CountyScore

Fairfield County

South Carolina · SC

#11 in South Carolina
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Fairfield County, South Carolina

Fairfield exceeds national norm by 40 points

Fairfield County's composite score of 69.8 substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it well into the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance demonstrates solid livability across multiple dimensions.

Above South Carolina average

At 69.8, Fairfield County ranks above the state average of 68.2, placing it in the upper half of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county delivers competitive livability within the state.

Tax efficiency and housing values

Fairfield scores strongly on taxes (87.4) and cost (82.5), with an effective tax rate of 0.529% and homes averaging just $129,100. Renters benefit too, with median rent at $910/month—well below state averages.

Limited income growth opportunities

Fairfield's income score of 14.1 is notably weak, with a median household income of $46,972—among the state's lowest. The risk score of 59.2 also suggests moderate economic vulnerability and limited job diversity.

Suited for retirees seeking low taxes

Fairfield County fits individuals and couples with modest fixed incomes who value affordability and tax efficiency above job prospects and wealth accumulation. It's an excellent choice for retirees looking to stretch their dollars while maintaining solid livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.4Cost82.5SafetyComing SoonHealth57.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.1Risk59.2WaterComing Soon
🏛87.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.2
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 Fairfield County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Arkansas
69.8
Median income: $48,500
Liberty County
Florida
69.8
Median income: $53,824
McDuffie County
Georgia
69.8
Median income: $54,058
Webster County
Kentucky
69.8
Median income: $58,786
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
69.8
Median income: $42,273

Deep Dives

Fairfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fairfield County

via TaxByCounty

Fairfield rates lower than U.S. average

Fairfield's 0.529% effective property tax rate is below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $683 is less than one-quarter the national median of $2,690, reflecting relatively light taxation despite modest home values.

Right in line with South Carolina norms

Fairfield's 0.529% effective rate sits just below South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, keeping the county close to the middle of the state's tax distribution. At $683 median property tax, Fairfield residents pay roughly 27% below the state median of $939.

Mid-range rate in a diverse region

Fairfield's 0.529% rate falls in the middle of the region's range, below Greenville (0.528%) and Dorchester (0.581%), but above Georgetown (0.426%) and Florence (0.438%). The county's median home value of $129,100 is among the lowest in the area, keeping overall tax burdens modest.

Lowest-value homes, modest taxes

A typical Fairfield County home valued at $129,100 carries an estimated annual property tax of $683. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $1,123; without, the figure is $533.

Assessment appeals work in smaller counties

In smaller counties like Fairfield, assessment records can be outdated or use inconsistent comparable sales data. Filing an appeal is straightforward and often successful—potentially saving hundreds on your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fairfield County

via CostByCounty

Fairfield's rent-to-income ratio strains budgets

Renters in Fairfield County spend 23.3% of income on housing—notably above South Carolina's 20.1% state average and the national comfort zone. With a median household income of $46,972 and rents of $910 monthly, Fairfield presents tighter affordability than most peers.

One of South Carolina's tightest rental markets

Fairfield ranks among South Carolina's least affordable counties for renters, with a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds most state peers. The median rent of $910 strains a below-average household income, creating genuine affordability pressure.

Rental burden steeper than Dillon or Florence

Fairfield's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds nearby Dillon (18.9%), Florence (19.2%), and Edgefield (15.3%). The county's lower median income of $46,972 makes its $910 rents hit harder than in wealthier neighboring counties.

Homeownership offers modest relief

While renters spend 23.3% of income on housing, homeowners pay just $619 monthly—roughly 15.8% of the median household income. The median home value of $129,100 suggests ownership remains more affordable than renting in Fairfield.

Fairfield suits buyers seeking equity

If you're relocating to South Carolina and can qualify for homeownership, Fairfield's $129,100 median home value and $619 monthly costs offer strong value. The rental market here is tight, but purchasing a home positions you well relative to local incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fairfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Fairfield's income trails the nation

Fairfield County's median household income of $46,972 falls 37% below the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the lower-income tier nationally. Per capita income of $32,111 aligns with state and national averages, suggesting income concentration among fewer households. Fairfield faces economic challenges typical of rural, under-resourced American counties.

