CountyScore

Dorchester County

South Carolina · SC

#46 in South Carolina
63.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Dorchester County, South Carolina

Dorchester ranks 27 points above national median

With a composite score of 63.3, Dorchester County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. This reflects a county that delivers solid livability across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Competitive middle-ranked county

Dorchester's score of 63.3 sits just below South Carolina's state average of 68.2, positioning it in the middle ranks among the state's 46 counties. The county holds its own within South Carolina's livability landscape.

Strong health outcomes and earnings

Dorchester excels in health (70.6) and income (33.6), with a median household income of $76,896 that surpasses most South Carolina counties. The county also maintains a low risk score of 6.3, indicating stable economic fundamentals.

Housing costs rising faster than income

Dorchester's cost score of 62.6 reflects the reality: median home values of $294,400 and rents of $1,381/month are among the state's highest. This affordability gap makes the county less accessible to budget-conscious newcomers.

Ideal for mid-to-upper income families

Dorchester County works best for established families and professionals earning solid incomes who prioritize health and economic stability over maximum affordability. Growth near Charleston has driven up housing costs, but strong incomes and low economic risk remain attractive for those who can afford it.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.9Cost62.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.6Risk6.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.3
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 Dorchester County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

New Castle County
Delaware
63.3
Median income: $89,901
Okeechobee County
Florida
63.3
Median income: $52,288
Troup County
Georgia
63.3
Median income: $54,905
Sumner County
Kansas
63.3
Median income: $60,348
Otsego County
New York
63.3
Median income: $67,086

Deep Dives

Dorchester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dorchester County

via TaxByCounty

Dorchester taxes below national median

Dorchester's 0.581% effective rate is substantially lower than the national median of 0.87%, placing the county in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. At $1,710 annually, the median property tax bill remains well below the national median of $2,690, despite median homes valued near the national average.

Slight edge above South Carolina average

Dorchester's 0.581% effective rate edges slightly above the state average of 0.542%, but its median property tax of $1,710 significantly exceeds South Carolina's median of $939. The higher median home value of $294,400 drives the larger tax bills.

Among the region's higher rates

Dorchester's 0.581% rate is the second-highest in the region, topped only by Greenwood County at 0.585%, and well above neighbors like Georgetown (0.426%) and Florence (0.438%). The county's median home value of $294,400 is among the region's highest, reflecting growing suburban demand.

Growing county, growing tax bills

A typical Dorchester home valued at $294,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,710. With a mortgage, residents report paying $1,882; without, the figure is $1,274.

Appeal potential in fast-growing areas

In rapidly appreciating counties like Dorchester, assessments often lag behind or overshoot actual market values. A professional assessment review could reveal overvaluation—a common issue in high-growth areas where records update less frequently than property markets.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dorchester County

via CostByCounty

Dorchester rents edge above national comfort

Renters in Dorchester spend 21.6% of their income on housing, marginally above the national average and South Carolina's 20.1% state baseline. With a median household income of $76,896—above the national median—the county's higher rents ($1,381) reflect proximity to Charleston and regional growth.

Mid-tier affordability within South Carolina

Dorchester ranks in the middle of South Carolina's housing affordability spectrum, with a 21.6% rent-to-income ratio. The county's median rent of $1,381 exceeds the state average of $945, placing it among the pricier rental markets in the state.

Coastal pull drives prices above inland peers

Dorchester's $1,381 median rent substantially exceeds inland counties like Edgefield ($854) and Florence ($908), though it remains notably cheaper than coastal Georgetown ($1,166). The Charleston metro gravity makes Dorchester pricier than the state baseline but still below coastal premium pricing.

Homeownership and rent track nearly equally

Renters in Dorchester spend $1,381 monthly (21.6% of income), while homeowners pay $1,343—nearly identical burdens reflecting the county's moderate-priced housing market. Both paths consume roughly one-fifth of the median household income of $76,896.

Dorchester balances growth with accessibility

If you're seeking Charleston-area proximity without peak coastal pricing, Dorchester offers median home values of $294,400 and rents under $1,400. Your income aligns well with regional averages, making this a practical hub for Charleston workers seeking suburban space.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dorchester County

via IncomeByCounty

Dorchester exceeds national income levels

Dorchester County's median household income of $76,896 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $2,141, placing it among America's middle-to-upper-income counties. This above-average position reflects a more prosperous community relative to the nation as a whole. Per capita income of $37,279 also outpaces national norms, signaling broad-based economic health.

