CountyScore

Florence County

South Carolina · SC

#28 in South Carolina
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Florence County, South Carolina

Florence performs 35 points above national average

Florence County's composite score of 67.7 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This solid performance reflects a county delivering reliable livability across key dimensions.

Right in line with South Carolina average

At 67.7, Florence County sits just below the state average of 68.2, placing it squarely in the middle ranks among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county performs at the state baseline for overall livability.

Low taxes and strong health metrics

Florence boasts a tax score of 90.0—the state's best—with an effective tax rate of just 0.438%. Health outcomes (63.8) and housing affordability (cost score 79.9) also perform solidly, with homes at $165,500 and rents averaging $908/month.

Modest incomes, limited wage growth

Florence's income score of 20.4 reflects the county's median household income of $56,650, which trails stronger performers. This suggests limited high-wage job opportunities and slower income growth relative to state leaders.

Great for tax-conscious middle-income families

Florence County suits families with moderate incomes seeking excellent tax efficiency, affordable housing, and stable community health. The county's strong tax environment makes it particularly attractive for those looking to maximize household budgets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth63.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.4Risk10.4WaterComing Soon
🏛90
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.4
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 Florence County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Alabama
67.7
Median income: $61,123
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Florence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Florence County

via TaxByCounty

Florence among nation's most affordable

Florence's 0.438% effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, significantly below the U.S. median of 0.87%. The median annual tax of $724 is less than 27% of the national median of $2,690, making Florence one of the cheapest-taxed counties in America.

South Carolina's second-lightest burden

At 0.438%, Florence's effective rate is the second-lowest in South Carolina, edged only by Georgetown County's 0.426%. The median property tax of $724 trails the state average of $939 by 23%, reflecting among the state's most favorable tax climates.

Florence leads on tax affordability

Florence's 0.438% rate is the second-lowest in the eight-county region, surpassed only by Georgetown's 0.426%, yet paired with a reasonable median home value of $165,500. This combination delivers the region's most favorable tax proposition outside Georgetown itself.

Lowest rate, balanced home values

A typical Florence County home valued at $165,500 generates an estimated annual property tax of $724. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $898; without, the figure drops to $527.

Still worth reviewing your assessment

Even with Florence's already-low effective rate, assessment errors occur—especially on properties where sales data is limited. A free appeal could confirm fair value or reveal modest overvaluation, putting extra dollars back in your pocket.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Florence County

via CostByCounty

Florence strikes near-perfect affordability balance

Renters in Florence spend 19.2% of their income on housing—just below South Carolina's 20.1% state average and comfortably aligned with national affordability standards. With a median household income of $56,650 and rents of $908 monthly, the county delivers genuine middle-ground accessibility.

Florence ranks solidly within state norms

Florence's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below South Carolina's 20.1% baseline, placing it among the state's more affordable mid-sized counties. Median rents of $908 run just below the state average of $945, reflecting balanced local economics.

Moderate costs anchor the Pee Dee region

Florence's $908 rent falls between Dillon ($692) and Greenwood ($880), positioning it as the regional middle ground. Compared to coastal peers like Georgetown ($1,166), Florence offers substantial savings while maintaining comparable incomes.

Renters and owners share similar burden

Renters spend 19.2% of income on housing, while homeowners pay $796 monthly—roughly 16.8% of the median household income of $56,650. Both paths remain affordable, with a median home value of $165,500 supporting mixed-tenure accessibility.

Florence works for budget-conscious relocators

If you're comparing South Carolina counties for steady, predictable housing costs, Florence's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio and $165,500 median home value deserve consideration. You'll find balanced affordability alongside a stable regional economy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Florence County

via IncomeByCounty

Florence earns below the national median

Florence County's median household income of $56,650 trails the national median of $74,755 by 24%, reflecting middle-to-lower economic standing relative to America. Per capita income of $31,803 falls just below national norms, indicating moderate earnings distribution. Florence represents a typical working-class community with room for economic growth.