Among South Carolina's lowest-earning counties

Fairfield ranks near the bottom of South Carolina's 46 counties with median household income 18% below the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $32,111 matches the state average, but the lower median household figure indicates income inequality within the county. Fairfield residents experience tighter financial constraints than most South Carolinians.

Chester and Union counties earn similarly

Neighboring Chester County records median income near Fairfield's $46,972, while Union County trails slightly. Richland County to the south substantially outearns Fairfield due to Columbia's economic center. Fairfield's rural position limits access to higher-wage employment hubs.

Housing costs squeeze Fairfield budgets

Fairfield's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% is among the state's worst, meaning housing absorbs nearly one-fourth of household income. Median home values of $129,100, while modest, still demand significant resources from families earning under $47,000 annually. Cost-of-living pressures here exceed most other South Carolina counties.

Focus on stable employment first

Fairfield households should prioritize stable, well-paying employment before aggressive wealth building; economic stability precedes investment. Free or low-cost financial literacy programs through nonprofits and government agencies can help residents maximize every dollar. Building even small emergency savings cushions opens doors to better financial opportunities over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fairfield County

via HealthByCounty

Fairfield lags behind national health trends

Fairfield residents live an average of 68.8 years, approximately 7.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With nearly 25% reporting poor or fair health, the county significantly exceeds the national median of 18%. These figures point to substantial health disparities and barriers to care in this rural county.

Fairfield ranks among South Carolina's lowest

At 68.8 years, Fairfield's life expectancy trails South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by 3.7 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 24.9% substantially exceeds state norms, indicating higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges. Fairfield needs focused health improvement efforts to close this gap.

Fairfield faces greater health burden

Fairfield's 68.8-year life expectancy lags Edgefield County (74.5 years) by nearly 6 years and Greenwood County (72.9 years) by 4 years. On the positive side, Fairfield has 44 primary care providers per 100K—higher than Dillon (39) and Georgetown (63)—yet health outcomes remain poor. This suggests other factors beyond provider supply are affecting resident health.

Low uninsured rate masks access barriers

Fairfield's uninsured rate of 9.8% ranks among South Carolina's lowest, yet life expectancy remains critically short at 68.8 years. With 44 primary care providers per 100K, the county has adequate supply, suggesting that insurance and availability alone don't explain poor outcomes. Social determinants of health—poverty, education, food access—likely drive the health disparities.

Coverage is foundational for Fairfield

Fairfield's uninsured rate is already low, but those without plans should visit healthcare.gov to secure coverage and prevent care gaps. If you're insured, regular checkups help catch chronic conditions early and prevent complications. Your health plan unlocks preventive screenings, medications, and mental health support that improve long-term outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fairfield County

via RiskByCounty

Fairfield maintains very low disaster exposure

Fairfield County scores 40.81 on the composite risk scale, falling well below both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This very low risk rating reflects the county's inland position and distance from major coastal and seismic hazard zones.

Fairfield ranks among South Carolina's safest

With a composite score of 40.81, Fairfield ranks significantly below the state average and positions itself among the least vulnerable counties in South Carolina. The county's central location and moderate terrain contribute to this favorable risk profile.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Fairfield's 40.81 score substantially undershoots Edgefield County (21.98)—the safest in the region—but significantly trails Greenwood County (72.74) and the high-risk coastal counties. Its position in the middle-ground makes it one of South Carolina's more resilient areas.

Tornado risk outpaces other hazards

Tornado risk at 70.52 is Fairfield's most significant threat, while flood risk (42.59) and wildfire risk (45.90) remain well below state averages. Earthquake and hurricane risks (69.53 and 75.30) are moderate but pose less immediate concern than severe convective weather.

Standard homeowners coverage works here

Fairfield residents can rely on traditional homeowners policies for adequate protection, since flood and hurricane risks remain substantially below state levels. A safe room or reinforced shelter for tornado season adds affordable peace of mind without costly supplemental policies.

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.