Second-highest earner in South Carolina

Dorchester ranks second among South Carolina's 46 counties with a median household income 35% above the state average of $57,006. Its per capita income of $37,279 exceeds the state average by 15%, showcasing strong individual earnings. Only a handful of South Carolina counties—mostly in the Upstate—outpace Dorchester's income levels.

Dorchester dominates the Lowcountry

Neighboring Colleton and Berkeley counties record median incomes significantly below Dorchester's $76,896. Charleston County, while prosperous, edges Dorchester slightly in some income metrics but remains a comparable peer. Dorchester's proximity to Charleston's economic center drives its competitive advantage in the region.

Strong income, but housing costs rising

Dorchester's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% indicates housing consumes just over one-fifth of household income—a manageable but increasing burden. Median home values of $294,400 reflect the county's attractiveness and growth, though they demand significant household resources. Higher incomes here provide cushion, but housing affordability pressures are worth monitoring.

Invest strategically in Dorchester

Dorchester's above-average incomes create ideal conditions for wealth building through investment diversification and retirement planning. Residents should explore employer-sponsored plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and real estate opportunities as home equity builds wealth. Consulting a financial advisor can help maximize the wealth-building potential of Dorchester's strong income base.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dorchester County

via HealthByCounty

Dorchester outpaces national health trends

Dorchester residents live an average of 76.4 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years and placing the county among South Carolina's healthiest. Only 16.7% report poor or fair health, well below the national median of 18%. This strong performance reflects a healthier-than-average population.

Dorchester ranks in state's top tier

At 76.4 years, Dorchester's life expectancy outpaces South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by nearly 4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 16.7% ranks among the lowest in the state, signaling better overall health outcomes. Dorchester represents a model for health and wellness across South Carolina.

Dorchester leads neighboring counties

Dorchester's 76.4-year life expectancy exceeds Georgetown County (73.5 years) by nearly 3 years and Edgefield County (74.5 years) by 2 years. The county's strong health profile stands out in the Lowcountry region, though primary care access (32 per 100K) remains modest. Residents benefit from relatively low disease burden and good preventive care engagement.

Low uninsured rate supports access

Dorchester's uninsured rate of 10.4% sits below South Carolina's state average of 11.6%, meaning more residents have coverage and can access care. Though primary care providers number just 32 per 100K, the county's healthy population requires fewer urgent interventions. Health insurance remains a critical foundation for this county's continued wellness.

Maintain coverage to stay healthy

Dorchester's strong health outcomes depend on continuous insurance access; visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment to secure your plan. If you're already insured, regular checkups and preventive screenings keep you in Dorchester's health-conscious community. Protect your family's advantage by reviewing coverage options annually.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dorchester County

via RiskByCounty

Dorchester ranks among highest-risk counties

Dorchester County scores 93.70 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. Despite its relatively moderate risk rating, this is one of the most hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Dorchester is South Carolina's third riskiest

With a composite score of 93.70, Dorchester ranks in the top tier of South Carolina counties for natural disaster risk, exceeded only by a handful of peers. This high ranking reflects the county's unique geographic position near the coast and low-lying terrain.

Coastal exposure sets Dorchester apart

Dorchester's 93.70 score closely mirrors Georgetown County (92.49) and exceeds Greenville County (93.96) by a hair. Its coastal and low-lying inland areas create vulnerability to flooding, storms, and earthquake hazards that inland counties like Fairfield (40.81) simply don't face.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate Dorchester's outlook

Hurricane risk reaches 97.87 and flood risk scores 78.66, making coastal and tidal surge scenarios the top two threats to homes and infrastructure. Earthquake risk at 97.93 is also notably elevated, though less immediately predictable than weather-driven hazards.

Flood and wind coverage are non-negotiable

Dorchester residents must carry separate flood insurance and windstorm coverage, as standard policies exclude both. With hurricane and flood scores exceeding 97, the cost of insurance is far smaller than the cost of uninsured disaster losses.

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.