CountyScore

Darlington County

South Carolina · SC

#15 in South Carolina
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Darlington County, South Carolina

Darlington Scores Solidly Above National Median

Darlington County's composite score of 69.3 ranks in the 69th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. Strong performance in tax policy and housing affordability drives its competitive national standing.

Ranks Slightly Above South Carolina Average

Darlington County's 69.3 score exceeds South Carolina's state average of 68.2, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. It reflects consistent strengths in affordability and tax management.

Excellent Tax Rates and Affordable Housing

Darlington County's tax score of 90.3 reflects an exceptional effective rate of 0.427%, among the lowest in the state. Its cost score of 83.5 supports affordable living with a median home value of $141,400 and median rent of $876/month.

Low Incomes and Moderate Health Challenges

The income score of 14.3 corresponds to a median household income of $47,419—the lowest in this county group. Health outcomes are modest at 61.4, and environmental risk exposure at 27.7 suggests moderate vulnerability to natural hazards and climate impacts.

Perfect for Retirees and Low-Tax Prioritizers

Darlington County is ideal for retirees and individuals with fixed incomes seeking an exceptional tax environment and affordable living. Its combination of minimal tax burden and stable, low housing costs makes it highly attractive for those seeking financial predictability in retirement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax90.3Cost83.5SafetyComing SoonHealth61.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.3Risk27.7WaterComing Soon
🏛90.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Darlington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

Darlington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Darlington County

via TaxByCounty

Darlington taxes fall below national norm

Darlington's 0.427% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.52%, ranking it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of just $604 is roughly 22% of the national median of $2,690, adjusted for Darlington's lower home values.

Darlington ranks among state's lowest

At 0.427%, Darlington's effective tax rate ranks in the lower quartile statewide, notably below South Carolina's 0.542% average. Residents pay about $335 less annually than South Carolina's median of $939.

Low-tax county in its peer group

Darlington's 0.427% rate ranks third-lowest among these eight counties, behind only Charleston (0.413%) and Calhoun (0.423%). It significantly undercuts Chester (0.588%), Colleton (0.605%), and Clarendon (0.576%).

Modest homes, modest tax burden

Darlington homeowners with a $141,400 median-value property pay approximately $604 in annual property tax. Adding mortgage escrow typically brings that yearly obligation to around $744.

Darlington homeowners can still save more

Even in relatively low-tax Darlington, many property assessments exceed fair market value. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor is cost-free and could reduce your yearly property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Darlington County

via CostByCounty

Darlington's housing burden rivals national stress

Darlington County renters spend 22.2% of income on housing, edging above the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. With rents at $876 monthly paired with a median household income of $47,419, Darlington residents face tighter affordability than most of the nation.

South Carolina's most squeezed housing market

Darlington's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, nearly matching Colleton County's 22.3% burden and vastly exceeding the state average. This metric signals genuine affordability crisis for renters, with housing consuming over one-fifth of gross income.

Darlington strains more than nearby alternatives

Darlington renters face a 22.2% housing burden at $876 monthly, compared to Chesterfield's 19.6% ($776) and Clarendon's 17.9% ($728). Relocating to either neighbor could save $100–$150 monthly while cutting housing burden by 2–4 percentage points.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Darlington renters pay $876 monthly from a median income of $47,419, while homeowners spend $601 for ownership costs. At 22.2% of income for renters and 15.2% for owners, Darlington pushes housing toward the concerning 30% affordability threshold, limiting resources for healthcare, food, and transportation.

Darlington faces steep housing costs; compare nearby

With a 22.2% housing burden among South Carolina's highest, Darlington ranks as one of the state's most strained markets for renters. Before relocating here, compare Darlington directly to Chesterfield and Clarendon, which offer 2–4 percentage point advantages in housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Darlington County

via IncomeByCounty

Darlington's income far below national average

Darlington County's median household income of $47,419 falls $27,336 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among the lowest-earning in America, underscoring the economic strain in rural South Carolina.

