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Greenville County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#28 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.8
County Score
Property Tax 83.5Income & Jobs 76.8Water Quality 71.8

County Report Card

About Greenville County, South Carolina

Greenville Trails the National Median

Greenville County earns a 40.8 composite score, which sits roughly 9 points below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects urban growing pains despite a booming economy.

Slightly Below the State Average

Greenville's 40.8 score is just under the South Carolina average of 42.8. While it is an economic driver for the state, safety and cost factors pull its overall ranking down.

Strong Incomes and Health Infrastructure

The county boasts a high income score of 76.8, supported by a median household income of $74,624. Residents also benefit from a health score of 65.6 and a robust water score of 71.8.

Housing Pressure and High Risk

Housing affordability is low with a cost score of 19.3 and home values averaging $273,900. Safety (10.1) and environmental risk (6.0) also represent significant areas for improvement.

Suits Ambitious Career Seekers

Greenville is ideal for professionals seeking a high-growth environment and excellent healthcare. Prospective residents must balance the strong earning potential against higher housing costs and urban safety challenges.

2040608010083.519.410.165.627.976.8671.871.8Tax83.5Cost19.4Safety10.1Health65.6Schools27.9Income76.8Risk6Water71.8Weather71.840.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Greenville County DNA

Foverall

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

Greenville County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (83.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.5+31.5
Cost
19.4-28.6
Safety
10.1-44.9
Health
65.6+15.599999999999994
Schools
27.9-26.1
Income
76.8+25.799999999999997
Risk
6-41
Water
71.8+13.799999999999997
Weather
71.8+15.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Greenville County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$299,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,262/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$299,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,932/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.3

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
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Nearby counties

Pickens County
South Carolina
50.2
Polk County
North Carolina
53.8
Transylvania County
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55.8
Spartanburg County
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Henderson County
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Anderson County
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Laurens County
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Deep Dives

Greenville County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greenville County

via TaxByCounty

Greenville taxes below U.S. average

Greenville's 0.528% effective property tax rate sits below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. At $1,445 median annual tax on homes valued at $273,900—near the national median—Greenville delivers affordability relative to property values.

Slightly above South Carolina average

Greenville's 0.528% effective rate is nearly identical to the state average of 0.542%, while its $1,445 median property tax exceeds the state median of $939 due to higher home values. The county sits squarely in the middle of South Carolina's tax distribution.

Greenville in the middle of the pack

At 0.528%, Greenville's rate is competitive within the region—nearly matching Fairfield (0.529%) and sitting below Dorchester (0.581%) and Greenwood (0.585%). With the region's second-highest median home value of $273,900, Greenville balances reasonable tax rates with strong property values.

Growing metro, competitive taxes

A typical Greenville County home valued at $273,900 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,445. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $1,573; without, the figure is $1,232.

Appeal in a fast-growing market

Greenville's rapid growth means assessment records sometimes lag behind reality or, conversely, overestimate value in declining neighborhoods. A professional assessment challenge could correct overvaluation and save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greenville County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenville matches the national average

Greenville County's median household income of $74,624 virtually equals the national median of $74,755, just $131 below the benchmark. Per capita income of $42,299 exceeds national norms, reflecting strong individual earnings across the county. Greenville stands as a genuinely prosperous American community aligned with national economic trends.

South Carolina's economic powerhouse

Greenville ranks among South Carolina's top three counties by income, with median household earnings 31% above the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $42,299 surpasses the state average by 31%, underscoring broad-based prosperity across the county. Greenville's Upstate location and business diversity drive statewide economic leadership.

Dominates the Upstate region

Greenville's $74,624 median income substantially exceeds Spartanburg ($67,800), Anderson ($64,500), and Pickens counties. Only Dorchester County rivals Greenville's income levels statewide, while Charleston County trades competitive positions. Greenville's manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors create the region's strongest labor market.

Housing costs rise with prosperity

Greenville's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% indicates housing claims just under one-fifth of household income—well-managed despite rising demand. Median home values of $273,900 reflect strong appreciation and desirability, though they require significant household commitment. Greenville's prosperity supports homeownership for most working and professional families.

Build sophisticated wealth strategies

Greenville's above-average incomes enable aggressive wealth building through diversified investments, real estate portfolios, and tax-efficient planning. Residents should maximize retirement accounts, explore investment property opportunities, and establish education trusts. Professional financial advisors and wealth managers thrive in Greenville's affluent, opportunity-rich economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greenville County

via CrimeByCounty

Balanced Safety in an Urban Hub

Greenville holds a safety score of 95.6, while its total crime rate of 2,766.8 per 100K is just above the national average. This indicates a relatively balanced safety profile for a major metro area.

