CountyScore

Edgefield County

South Carolina · SC

#2 in South Carolina
74.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Edgefield County, South Carolina

Edgefield ranks in nation's top third

Edgefield County's composite score of 74.1 beats the national median of 50.0 by 24 points, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects exceptional execution across affordability and fiscal health dimensions.

South Carolina's above-average performer

At 74.1, Edgefield ranks above the state average of 68.2, placing it in the upper quarter of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county is among the state's best performers in overall livability.

Lowest tax burden and excellent affordability

Edgefield leads with a tax score of 89.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.451%—among the state's lowest. Combined with a cost score of 81.9 and homes averaging $194,300, the county offers a compelling package for budget-conscious residents.

Income growth and health need work

Edgefield's income score of 27.2 is modest, with a median household income of $67,092 that trails stronger-performing counties. Health outcomes (62.5) also fall below state leaders, suggesting room for improvement in public health infrastructure.

Best for values-focused, tax-conscious residents

Edgefield County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and economic stability over maximum earning potential or top-tier healthcare. Retirees and those seeking a lower cost of living will find Edgefield's profile particularly attractive.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.6Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth62.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.2Risk78WaterComing Soon
🏛89.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78
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 Edgefield County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
74.1
Median income: $100,625
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
74.1
Median income: $59,079
Green County
Kentucky
74.1
Median income: $41,087
Nuckolls County
Nebraska
74.1
Median income: $70,201
Ramsey County
North Dakota
74.1
Median income: $61,319

Deep Dives

Edgefield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Edgefield County

via TaxByCounty

Edgefield ranks among lowest-tax counties

At 0.451%, Edgefield's effective property tax rate falls in the bottom 10% nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.87%. The median annual tax bill of $877 represents just one-third the national median of $2,690, offering residents some of the nation's most affordable property taxation.

South Carolina's lightest tax burden

Edgefield ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in South Carolina, with a 0.451% rate significantly below the state average of 0.542%. Its $877 median property tax is notably lower than the state median of $939, making it an attractive option for tax-conscious homeowners.

Edgefield tax advantage stands out

At 0.451%, Edgefield's rate is the third-lowest in the region, below Fairfield (0.529%) and Dillon (0.504%), but exceeding only Georgetown (0.426%). The lower effective rate combined with a reasonable median home value of $194,300 creates an appealing tax proposition.

Affordable taxes on moderate homes

A typical Edgefield County home valued at $194,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of $877. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $1,151; without, the figure drops to $662.

Double-check your assessment value

Even in low-tax Edgefield, overassessments happen—particularly on rural or undeveloped properties where comparable sales are sparse. Requesting an assessment appeal is free and could further reduce your already modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edgefield County

via CostByCounty

Edgefield rents rank among state's easiest

At 15.3%, Edgefield's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national average and South Carolina's 20.1% state baseline. With median rents of just $854 and a household income of $67,092, renters here enjoy genuine affordability relative to the nation.

South Carolina's affordability leader

Edgefield boasts one of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratios at 15.3%, besting all but a handful of South Carolina counties. Median rents of $854 sit $91 below the state average while incomes remain competitive, creating an unusual combination.

Undercuts Greenwood, matches regional tone

Edgefield's $854 rent beats nearby Greenwood ($880) and Dillon ($692 is lower, but Dillon has much lower income). Among peer counties in the region, Edgefield delivers strong affordability without sacrificing income levels.

Both renters and owners find breathing room

Renters spend 15.3% of income on housing while homeowners invest 13.1%—both well below the stress threshold. The median home value of $194,300 and owner costs of $732 monthly reflect a market genuinely friendly to multiple income levels.

Edgefield rewards practical homebuyers

If you're comparing South Carolina counties for affordable living, Edgefield's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio and sub-$200,000 home values make it exceptional. You'll find more disposable income here than in faster-growing counties while maintaining stable, accessible housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edgefield County

via IncomeByCounty

Edgefield's income approaches national median

Edgefield County's median household income of $67,092 falls 10% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the American middle-income benchmark. Per capita income of $32,802 nearly matches national norms, suggesting income is reasonably distributed across households. The county reflects a moderate economic position relative to the nation.

