CountyScore

Georgetown County

South Carolina · SC

#31 in South Carolina
66.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Georgetown County, South Carolina

Georgetown ranks 34 points above national median

Georgetown County's composite score of 66.8 substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties for livability. This reflects solid performance across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Slightly below South Carolina average

At 66.8, Georgetown County ranks just below the state average of 68.2, placing it in the middle tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county remains competitively positioned within the state.

Excellent tax rate and health outcomes

Georgetown leads with a tax score of 90.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.426%—South Carolina's lowest. Health outcomes (66.5) also exceed state averages, and economic risk is minimal at 7.5.

Higher housing costs, modest incomes

Georgetown's cost score of 74.3 reflects rising real estate pressures, with median home values at $262,300 and rents averaging $1,166/month. Income scores of 26.9 suggest limited high-wage opportunities relative to housing costs.

Perfect for coastal-seeking tax optimizers

Georgetown County appeals to retirees and professionals seeking a low-tax, health-conscious coastal lifestyle with stable economics. The tradeoff is higher housing costs, making it most suitable for those with established wealth or solid incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.3Cost74.3SafetyComing SoonHealth66.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.9Risk7.5WaterComing Soon
🏛90.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.5
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 Georgetown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cochise County
Arizona
66.8
Median income: $58,970
Chattooga County
Georgia
66.8
Median income: $47,785
Clay County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $57,266
Piatt County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $87,516
Hamilton County
Kansas
66.8
Median income: $61,929

Deep Dives

Georgetown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Georgetown County

via CostByCounty

Georgetown rents run above national average

Renters in Georgetown spend 21.0% of their income on housing, slightly above South Carolina's 20.1% state average. With median rents of $1,166 and a household income of $66,734, Georgetown reflects its status as a coastal destination with premium pricing.

Upper-tier affordability in South Carolina

Georgetown ranks among South Carolina's pricier counties, with a 21.0% rent-to-income ratio and median rents of $1,166—well above the state average of $945. The county's coastal location and tourism economy drive housing premiums relative to inland peers.

Coastal premium over Pee Dee inland counties

Georgetown's $1,166 median rent substantially exceeds inland counties like Dillon ($692), Florence ($908), and Edgefield ($854). The coastal location commands a pricing premium, though it remains more affordable than Charleston metro areas like Dorchester ($1,381).

Homeownership offers meaningful savings

While renters spend 21.0% of income on housing ($1,166 monthly), homeowners pay $846—roughly 15.2% of the median household income of $66,734. The median home value of $262,300 remains accessible relative to coastal alternatives.

Georgetown appeals to coastal-seeking buyers

If you're drawn to South Carolina's coast and can manage a 21% rent-to-income ratio, Georgetown offers beach access at lower prices than Charleston metro alternatives. Median home values of $262,300 position the county as an attractive option for relocating homebuyers seeking coastal lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Georgetown County

via HealthByCounty

Georgetown's health profile moderately strong

Georgetown residents live an average of 73.5 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years but reasonably healthy for a Lowcountry county. With 17% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national median of 18%, suggesting relatively good health management. This coastal county's profile indicates stable, above-median health outcomes.

Georgetown outperforms South Carolina average

At 73.5 years, Georgetown's life expectancy exceeds South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by 1 year. The county's poor/fair health rate of 17% sits below state norms, ranking Georgetown in the upper half of South Carolina counties. Georgetown's coastal location and economic profile support better-than-average health outcomes.

Georgetown stands among strong performers

Georgetown's 73.5-year life expectancy exceeds Edgefield County (74.5 years) but lags Dorchester (76.4 years) and Greenville (76.1 years). Primary care providers number 63 per 100K, outpacing Dillon (39) and Fairfield (44) but trailing Florence (99) and Greenwood (117). Georgetown balances moderate access with reasonable health outcomes.

Uninsured rate near state baseline

Georgetown's uninsured rate of 11.8% sits just above the state average of 11.6%, meaning most residents carry coverage. With 63 primary care providers per 100K, access is adequate though not exceptional, and mental health providers number 96 per 100K. Insurance coverage enables residents to use available providers for preventive and chronic care.

Maintain coverage in Georgetown

Georgetown's uninsured rate is near state average; those without plans should visit healthcare.gov to secure coverage during enrollment. With 63 primary care providers available, insurance connects you to routine checkups and disease management. Regular access to care through your plan helps prevent costly complications.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Georgetown County

via RiskByCounty

Georgetown faces among highest state risks

Georgetown County scores 92.49 on the composite risk scale, far exceeding both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This relatively moderate rating reflects the county's coastal geography and exposure to multiple overlapping hazard zones.

Georgetown ranks in the state's top tier

With a composite score of 92.49, Georgetown ranks among South Carolina's highest-risk counties, with only a few urban and coastal peers registering comparable exposure levels. The county's position on the Atlantic coast and its low-lying terrain create exceptional vulnerability.

Coastal position amplifies Georgetown's risk

Georgetown's 92.49 score closely mirrors Dorchester County (93.70) and nearly matches Greenville County (93.96), placing it in South Carolina's most hazard-exposed tier. Inland counties like Greenwood (72.74) and Fairfield (40.81) face dramatically lower composite risks.

Hurricanes and flooding top Georgetown threats

Hurricane risk reaches 98.29—the highest in this county profile set—while flood risk scores 86.40 due to tidal and riverine exposure. Wildfire risk at 91.35 and earthquake risk at 91.41 compound the threat picture, making Georgetown one of South Carolina's most exposed counties.

Comprehensive coverage is absolutely critical

Georgetown residents must obtain flood insurance and windstorm policies without delay, as neither is included in standard homeowners coverage. With hurricane risk at 98.29 and flood risk at 86.40, uninsured property in Georgetown faces near-certain exposure to major losses.

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.