Outperforming State Safety Norms

Greenville’s safety score slightly exceeds the South Carolina average of 95.4. It performs well for a large county, keeping total crime below the state average of 2,920.8.

Lower Crime Rates Than Peers

The county's crime rate of 2,766.8 is lower than the state average, showing effective management in a high-population area. It remains safer per capita than nearby Greenwood County.

Property and Violent Crime Stats

Property crime stands at 2,308.9 per 100K, while violent crime is 457.9. While violent crime exceeds the national average of 369.8, it stays well below the state average of 580.8.

Modern Security for Growing Neighborhoods

In a growing urban environment, smart doorbells and package security are becoming essential for residents. Staying aware of surroundings in high-traffic areas helps maintain Greenville’s solid safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greenville County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures and high rain

Greenville County averages 59.4°F, which is closer to the national median than its coastal counterparts. However, its 57.1 inches of annual rain is significantly higher than the national average.

The cooler side of South Carolina

Greenville is much cooler than the state average of 62.8°F, sitting 3.4 degrees below the mean. It is also one of the state's wettest counties, exceeding the average rainfall by over 8 inches.

Wettest in the Upstate region

With 57.1 inches of annual rain, Greenville outpaces most of its neighbors in precipitation. Its 59.4°F temperature makes it a refreshing mountain-adjacent alternative to the hot Midlands.

True winters and mild summers

Summer is more manageable here with only 35 days above 90°F. Winter brings the state's most significant snow at 3.0 inches annually, with a chilly January average of 40.7°F.

Prepare for snow and downpours

Unlike much of the state, Greenville residents need snow shovels for the 3.0-inch annual average. Waterproofing is essential given the heavy 57.1 inches of rain that falls throughout the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greenville County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Loam of the Foothills

Greenville County features sandy loam soils from the Ultisols order, with a pH of 5.15. Its soil score of 13.3 is lower than the state average, indicating some natural limitations in agricultural productivity.

Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The composition is 56.3% sand, 23.6% silt, and 15.4% clay, providing a versatile loamy texture. This balance offers better nutrient retention and root stability than the sandier soils found further east.

Great Storage, Low Organic Base

With an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, these soils hold moisture better than the state average of 0.115. Organic matter is low at 1.45%, so adding leaf mold or compost is vital for local growers.

Productive and Well-Drained

Classified as well-drained and part of Hydrologic Group B, these soils manage water efficiently for both farming and urban development. They provide a stable foundation that resists excessive pooling.

Hardy Growing in Zone 8a

Zone 8a winters are cool enough for apples and warm enough for long tomato seasons. Take advantage of the high water capacity by planting deep-rooted vegetables in this well-drained loamy soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greenville County

via LawnByCounty

Upstate Advantages in Greenville County

Greenville County offers a lawn difficulty score of 40.0, which is nearly five points easier than the state average. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 8a, it benefits from cooler temperatures that are more forgiving for a wider variety of grasses. It remains the most favorable county for lawn care in this local group.

Abundant Rain and Cooler Summer Peaks

Greenville receives 57.1 inches of rain annually, well above the state average and the ideal range for lawns. Crucially, it only sees 35 extreme heat days, which is almost 30 days fewer than the state norm. This lower heat stress, combined with 4477 growing degree days, makes for a more stable growing environment.

Well-Drained Sandy Loam in the Upstate

The county features sandy loam soil that is well-drained, providing an excellent physical medium for roots. While the pH is acidic at 5.15, the soil's 15.4% clay content helps it retain nutrients better than coastal sands. This balance of 56.3% sand allows for good aeration and moisture movement.

Countering 100% Severe Drought Conditions

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, a sharp contrast to its high annual rainfall of 57.1 inches. Greenville has faced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, requiring careful water management despite the cooler climate. To save water, allow your grass to go dormant rather than forcing growth during extreme dry spells.

Greenville’s Transition Zone Planting Guide

Tall Fescue thrives here more than in any other SC region due to the lower number of heat days. Start your seeding after the April 1 frost or in the early fall before the November 4 freeze. Your 40.0 difficulty score means that with consistent watering, you can maintain a premier lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenville County's county score?
Greenville County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 40.8 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 Greenville County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Greenville County ranks #28 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 Greenville County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Greenville County is $1,512, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Greenville County a tax score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenville County?
The median household income in Greenville County, South Carolina is $76,932 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenville County earns an income score of 76.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenville County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Greenville County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Greenville 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 Greenville 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.