Upper-middle earner among SC counties

Edgefield ranks in the upper tier of South Carolina's 46 counties, with median household income 18% above the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $32,802 closely matches the state average, indicating fairly balanced earning distribution. Edgefield stands as one of the state's more economically stable communities.

Outearns western South Carolina peers

Edgefield's median income of $67,092 exceeds nearby Aiken County ($62,500) and Saluda County substantially. Neighboring Lexington County earns comparably, while Abbeville County trails Edgefield. The county's position along the Georgia border adds economic diversity that supports higher average incomes.

Housing costs well-controlled here

Edgefield's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is among the lowest in South Carolina, indicating housing claims only about one-sixth of household income. Median home values of $194,300 are reasonable relative to earnings, affording homeownership accessibility to many households. This favorable ratio gives Edgefield families financial breathing room.

Build generational wealth in Edgefield

Edgefield's moderate-to-strong incomes and affordable housing create an ideal environment for long-term wealth accumulation and property investment. Families should prioritize homeownership, retirement account contributions, and education savings to compound advantages over decades. Local banks and credit unions offer mortgage and investment products tailored to rural South Carolina communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Edgefield County

via HealthByCounty

Edgefield's life expectancy near national pace

Edgefield residents live an average of 74.5 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years but still respectable for a rural South Carolina county. With 21.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs slightly better than the national median of 18%. These metrics suggest moderate overall health with some underlying challenges.

Edgefield's health profile spans state middle

At 74.5 years, Edgefield's life expectancy exceeds South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by 2 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 21.7% performs above state norms but indicates room for improvement in chronic disease management. Edgefield sits in South Carolina's health middle tier—neither best nor worst performing.

Edgefield holds strong among peers

Edgefield's 74.5-year life expectancy matches Greenville County (76.1 years) and exceeds Fairfield County (68.8 years) by nearly 6 years. However, Edgefield's mental health provider density of 65 per 100K lags significantly behind Greenwood County (407 per 100K), creating a gap in behavioral health support. Primary care access of 34 per 100K also trails healthier neighboring counties.

Insurance coverage near state average

Edgefield's uninsured rate of 12.6% slightly exceeds the state average of 11.6%, meaning a larger share of residents lack regular coverage. With 34 primary care providers per 100K, the county faces modest provider shortages that can delay routine care and checkups. Mental health access is particularly constrained, with fewer behavioral health specialists available.

Get covered to access Edgefield care

Uninsured Edgefield residents can find affordable plans through healthcare.gov or the South Carolina marketplace. Community health centers offer sliding-scale services regardless of insurance, ensuring no one goes without basic care. Securing coverage now helps you manage chronic conditions and access mental health services when needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edgefield County

via RiskByCounty

Edgefield enjoys very low disaster risk

Edgefield County scores just 21.98 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This very low risk rating reflects the county's inland location and relative insulation from major hazard zones.

One of South Carolina's safest counties

Edgefield ranks among the lowest-risk counties in South Carolina, with a composite score of 21.98 that is less than a third of the state average. This favorable position makes the county one of the most resilient in the state when it comes to natural disasters.

Edgefield significantly safer than peers

Edgefield's 21.98 score is dramatically lower than nearby Greenwood County (72.74) and Fairfield County (40.81), both of which face substantially higher composite risks. The county's inland, upland terrain provides natural protection that coastal and low-lying regions lack.

Earthquakes pose Edgefield's main concern

Earthquake risk registers at 68.10 in Edgefield, the highest hazard score despite the county's overall very low composite risk. Wildfire (57.89) and tornado (34.22) risks remain below state averages, reflecting the county's forested terrain and stable weather patterns.

Standard coverage typically sufficient here

Edgefield residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most scenarios, as flood and hurricane risks remain minimal at 31.27 and 69.84 respectively. Earthquake coverage remains optional but affordable, given the moderate seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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