countyscore

Georgetown County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#25 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
41.9
County Score
Property Tax 92.6Income & Jobs 59.1Weather & Climate 52.8

County Report Card

About Georgetown County, South Carolina

Georgetown Below the National Median

Georgetown County's composite score of 41.8 sits below the national median of 50.0. The score is tempered by high environmental risks common in coastal regions.

A Typical South Carolina Profile

With a 41.8 score, Georgetown is nearly aligned with the South Carolina average of 42.8. It reflects the state's broader trends of low taxes paired with environmental and safety challenges.

Exceptional Taxes and Growing Wealth

The county excels with a tax score of 92.3, driven by a low 0.426% effective rate. Household income is relatively strong at $66,734, earning an income score of 58.5.

Environmental and Safety Constraints

A low risk score of 7.5 indicates significant exposure to natural hazards. Safety also remains a concern, with the county scoring 12.2 in this critical dimension.

A Draw for Retirees and Professionals

Georgetown is a prime location for those with established wealth looking to minimize tax liabilities. It offers a coastal lifestyle for residents who can afford the insurance and precautions necessitated by its high-risk profile.

2040608010092.632.512.243.440.859.17.552.752.8Tax92.6Cost32.5Safety12.2Health43.4Schools40.8Income59.1Risk7.5Water52.7Weather52.841.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Georgetown County DNA

Foverall

How Georgetown County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Georgetown County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.6+40.599999999999994
Cost
32.5-15.5
Safety
12.2-42.8
Health
43.4
Schools
40.8-13.200000000000003
Income
59.1+8.100000000000001
Risk
7.5-39.5
Water
52.7
Weather
52.8
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Georgetown County

Whether buying or refinancing in Georgetown County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$289,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,204/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$289,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,713/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

67.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Georgetown County with Colusa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Colusa County
California
Median income: $75,672
41.9
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $86,586
41.9
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $66,630
41.9
Middlesex County
New Jersey
Median income: $111,549
41.9
Cleveland County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,534
41.9
Franklin County
Ohio
Median income: $75,176
41.9
Craig County
Oklahoma
Median income: $51,922
41.9
Kershaw County
South Carolina
Median income: $68,231
41.9

Nearby counties

Williamsburg County
South Carolina
39.2
Horry County
South Carolina
39.3
Marion County
South Carolina
45.8
Berkeley County
South Carolina
35.2
Florence County
South Carolina
38.9
Charleston County
South Carolina
43.6
Clarendon County
South Carolina
42.8
Dillon County
South Carolina
40

Deep Dives

Georgetown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Georgetown County

via TaxByCounty

Georgetown has lowest rates nationwide

Georgetown's 0.426% effective property tax rate places it in the very bottom tier nationally—lower than 97% of U.S. counties—well below the median of 0.87%. At $1,117 median annual tax on homes valued at $262,300, Georgetown offers coastal living with exceptionally light taxation.

South Carolina's lightest tax load

Georgetown's 0.426% effective rate is the lowest in South Carolina, nearly 22% below the state average of 0.542%. Despite median home values of $262,300—among the highest statewide—residents pay only $1,117 in median annual property tax, the lowest in this eight-county group relative to home value.

Georgetown's unbeatable advantage

Georgetown's 0.426% rate is decisively the lowest in the region, beating the second-place Florence County (0.438%) by a meaningful margin. The county combines the region's most favorable tax rate with homes valued near the regional median, creating an exceptional value proposition.

Coastal county, minimal tax bills

A typical Georgetown County home valued at $262,300 carries an estimated annual property tax of just $1,117. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $1,280; without, the figure is $861.

Appeal if value seems off

Georgetown's low effective rate doesn't guarantee accurate individual assessments—waterfront or specialty properties often face valuation challenges. Requesting an appeal review is wise if your assessed value doesn't align with recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Georgetown County

via IncomeByCounty

Georgetown approaches the national median

Georgetown County's median household income of $66,734 trails the national median of $74,755 by 11%, placing it close to average American household income. Per capita income of $43,928 substantially exceeds national norms, reflecting strong individual earnings despite moderate household figures. Georgetown's economy shows pockets of prosperity alongside moderate households.

Upper-middle tier in South Carolina

Georgetown ranks in the upper half of South Carolina's 46 counties with median household income 17% above the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $43,928 far exceeds the state average of $32,382 by 36%, signaling high individual earners and affluent residents. Georgetown attracts wealth and professional-class workers to the Lowcountry.

Coastal prosperity rivals Charleston region

Georgetown's median income of $66,734 compares favorably to Horry County ($61,200) and outpaces inland counties substantially. Charleston County and Beaufort County, Georgetown's Lowcountry peers, record higher overall incomes but Georgetown stands as a strong regional economic player. Waterfront access and tourism drive Georgetown's above-average prosperity.

Housing costs rising with coastal appeal

Georgetown's rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% indicates housing absorbs just over one-fifth of household income—a manageable but increasing burden. Median home values of $262,300 reflect coastal desirability and property appreciation, requiring substantial household resources. Rising housing costs are the county's primary affordability challenge as coastal development continues.

