countyscore

Fairfield County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#11 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.3
County Score
Property Tax 83Schools 62.8Cost of Living 60.4

County Report Card

About Fairfield County, South Carolina

Fairfield Remains Below National Median

Fairfield County posts a composite score of 45.3, trailing slightly behind the national median of 50.0. It occupies a mid-to-low range ranking on the national scale.

Beating the State Average

Despite national trends, Fairfield's 45.3 score outperforms the South Carolina average of 42.8. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its immediate neighbors in the state.

Strong Schools and Low Taxes

The county shows a significant advantage in education with a school score of 62.8. It also maintains a high tax score of 83.0, thanks to a 0.529% effective tax rate and affordable $910 median rent.

Persistent Economic and Safety Gaps

Fairfield struggles with an income score of 9.4 and a median household income of $46,972. Safety is another pressing area for improvement, currently marked by a score of 8.9.

A Solid Choice for Families

Fairfield is a strategic option for families prioritizing educational quality and low taxes. While income growth is slow, the strong school system provides a foundation that is rare in similarly priced counties.

204060801008360.48.921.662.89.459.25659.3Tax83Cost60.4Safety8.9Health21.6Schools62.8Income9.4Risk59.2Water56Weather59.345.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Fairfield County DNA

Foverall

How Fairfield County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fairfield County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (83/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83+31
Cost
60.4+12.399999999999999
Safety
8.9-46.1
Health
21.6-28.4
Schools
62.8+8.799999999999997
Income
9.4-41.6
Risk
59.2+12.200000000000003
Water
56
Weather
59.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$910/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,972/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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South Carolina
40.3
Richland County
South Carolina
36.7
Newberry County
South Carolina
43.4
Union County
South Carolina
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Lancaster County
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Kershaw County
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Lexington County
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Deep Dives

Fairfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Fairfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Moderate Crime Trends in Fairfield

Fairfield's total crime rate of 2,888.9 per 100K sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 95.4.

Consistent with State Safety Norms

The county aligns perfectly with the South Carolina average safety score of 95.4. It experiences a typical crime volume for the state's central region.

Stable Security Near Neighbors

Fairfield's total crime rate of 2,888.9 is slightly lower than the state average of 2,920.8. This suggests a more stable environment compared to some higher-activity counties in the region.

Property and Violent Crime Split

Violent crime is high at 892.9 per 100K, more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime at 1,996.0 remains just below the national average of 2,015.7.

Vigilance for Fairfield Residents

With violent crime rates higher than national norms, residents should prioritize well-lit exteriors and communal vigilance. Security cameras act as both a deterrent and a helpful tool for local law enforcement.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fairfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Schooling in Fairfield County

Fairfield County supports 2,486 students across nine public schools within a single consolidated district. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This compact system allows for a highly centralized approach to public education.

High Investment and Strong Results

Fairfield leads many peers with a school score of 60.8, significantly higher than the state average of 50.8. This success is backed by a $11,084 per-pupil expenditure, which is among the highest in the state and approaches the national average. The 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national benchmark, reflecting the impact of this higher funding.

Unified District with Magnet Options

The Fairfield 01 district manages nearly all local education, overseeing eight schools and 2,278 students. One school in the county operates as a charter, and the county also hosts specialized institutions like the Fairfield Magnet for Math and Science. These diverse offerings provide unique pathways for the county's relatively small student population.

Quiet Campuses and Personal Scale

With an average school size of only 311 students, Fairfield offers one of the most personal educational experiences in South Carolina. Eight of the nine schools are rural, creating a quiet and focused environment for learning. Fairfield Central High is the largest hub with 662 students, ensuring that even the biggest campus feels manageable.

Invest in a County That Values Education

Fairfield County's high per-pupil spending and impressive school scores make it a hidden gem for families. Choosing a home here means joining a community that actively invests in its youth and achieves national-level graduation rates. Explore our real estate listings to find your place in this high-achieving rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Fairfield County

via WaterByCounty

Fairfield Faces Challenges with Drinking Water Grade

Fairfield County receives a Grade C for drinking water compliance, having recorded two health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 9.6 per 100,000 people is higher than some neighbors but remains better than the South Carolina average of 22.2. Residents should review their annual water quality reports for specific violation details.

Federal Watershed Assessments Pending for Fairfield

Water bodies in Fairfield County have not yet been evaluated under the current §303(d) federal reporting cycle. This lack of ATTAINS data means the specific impairment status of local creeks and rivers is currently unknown. This highlights a need for future state assessments to bring Fairfield in line with the 42.6% state-wide monitoring average.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Metals and Nutrients

With 24 monitoring sites, Fairfield County maintains a robust footprint, recording 9,422 measurements over five years. Scientists focus on physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals to assess the environmental impact of local land use. This high number of sites ensures a broad geographic understanding of water quality.

