countyscore

Colleton County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#46 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
32.7
County Score
Property Tax 77.9Cost of Living 51.7Water Quality 50.1

County Report Card

About Colleton County, South Carolina

Significant Challenges in National Standing

Colleton County holds a composite score of 31.7, which is well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects deep-seated challenges in safety, health, and economic development compared to the rest of the country. It is currently a region with significant room for upward mobility.

Falling Behind the State Average

With a score of 31.7, Colleton County lags behind the South Carolina average of 42.8. While the state as a whole faces development hurdles, Colleton experiences them more acutely than many of its neighbors. It remains a work in progress within the South Carolina landscape.

Moderate Taxes and Affordable Housing

The county’s strongest feature is its Tax Score of 73.6, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.605%. Cost is also relatively accessible with a score of 50.3 and a median home value of $145,900. These factors provide some financial relief in an otherwise challenging environment.

Critical Gaps in Safety and Health

Colleton County faces low marks in Safety (5.0), Health (17.6), and School (18.6). Furthermore, the Risk Score of 14.5 suggests vulnerability to natural or environmental disruptions. These intersecting challenges impact the overall quality of life and long-term economic prospects for residents.

A Choice for the Self-Sufficient

Colleton County is best suited for individuals who are highly self-sufficient and prioritize low-cost property over local public services. It may appeal to those looking for large plots of land or rural isolation at a lower price point. However, residents must be prepared for more limited access to healthcare and schools.

2040608010077.951.7517.618.613.714.550.148.3Tax77.9Cost51.7Safety5Health17.6Schools18.6Income13.7Risk14.5Water50.1Weather48.332.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Colleton County DNA

Foverall

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

Colleton County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5/100), though Property Tax (77.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.9+25.900000000000006
Cost
51.7
Safety
5-50
Health
17.6-32.4
Schools
18.6-35.4
Income
13.7-37.3
Risk
14.5-32.5
Water
50.1
Weather
48.3
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Colleton County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$162,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$949/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$162,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,114/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.9

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 Colleton County with Fresno County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Fresno County
California
Median income: $74,201
32.7
Rogers County
Oklahoma
Median income: $80,067
32.7
Andrews County
Texas
Median income: $72,242
32.7
Maricopa County
Arizona
Median income: $89,300
32.8
Baldwin County
Georgia
Median income: $54,403
32.8
Parker County
Texas
Median income: $104,443
32.8
Grant County
Washington
Median income: $73,267
32.8
Bolivar County
Mississippi
Median income: $39,585
32.6

Nearby counties

Dorchester County
South Carolina
48.4
Beaufort County
South Carolina
45.1
Hampton County
South Carolina
38.8
Bamberg County
South Carolina
38.9
Jasper County
South Carolina
34.2
Charleston County
South Carolina
43.6
Orangeburg County
South Carolina
36
Berkeley County
South Carolina
35.2

Deep Dives

Colleton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Colleton County

via TaxByCounty

Colleton's taxes rank among the highest

Colleton County's 0.605% effective tax rate markedly exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it solidly in the top quartile nationally. The median property tax of $883 is roughly 33% of the national median when adjusted for Colleton's more modest property values.

Colleton has South Carolina's highest rate

At 0.605%, Colleton County carries the single highest effective tax rate among all South Carolina counties in this dataset and well above the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $883 approaches South Carolina's median of $939.

Highest-taxed county in this group

Colleton's 0.605% rate is the steepest among these eight counties, narrowly exceeding Chester (0.588%) and Clarendon (0.576%). It nearly doubles Charleston's favorable 0.413% rate.

Mid-range homes, above-average tax

A Colleton homeowner with a $145,900 median-value property pays roughly $883 in annual property tax. When mortgage escrow is included, that obligation climbs to approximately $1,220 per year.

Colleton homeowners should prioritize appeals

Given Colleton's highest-in-state tax rate, a careful assessment review is especially critical for residents. Challenging potentially inflated assessed values through the county's appeal process can yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colleton County

via IncomeByCounty

Colleton's income significantly below national

Colleton County's median household income of $48,779 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $25,976. The county ranks in the lowest quartile nationally, reflecting persistent rural economic challenges in South Carolina's coastal plain region.

Lower-middle income rank in state

At $48,779, Colleton falls $8,227 below South Carolina's state average of $57,006, ranking in the lower third of 46 counties. Per capita income of $27,859 also trails the state average of $32,382 by $4,523.

Income clustered with rural counties

Colleton's $48,779 closely mirrors Clarendon ($48,887), Chesterfield ($47,620), and Darlington ($47,419), reflecting shared rural and agricultural economic patterns. Charleston County's $84,320 income lies $35,541 higher, illustrating the metro-rural divide.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Colleton's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% is the highest among these eight counties, meaning residents dedicate more than one-fifth of earnings to housing. The median home value of $145,900 is reasonable, but relative to lower incomes, housing takes a larger budget share.

Prioritize income growth and savings

Colleton residents facing higher housing cost burdens benefit most from increasing household earnings through career advancement or side income. Focus on building emergency savings to weather financial shocks, then invest in retirement accounts and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colleton County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety and Crime in Colleton County

Colleton County has a crime rate of 3493.1 per 100,000, which is roughly 46% higher than the national average. This results in a safety score of 94.5 out of 100.

