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Colleton County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#46 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
31.7
County Score
Property Tax 73.6Cost of Living 50.3Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax73.6Cost50.3Safety5Health17.6Schools18.6Income12.3Risk14.5Water50.1Weather48.3
🏛73.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.5
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

Dorchester County
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48.5
Beaufort County
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Hampton County
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Bamberg County
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Jasper County
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Charleston County
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Orangeburg County
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Deep Dives

Colleton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Colleton County

via CostByCounty

Colleton faces steeper housing burden than U.S. norm

Colleton County renters spend 22.3% of income on housing—well above the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% baseline. With a median household income of $48,779 and rents at $905 monthly, Colleton residents feel acute housing pressure despite modest rents.

Among South Carolina's most strained counties

Colleton's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, surpassing the South Carolina average by 2.2 percentage points. Only Darlington (22.2%) comes close to matching Colleton's housing burden, signaling genuine affordability stress across this region.

Colleton's burden exceeds nearby alternatives

Colleton renters face a 22.3% housing burden and $905 rent, exceeding Chesterfield (19.6% / $776) and Clarendon (17.9% / $728) by substantial margins. Moving to adjacent counties could save renters $150–$180 monthly while cutting housing burden by 2–4 percentage points.

Housing takes a worrisome share of income

Colleton renters spend $905 monthly on a median income of $48,779, while homeowners pay $762 for ownership costs. At 22.3% of income for renters and 18.7% for owners, Colleton's housing burden edges toward the 30% affordability threshold, constraining residents' ability to cover other essentials.

Colleton may strain budgets; explore neighbors

Colleton's 22.3% housing burden makes it one of South Carolina's most strained markets for renters and owners alike. If affordability matters, compare Colleton to nearby Chesterfield and Clarendon, which offer rents $130–$180 lower and superior housing burden ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Colleton County

via HealthByCounty

Lowest life expectancy in the state

Colleton 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. More than one in five residents (22.3%) report poor or fair health, nearly 50% higher than the national 15%.

Worst health outcomes in South Carolina

Colleton County ranks 46th (last) among South Carolina's 46 counties for life expectancy at 68.6 years, with the highest rate of poor or fair health in the state at 22.3%. The county faces severe challenges with chronic disease, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.

Significant gap from peers

Colleton's 68.6-year life expectancy ties Chester County for lowest in the region and trails Charleston by 9.3 years. With 42 primary care providers per 100,000, Colleton has more than some rural neighbors but remains far behind Charleston's 124.

Highest uninsured rate compounds crisis

Colleton's 13.5% uninsured rate is the highest among comparison counties, and the county offers just 42 primary care and 152 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. The combination of low coverage and thin provider networks creates urgent barriers to routine and preventive care.

Take action for your health

One in seven Colleton residents lack health insurance—coverage through South Carolina's marketplace or Medicaid can be life-changing. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-855-5-HEALTH, or contact the Colleton County Health Department to explore enrollment today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Colleton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Colleton's School Infrastructure

Colleton County operates nine public schools, including six elementary schools and one large central middle school. The district manages the education of 4,946 total students.

Focusing on Educational Growth

The county reports a 78.0% graduation rate and a school score of 46.5. Local per-pupil expenditure of $6,660 supports the student body, aiming to bridge the gap toward state averages.

The Centralized Colleton 01 District

Colleton 01 is the sole district for the county, providing a unified curriculum for all 4,946 students. The district currently operates without charter schools, focusing on its traditional campus network.

Large Schools in a Rural Landscape

Despite the rural setting, school sizes are significant, with an average of 618 students. Colleton County High is the largest campus, serving 1,497 students, followed by Colleton County Middle with 1,121.

Substantial Schools in a Quiet County

Colleton County offers a unique mix of rural living and high-capacity central schools. Families often look for homes near Walterboro to stay close to the county's primary educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colleton County

via RiskByCounty

Colleton faces moderate-to-elevated national risk

Colleton County's composite risk score of 85.46 places it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average, indicating substantial exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county scores critically on hurricane (96.37), earthquake (93.70), and wildfire (82.76), with each hazard individually exceeding typical American county thresholds. This profile positions Colleton as one of the nation's higher-risk counties.

Colleton ranks among South Carolina's highest-risk

Colleton County's composite score of 85.46 substantially exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only Charleston County (98.63) ranks higher in overall disaster risk, making Colleton a significant concern within the state's disaster landscape. The county's coastal proximity and geological positioning create compounded vulnerability across multiple hazard types.

Colleton higher risk than inland neighboring counties

Colleton County's 85.46 score substantially exceeds Chester County (43.16) and Chesterfield County (73.98), and closely approaches nearby Charleston County (98.63), reflecting its coastal exposure. Clarendon County (76.49) ranks notably lower than Colleton, illustrating how proximity to the Atlantic creates elevated disaster exposure. This positioning reflects Colleton's greater vulnerability to coastal storm systems compared to inland peers.

Hurricanes and earthquakes drive extreme exposure

Colleton County faces exceptional hurricane risk (96.37) and earthquake risk (93.70), both scoring in the critical range and representing the county's primary disaster concerns. Wildfire risk (82.76) also ranks significantly elevated, while flood (78.20) and tornado (60.56) risks add additional seasonal exposure. The combination of coastal hurricane vulnerability and high seismic exposure creates a compound disaster profile.

Specialized insurance critical for Colleton residents

Colleton County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage in their homeowners policies given the exceptional 96.37 hurricane risk—ensure your deductibles are manageable for severe storm repairs. Flood insurance is essential and should be reviewed regularly as coastal hazards evolve, and earthquake coverage deserves serious consideration given the elevated 93.70 score. Annual policy reviews with a local insurance specialist are critical for maintaining adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 31.7 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 $883, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Colleton County a tax score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colleton County?
The median household income in Colleton County, South Carolina is $48,779 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colleton County earns an income score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colleton County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Colleton County scores 31.7/100 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.

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