Broad River Flow Below Typical Averages

The Broad River at Alston currently flows at 1,350 cfs, which is 26% of its historical mean of 5,277 cfs. This significant decrease reflects regional drought conditions and impacts the total volume of water moving through the county. Lower river levels can alter water temperature and affect the concentration of inorganic materials.

Monitor Utility Alerts and Filter tap Water

Given the Grade C compliance rating and two recent health violations, Fairfield residents may benefit from using certified water filters. Low flows on the Broad River can further impact the quality of source water used by treatment plants. Staying informed through local utility notices is the best way to ensure personal water safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fairfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but warmer than average

At 61.2°F, Fairfield County remains warmer than the national median while staying cooler than many coastal Southern regions. It offers a distinct four-season cycle without extreme national lows.

Cooler than the state benchmark

Fairfield is 1.6 degrees cooler than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. It is also drier than the state at large, receiving 45.5 inches of rain compared to the 48.9-inch average.

Drier than surrounding counties

Fairfield stands out for its lower precipitation, recording 45.5 inches annually against a state average of 48.9 inches. Its 61.2°F temperature makes it a cooler inland alternative to the Midlands.

Hot summers and snowless winters

July averages 80.0°F, contributing to 62 days of extreme heat annually. Winter temperatures average 43.9°F, yet the county surprisingly records 0.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage water and summer energy

With lower-than-average rainfall, residents should consider drought-resistant landscaping for the 62 days of heat. Winter gear can remain light, as snow is effectively non-existent in this county.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fairfield County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Piedmont Soils

Fairfield County has a pH of 5.55, making it one of the least acidic in the region compared to the state average of 5.27. Despite this, its overall soil score of 18.7 sits slightly below the South Carolina benchmark of 20.6.

Firm Structure with Clay Support

The composition consists of 65.9% sand, 18.9% silt, and 15.3% clay. This relatively high clay content provides a firm structure that holds onto nutrients better than the sandier soils of the coast.

High Water Capacity, Low Matter

Available water capacity is strong at 0.126 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.115. Conversely, organic matter is quite low at 1.00%, meaning the soil has a high thirst but needs nutritional supplements.

Slow and Steady Hydrology

While drainage class data is not formally listed, the 15.3% clay content suggests a slower percolation rate than sandier regions. This helps the soil maintain moisture for plants during the dry weeks of summer.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, Fairfield gardeners can grow robust summer squash and okra. Focus on building up the soil's low organic matter with mulching and green manures for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fairfield County

via LawnByCounty

Higher Success Potential in Fairfield County

Fairfield County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 44.1, making it one of the easiest places in South Carolina to grow grass. While still below the national average of 50.0, it significantly outperforms the state average of 35.1. The county sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, offering slightly cooler winters than the coastal regions.

Favorable Precipitation and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation averages 45.5 inches, sitting comfortably within the 30-50 inch ideal range. The county experiences 62 extreme heat days, which is nearly identical to the state average and easier to manage than the Midlands. Growing degree days total 5004, providing a robust but manageable season for most turf types.

Lighter Sands Mixed with Moderate Clay

The soil pH of 5.55 is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many surrounding counties, though lime is still needed. The mixture of 65.9% sand and 15.3% clay provides decent structure for moisture retention. While drainage class data is limited, this texture typically supports a variety of grass species well.

Resisting Drought in Abnormally Dry Conditions

Fairfield has spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year, with 63.4% of the area currently in severe drought. Every acre of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, requiring smart irrigation strategies. Raising your mower blade height during these dry periods will help shade the soil and protect root systems.

Planting Success in Hardiness Zone 8a

Tall Fescue can succeed here in shaded areas, though Bermuda remains the gold standard for full-sun durability. Prepare your site for planting between the last frost on March 31 and the first frost on November 6. Take advantage of the favorable 44.1 score by starting your soil prep this weekend.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fairfield County's county score?
Fairfield County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 45.3 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 Fairfield County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Fairfield County ranks #11 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 Fairfield County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Fairfield County is $683, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Fairfield County a tax score of 83/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fairfield County?
The median household income in Fairfield County, South Carolina is $46,972 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fairfield County earns an income score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fairfield County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Fairfield County scores 45.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Fairfield 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 Fairfield County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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