Among state's lowest-income counties

At $47,419, Darlington ranks in the bottom quartile of South Carolina's 46 counties, falling $9,587 below the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $30,281 slightly exceeds the state average of $32,382, suggesting some income concentration.

Lowest-earning county in peer group

Darlington's $47,419 is the lowest among its rural neighbors: Chesterfield ($47,620), Clarendon ($48,887), Colleton ($48,779), and Chester ($51,216). The consistent clustering of rural counties near or below $50,000 highlights shared agricultural and manufacturing employment constraints.

Housing costs pressures on modest incomes

Darlington's rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% ranks second-highest in the group, indicating housing claims over one-fifth of earnings. The median home value of $141,400 is reasonable in absolute terms, but heavy relative burden on lower incomes.

Focus on earnings growth and savings

Darlington residents benefit from tackling housing-cost pressure by exploring career development, certifications, and higher-wage job opportunities. Build financial discipline through budgeting and emergency savings, then leverage compound growth through retirement and investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Darlington County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average

Darlington residents live to 69.9 years on average, 8 years below the U.S. average and 2.6 years below South Carolina's state average. One in five residents (20.1%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the nation's 15% rate.

Below-average outcomes in Pee Dee

Darlington County ranks 42nd out of 46 South Carolina counties for life expectancy at 69.9 years. The county's health profile reflects challenges common to rural Pee Dee communities, though its provider availability offers slightly better access than neighboring counties.

Better provider access than peers

Darlington's 69.9-year life expectancy falls between Chesterfield (70.9) and Colleton (68.6), but the county stands out with 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in this group. Mental health coverage at 159 providers per 100,000 also outpaces most rural neighbors.

Improving access, modest uninsured rate

Darlington's 11.2% uninsured rate sits just below the state average, and the county offers relatively robust provider networks with 54 primary care and 159 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. These resources help residents access care, though health outcomes still lag state and national averages.

Leverage existing resources

Darlington's strong provider network works best when residents have coverage—if you're uninsured, South Carolina's Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid can connect you to these available services. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to enroll today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Darlington County

via RiskByCounty

Darlington faces slightly above-average national risk

Darlington County's composite risk score of 72.26 places it in the Relatively Low category but slightly above the national average, reflecting moderate exposure to natural disasters. The county scores elevated on tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10), while flood (64.22) and wildfire (73.95) remain more controlled. This profile positions Darlington as an average-to-above-average risk county within the national context.

Darlington ranks slightly above state average

Darlington County's composite score of 72.26 exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it among the state's moderate-risk counties despite its Relatively Low designation. Tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10) exposures particularly elevate Darlington's profile relative to lower-risk inland counties. This positioning reflects Darlington's combined exposure to spring severe weather and Atlantic hurricane tracks.

Darlington comparable in risk to Chesterfield

Darlington County's 72.26 score closely aligns with Chesterfield County (73.98), positioning both as the region's moderate-risk counties with similar hazard exposure. Both significantly exceed Chester County (43.16) in overall risk while remaining well below coastal Charleston County (98.63). This similarity suggests shared disaster preparedness concerns across the regional corridor.

Tornadoes and hurricanes present primary threats

Darlington County's highest risks stem from tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10) hazards, all scoring significantly above typical county levels and creating compound severe weather exposure. Wildfire risk (73.95) remains meaningful, while flood risk (64.22) ranks moderate. The combination of spring tornado season and Atlantic hurricane tracks creates distinct seasonal vulnerability periods.

Wind coverage and earthquake insurance recommended

Darlington County homeowners should maintain comprehensive wind and hail coverage in their homeowners policies given tornado (84.35) and hurricane (87.86) exposures—ensure deductibles reflect realistic repair costs. Earthquake insurance merits consideration given the elevated 86.10 score, and reviewing flood exposure in low-lying areas remains prudent despite moderate flood risk. Annual policy reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with changing climate conditions and property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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