Leverage coastal property appreciation

Georgetown's strong per capita income and appreciating real estate create excellent wealth-building conditions through property investment and long-term homeownership. Residents should explore real estate diversification, retirement savings acceleration, and education investments for children. Professional financial planning helps Georgetown's affluent individuals and families optimize wealth across generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Georgetown County

via CrimeByCounty

Coastal Safety Trends in Georgetown

Georgetown's total crime rate of 2,588.3 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a solid safety score of 95.9.

Exceeding State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 95.9 is better than the South Carolina average of 95.4. Georgetown manages to keep crime rates lower than several of its coastal peers.

Lower Crime Than State Average

Georgetown's crime rate of 2,588.3 is notably lower than the state average of 2,920.8. It offers a safer alternative to higher-density counties like Florence.

Violent and Property Crime Levels

Property crime sits at 2,063.1 per 100K, which is very close to the national average. Violent crime is 525.2, higher than the national average of 369.8 but below the state average.

Standard Precautions for Georgetown

Since property crime aligns with national averages, standard home security practices remain effective. Motion-activated lights and visible security decals help discourage opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Georgetown County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild maritime climate

Georgetown County's 64.0°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median. Ocean breezes help moderate the extremes found in more continental locations.

Wetter than the state average

The county receives 53.8 inches of annual rain, far exceeding the South Carolina average of 48.9 inches. Its 64.0°F temperature is also 1.2 degrees warmer than the state mean.

High humidity and coastal rain

Georgetown is notably wetter than many neighbors, with 53.8 inches of rain annually. The ocean influence keeps it warmer than inland counties, averaging 64.0°F year-round.

Moderate heat and mild winters

There are 51 days of extreme heat annually, which is fewer than inland areas due to coastal cooling. Winter is pleasant with a 48.4°F average, and snowfall data remains unavailable for this seaside region.

Gear up for heavy rain

With 53.8 inches of annual precipitation, high-quality rain gear and home moisture control are vital. Residents enjoy fewer 90-degree days than inland neighbors, but humidity remains a constant factor.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Georgetown County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Coastal Soil Quality

Georgetown County earns a high soil score of 28.0, beating the state average of 20.6 by a wide margin. Its pH of 5.10 is lower than the state average, requiring lime for most traditional vegetable gardening.

Sandy Texture with Hidden Depth

The soil is 71.3% sand and 10.3% clay, yet it behaves differently than typical beach sand. This sand-heavy mix is common in the Lowcountry, providing an open structure for root systems to expand.

Rich Organic Powerhouse

At 4.33%, the organic matter content is the highest in the region and more than double the national average. This fertility helps offset a lower available water capacity of 0.103 in/in.

Poorly Drained Coastal Flats

Despite the sand content, the soil is classified as poorly drained, likely due to a high water table or flat terrain. This requires gardeners to use raised beds or improved drainage systems for many plant types.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

The combination of high organic matter and a warm 8b climate makes Georgetown excellent for hydrangeas and ferns. Capitalize on that rich natural fertility by starting a coastal-style kitchen garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Georgetown County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Humidity and Lawn Care Difficulty

Georgetown County’s lawn difficulty score of 26.5 reflects the challenges of coastal gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b. It is significantly harder to maintain turf here than the South Carolina average of 35.1. Excess moisture and soil drainage issues are the primary hurdles for local homeowners.

Heavy Precipitation and High Growth Activity

With 53.8 inches of annual rain, Georgetown is wetter than the state average and the ideal 50-inch lawn threshold. Despite having fewer extreme heat days (51) than the state average, the 5650 growing degree days ensure a very long season. Managing fungal diseases is a top priority when high rainfall meets coastal humidity.

Managing Poorly Drained Sandy Basins

Unlike most sandy regions, Georgetown’s 71.3% sand soil is often poorly drained, which can lead to standing water and root rot. The pH of 5.10 is acidic and requires significant correction to reach the ideal lawn range. Homeowners should focus on aerating the soil to improve oxygen flow to the roots in these heavy conditions.

Severe Drought Risks in a Wet Climate

Despite high annual rainfall, 99.0% of the county is currently in severe drought, part of a 26-week drought cycle. This extreme shift from wet to dry creates massive stress for lawns with 10.3% clay. Watering should be done in the early morning to ensure maximum absorption before the sun gets too high.

Coastal Turf Recommendations for Georgetown

St. Augustine grass is well-suited for Georgetown because it handles the humidity and occasional poor drainage better than other types. The long growing season begins after the March 23 frost and extends until November 18. Be sure to check your soil pH before planting to ensure your new turf can actually access nutrients.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Georgetown County's county score?
Georgetown County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Georgetown County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Georgetown County ranks #25 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 Georgetown County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Georgetown County is $1,190, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Georgetown County a tax score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Georgetown County?
The median household income in Georgetown County, South Carolina is $68,713 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Georgetown County earns an income score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Georgetown County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Georgetown County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Georgetown 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 Georgetown County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.