Slightly below South Carolina average

Florence's median household income of $56,650 falls just shy of South Carolina's state average of $57,006, ranking it near the middle of the state's 46 counties. Per capita income of $31,803 lags the state average of $32,382 by 2%, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution. Florence occupies a stable, average position within South Carolina's economic landscape.

Similar earnings to Pee Dee region peers

Florence's $56,650 median income aligns closely with Darlington County and exceeds Dillon County's $44,038 by 28%. Marion County to the east earns comparably, while Sumter County to the west records slightly higher incomes. Florence anchors the middle tier of Pee Dee region prosperity.

Moderate housing cost burden

Florence's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% indicates housing consumes just under one-fifth of household income—a reasonable but notable burden. Median home values of $165,500 are achievable for moderate-income families, particularly those building equity over decades. Florence offers balanced housing affordability relative to its income profile.

Steady earnings support gradual wealth growth

Florence households should emphasize consistent saving from stable employment, targeting homeownership as a primary wealth-building vehicle. Refinancing opportunities and down payment assistance programs can help residents access affordable mortgages. Local credit unions and community banks offer personalized guidance suited to Florence's working-class economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Florence County

via HealthByCounty

Florence's health outlook moderately challenged

Florence residents live an average of 70.8 years, approximately 5.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 18.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs slightly better than the national median of 18%, suggesting mixed health trends. This moderate profile masks pockets of significant health vulnerability.

Florence ranks near South Carolina median

At 70.8 years, Florence's life expectancy falls below South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by 1.7 years but outperforms the worst-performing counties. The county's poor/fair health rate of 18.9% sits near state norms, suggesting Florence represents the state's typical health profile. However, the county offers more robust provider access than many peers.

Florence excels in provider availability

Florence's 99 primary care providers per 100K far exceeds neighboring Dillon County (39 per 100K) and most South Carolina counties. Mental health providers number 301 per 100K—the highest in this cohort—offering strong behavioral health support. This provider density gives Florence residents better access to both preventive and mental health care than most rural counties.

Strong provider access supports outcomes

Florence's uninsured rate of 10.5% sits slightly below the state average of 11.6%, with most residents carrying coverage. The county's exceptional provider network—99 primary care providers and 301 mental health providers per 100K—means residents can access care when needed. This combination of insurance and availability positions Florence well for managing chronic conditions.

Use Florence's strong provider network

Florence's 301 mental health providers per 100K offer outstanding behavioral health access; uninsured residents should check healthcare.gov for plans. With 99 primary care providers available, securing insurance connects you to preventive care and routine checkups. Florence's health infrastructure is strong—make sure you're covered to access it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Florence County

via RiskByCounty

Florence faces very high disaster risk

Florence County scores 89.57 on the composite risk scale, placing it significantly above both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This relatively moderate rating masks exceptionally high exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Florence ranks among the state's riskiest

With a composite score of 89.57, Florence ranks near the very top of South Carolina's natural disaster risk profile, with only a handful of coastal and urban counties exceeding its exposure. The Pee Dee region's geography creates compound vulnerability to multiple simultaneous hazards.

Florence's risks dwarf nearby county averages

Florence's 89.57 score substantially exceeds Greenwood County (72.74) and edges out neighboring Dillon County (84.32). Only the most hazard-exposed coastal counties like Greenville (93.96) and Georgetown (92.49) match or exceed Florence's comprehensive risk profile.

Tornadoes and flooding are critical threats

Tornado risk peaks at 94.59 in Florence County—among the highest in South Carolina—while flood risk reaches 82.57 due to the county's low-lying terrain and river systems. Wildfire risk (86.45) and hurricane exposure (96.00) round out a severe four-hazard combination.

Multiple insurance layers are essential

Florence residents must secure flood insurance and windstorm coverage immediately, as standard homeowners policies cover neither. With tornado, flood, and hurricane risks all exceeding 82, comprehensive protection through separate policies is not a luxury—it's financial survival.

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.