countyscore

Greenville County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#27 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.8
County Score
Property Tax 83.1Income & 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.

2040608010083.119.310.165.627.976.8671.871.8Tax83.1Cost19.3Safety10.1Health65.6Schools27.9Income76.8Risk6Water71.8Weather71.840.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Greenville County DNA

Foverall

How Greenville County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greenville County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (83.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.1+31.099999999999994
Cost
19.3-28.7
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Greenville County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$273,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,198/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$273,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,624/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

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
Compare Greenville County with Delta County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Delta County
Colorado
Median income: $58,330
40.8
Allen County
Kansas
Median income: $57,618
40.8
Logan County
Oklahoma
Median income: $82,735
40.8
Bedford County
Tennessee
Median income: $62,197
40.8
Knox County
Tennessee
Median income: $71,662
40.8
Montague County
Texas
Median income: $62,818
40.8
Upshur County
Texas
Median income: $62,794
40.8
Yavapai County
Arizona
Median income: $66,106
40.7

Nearby counties

Pickens County
South Carolina
50.4
Polk County
North Carolina
52.6
Transylvania County
North Carolina
56.4
Spartanburg County
South Carolina
40.3
Henderson County
North Carolina
48.1
Anderson County
South Carolina
40.9
Laurens County
South Carolina
43.8
Oconee County
South Carolina
48

Deep Dives

Greenville County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Greenville County

via CostByCounty

Greenville aligns with national affordability

Renters in Greenville spend 19.3% of their income on housing—essentially matching South Carolina's 20.1% state average and falling within national comfort zones. With a median household income of $74,624 and rents of $1,198 monthly, Greenville delivers balanced affordability for a growing metro area.

Greenville balances growth with accessibility

Greenville's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio places it among South Carolina's more affordable larger counties despite rapid regional growth. Median rents of $1,198 exceed the state average of $945, yet strong incomes keep the burden manageable relative to peer metros.

Growth premium over rural Upstate peers

Greenville's $1,198 median rent exceeds nearby Greenwood ($880) and Edgefield ($854), reflecting its status as the Upstate's economic engine. The income premium of $74,624 offsets higher rents, maintaining affordability relative to peers despite metro growth.

Both renters and owners find stability

Renters spend 19.3% of income on housing while homeowners invest 17.8%—both well-managed relative to household income of $74,624. A median home value of $273,900 and $1,105 monthly owner costs reflect a mature market with diverse price points.

Greenville rewards metro-area relocators

If you're seeking a dynamic South Carolina city with managed housing costs, Greenville's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio and strong income base make it compelling. Your housing dollars work efficiently here while accessing urban amenities and economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Greenville County

via SchoolsByCounty

The State's Largest Educational Hub

Greenville County manages a massive network of 103 public schools serving 87,192 students. This includes 55 elementary schools, 20 middle schools, and 23 high schools, making it the educational centerpiece of the Upstate region. It is one of the most complex and diverse school systems in the Southeast.

Strong Graduation Trends in the Upstate

The county maintains an 86.2% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 84.2%. Although per-pupil spending of $6,525 is lower than the state and national averages, the system remains highly competitive with a school score of 50.5. The sheer scale of the district allows for specialized programs that drive these solid outcomes.

Greenville 01 and Charter Innovation

Greenville 01 is a regional giant, managing 92 schools and nearly 78,000 students. The county also embraces choice, with 11 charter schools representing over 10% of all local campuses. Notably, the Cyber Academy of South Carolina serves nearly 4,000 students as a leading non-traditional option.

Suburban Powerhouses and Large Campuses

The county's schools are primarily suburban, with 60 campuses located in these areas and an average enrollment of 881 students. Large high schools like Mauldin and Hillcrest serve over 2,100 students each, offering collegiate-level facilities and diverse programs. This system provides a high-energy, resource-rich environment for students across the county.

Find Your Place in a Top Upstate District

Greenville's vast school system offers a neighborhood for every family, from bustling suburban zones to quiet rural pockets. Proximity to high-performing academies like J. L. Mann can significantly influence local home values. Start your journey in the Upstate by browsing homes in South Carolina's most dynamic school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greenville County

via RiskByCounty

Greenville faces very high composite risk

Greenville County scores 93.96 on the composite risk scale, significantly exceeding both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This relatively moderate rating masks exceptionally high vulnerability across multiple hazard categories.

Greenville ranks among the state's highest

With a composite score of 93.96, Greenville ranks as one of South Carolina's most hazard-exposed counties, exceeded only by a single peer in this dataset. The county's size, urban density, and geographic position create compounding risk across diverse hazard types.

Greenville's risks among state's most severe

Greenville's 93.96 score ranks it near the top statewide, comparable to Georgetown County (92.49) and Dorchester County (93.70). Inland, lower-risk counties like Greenwood (72.74) and Fairfield (40.81) face risks less than half as severe.

Tornadoes and flooding drive Greenville risk

Tornado risk peaks at 96.63 in Greenville County, while flood risk reaches 96.02—among the state's highest for both hazards due to the county's terrain and weather patterns. Earthquake risk (92.78) and moderate hurricane exposure (83.02) complete a severe four-hazard profile.

Multiple policies protect your investment

Greenville residents should carry separate flood and windstorm policies immediately, as standard homeowners coverage excludes both. With tornado and flood risks exceeding 96, the cost of comprehensive insurance is far less than the risk of catastrophic uninsured losses.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greenville County

via WaterByCounty

Greenville Leads with Exceptional Water Quality

Greenville County earns an A grade with only one health violation recorded in five years. Its violation rate of 0.2 per 100,000 residents is among the lowest in the state, far outperforming the 22.2 South Carolina average. This reflects a highly efficient and safe public drinking water system.

Greenville Reports 0% Watershed Impairment

All five of the county’s assessed water bodies met federal Clean Water Act standards in the 2022 reporting cycle. With 0% impairment, Greenville’s watersheds are significantly healthier than the state average of 42.6%. This status indicates effective local conservation and runoff management strategies.

Vast Monitoring Network Across Greenville

Forty-six monitoring sites have generated 7,192 measurements over the past five years. These sites track everything from physical characteristics to metals and nutrients. This comprehensive footprint allows for early detection of any changes in the county’s currently pristine watershed health.

Saluda River Flow Down to 23% of Mean

The Saluda River near Williamston currently records a discharge of 169 cfs, compared to a long-term mean of 726 cfs. While the river is flowing, it is at just 23% of its typical volume for this season. Low flows like this can impact hydroelectric operations and recreational river usage.

Strong Source Protection Despite Low Flows

Greenville's 0% impairment rate and Grade A compliance make its water some of the safest in the region. Even with the Saluda River running low, the quality of source water remains high. Well owners should still perform annual tests to ensure their private systems match the quality of the public grid.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 #27 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 $1,445, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Greenville County a tax score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenville County?
The median household income in Greenville County, South Carolina is $74,624 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 #27 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.