Colleton's Place in South Carolina

The county's safety score of 94.5 is nearly a full point lower than the state average of 95.4. Local law enforcement faces more frequent incidents than the typical South Carolina county.

Comparing Colleton to the Coast

At 3493.1, Colleton's crime rate is much higher than nearby Charleston's 2472.7. However, it is still lower than the 4982.1 crime rate found in Darlington County.

Crime Categories in Colleton

The county reports a violent crime rate of 640.5 and a property crime rate of 2852.6. Both metrics are considerably higher than national averages, indicating widespread security concerns.

Practical Safety Tips for Residents

Installing motion-sensor lighting and a home security system can significantly reduce your risk. Staying engaged with neighbors through social apps also helps keep the community alert.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colleton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Coastal Basin

Colleton County's annual average temperature of 64.8°F is significantly warmer than the national median. Its location near the coast provides a consistent maritime influence. The county avoids the sharp cold fronts that affect more inland states.

Warmer Than the State Median

The average temperature of 64.8°F is two degrees higher than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. Rainfall is also heavy, with 51.4 inches annually compared to the state's 48.9. This makes Colleton one of the warmer and wetter counties in the Lowcountry.

Milder Than Coastal Charleston

Colleton is slightly cooler than Charleston County's 66.1°F, providing a marginally more temperate experience. Both counties see high rainfall over 51 inches, outpacing inland neighbors. It shares the same humid characteristics as its famous coastal neighbor.

Snow-Free Winters and Steamy Summers

Colleton sees zero inches of snow on average, making it one of the few truly snow-free zones. July averages 81.2°F, and residents face 54 extreme heat days per year. Winter is very comfortable with a 49.4°F average.

Ditch the Shovels for Rain Boots

With 0.0 inches of snow but 51.4 inches of rain, residents should focus on flood prep rather than winter weather. The 54 extreme heat days require efficient cooling systems and shade structures. Summer gear should prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colleton County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of Colleton

Colleton County is home to Entisols, characterized by minimal horizon development and a pH of 5.05. This acidity is slightly greater than the state average but much higher than the national median of 6.5. These soils often represent younger landscapes or areas where sediment is frequently deposited.

Deep Sand and Fast Drainage

At 73.0% sand, the soil texture is officially classified as sand, with very low clay (10.1%) and silt (13.2%). This makes the ground extremely easy to dig but very poor at holding on to water-soluble nutrients. Gardeners must use slow-release fertilizers to ensure plants receive consistent nutrition.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Colleton stands out with a massive 4.46% organic matter content, more than double the South Carolina state average of 2.05%. Despite this richness, the sandy texture keeps the water capacity at a modest 0.101 in/in. The impressive soil score of 27.5 highlights the high potential of this unique soil.

Overcoming Poor Drainage Issues

Despite being sandy, these soils are classified as poorly drained, likely due to a high water table or flat geography. This creates a paradox where the soil is porous but water has nowhere to go, leading to saturated roots. Careful site selection and raised beds are often necessary for gardening success here.

Zone 8b Growing Power

Hardiness Zone 8b and high organic matter make this an ideal spot for productive vegetable gardens. Native species and moisture-tolerant varieties will thrive in the county's naturally rich, wet sands. It is the perfect environment to grow bountiful harvests with just a little water management.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colleton County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Challenges in the Lowcountry

Colleton County has a lawn difficulty score of 22.5, making it one of the most difficult places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. Hardiness Zone 8b conditions here mean your grass must endure a grueling combination of heat, moisture, and poor drainage.

Wet Climate and Rapid Growth

The county receives 51.4 inches of rain annually, surpassing the state average of 48.9 inches. With 54 extreme heat days and a massive 5,824 Growing Degree Days, the environment acts like a greenhouse for turf and weeds alike. Expect a long, intense mowing season that starts early and ends late.

Managing Poorly Drained Sands

The soil foundation is 73.0% sand but is surprisingly poorly drained, creating a difficult environment for many common grass types. A pH of 5.05 also indicates high acidity, which requires lime to balance the chemistry for healthy growth. You must manage both the acidity and the risk of standing water to keep your turf alive.

Surviving Record Drought Stress

Colleton County has been hit hard by drought, spending 37 weeks in dry conditions over the past year with 100% of the county in severe drought (D2+). This is particularly stressful for lawns on poorly drained soil, as roots may be shallow and unable to reach deeper moisture. Focus on moisture conservation techniques like high mowing to protect the plant crowns.

Establishing Your Coastal Lawn

St. Augustine grass is a top choice for Colleton County due to its tolerance for moist, sandy soils and high humidity. The spring window opens early on March 19 after the last frost, providing a long runway for growth. With the first frost not arriving until December 6, you have nearly nine months of active growing time.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colleton County's county score?
Colleton County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 32.7 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 Colleton County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Colleton County ranks #46 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 Colleton County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Colleton County is $900, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Colleton County a tax score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colleton County?
The median household income in Colleton County, South Carolina is $51,114 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colleton County earns an income score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colleton County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Colleton County scores 32.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Colleton 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 Colleton 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.