideal Drainage for Development

The soil is well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B, meaning it handles rainfall efficiently with moderate runoff risks. This makes it an ideal choice for both farming and residential development projects. Most gardens here will not suffer from standing water after typical rain events.

Garden Readiness in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a allows for a diverse range of crops, from spring berries to autumn squash. The sandy loam texture is particularly welcoming for root vegetables like carrots and radishes. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this soil is ready for your next planting season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chesterfield County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Tough Growing Conditions

Chesterfield County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 30.1, lower than the state average of 35.1. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, this region requires a strategic approach to manage heat and acidic soil conditions.

Balanced Rain and Intense Heat

The county mirrors the state average with 48.9 inches of annual precipitation and 63 extreme heat days. These conditions create a volatile environment where lawns can thrive in spring but struggle during the high-heat periods of July and August. The 5,309 Growing Degree Days ensure a robust growing season if water and nutrients are properly managed.

Amending Sandy Loam Soil

The soil in Chesterfield County is a well-drained sandy loam, featuring 62.8% sand and 11.3% clay. However, the pH of 5.28 is quite acidic, which can prevent your grass from absorbing the nutrients it needs. Adding lime is almost always necessary to bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Enduring the South Carolina Dryness

Last year was particularly dry with 34 weeks spent in drought, and 95.8% of the county remains in a severe drought (D2+) state. In these conditions, it is vital to raise your mower height to provide shade for the soil and reduce water loss. Prioritize deep watering to help roots reach the 11.3% clay layer where moisture lingers longer.

Starting Strong in Late March

Centipedegrass and Bermuda are excellent choices for Chesterfield's sandy loam and hot summers. Your typical last frost occurs on March 27, allowing you to begin your lawn projects earlier than in the upstate. Aim to have your turf established well before the first fall frost on November 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chesterfield County's county score?
Chesterfield County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Chesterfield County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Chesterfield County ranks #22 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 Chesterfield County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Chesterfield County is $468, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Chesterfield County a tax score of 89.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chesterfield County?
The median household income in Chesterfield County, South Carolina is $47,620 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chesterfield County earns an income score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chesterfield County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Chesterfield County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield 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.