Greenwood County's composite score of 68.1 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This solid performance demonstrates reliable livability across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.
2 / 5
Right at South Carolina average
At 68.1, Greenwood County matches the state average of 68.2 almost exactly, placing it in the middle tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county represents the state's typical livability profile.
3 / 5
Affordable housing and low taxes
Greenwood excels in cost (81.7) and tax efficiency (85.8), with an effective tax rate of 0.585% and homes averaging $166,400. Renters benefit from median rents of $880/month, making the county attractive for budget-conscious residents.
4 / 5
Limited income and economic growth
Greenwood's income score of 16.4 is weak, with a median household income of $50,635 suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. The risk score of 27.3 also indicates moderate economic vulnerability and job market challenges.
5 / 5
Best for value seekers with modest means
Greenwood County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency over income growth or economic dynamism. It's well-suited for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a lower cost of living in a stable community.
Greenwood County's composite score of 68.1 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This solid performance demonstrates reliable livability across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.
Right at South Carolina average
At 68.1, Greenwood County matches the state average of 68.2 almost exactly, placing it in the middle tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county represents the state's typical livability profile.
Affordable housing and low taxes
Greenwood excels in cost (81.7) and tax efficiency (85.8), with an effective tax rate of 0.585% and homes averaging $166,400. Renters benefit from median rents of $880/month, making the county attractive for budget-conscious residents.
Limited income and economic growth
Greenwood's income score of 16.4 is weak, with a median household income of $50,635 suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. The risk score of 27.3 also indicates moderate economic vulnerability and job market challenges.
Best for value seekers with modest means
Greenwood County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency over income growth or economic dynamism. It's well-suited for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a lower cost of living in a stable community.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.585%, Greenwood's effective property tax rate is still below the U.S. median of 0.87%, placing it in the bottom 30% of American counties. The median annual tax of $973 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, even accounting for Greenwood's modest home values.
Highest rate in this eight-county group
Greenwood's 0.585% effective rate is the highest among these eight South Carolina counties, slightly above the state average of 0.542%. Its $973 median property tax is slightly below the state median of $939, a testament to the county's relatively affordable home values of $166,400.
Greenwood's rate ties region's high
Greenwood's 0.585% rate is effectively tied with Dorchester (0.581%) as the region's highest, substantially above Georgetown (0.426%) and Florence (0.438%). The county's modest median home value of $166,400 moderates the overall tax burden despite the higher rate.
Higher rate, lower-value homes
A typical Greenwood County home valued at $166,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $973. With a mortgage, homeowners report paying $1,148; without, the figure is $792.
Higher rates make appeals more valuable
In counties with higher effective rates like Greenwood, even modest assessment overvaluation translates to meaningful annual savings. An appeal is especially worthwhile here—a correction of just 5% on your home's assessed value could save $50+ yearly.
Renters in Greenwood spend 20.9% of their income on housing—just above South Carolina's 20.1% state average and within national norms. With a median household income of $50,635 and rents of $880 monthly, Greenwood delivers accessible housing for working-class households.
Greenwood maintains mid-tier affordability
Greenwood's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio places it near South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, positioning it as a reliable middle-ground county. Median rents of $880 run modestly below the state average of $945, supporting consistent local affordability.
Undercuts Greenville, exceeds Edgefield
Greenwood's $880 median rent sits comfortably between Edgefield ($854) and Greenville ($1,198), anchoring the mid-Upstate affordability scale. The county's lower income base of $50,635 makes its rents carry slightly more weight than wealthier Greenville neighbors.
Homeownership offers modest advantage
Renters spend 20.9% of income on housing while homeowners pay $712 monthly—roughly 16.8% of the median household income of $50,635. A median home value of $166,400 keeps homeownership within reach for working families seeking equity.
Greenwood suits value-focused relocators
If you're comparing Upstate South Carolina counties for honest, stable housing costs, Greenwood's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio and $166,400 median home values deliver consistency. Your income stretches effectively here without the metro premium of nearby Greenville.
Greenwood County's median household income of $50,635 falls 32% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in America's lower-income tier. Per capita income of $31,018 trails national averages, reflecting limited individual earnings across the county. Greenwood faces economic headwinds typical of post-industrial rural communities.
Below-average earner in South Carolina
Greenwood ranks in the lower half of South Carolina's 46 counties with median household income 11% below the state average of $57,006. Per capita income of $31,018 trails the state average by 4%, suggesting income concentration among fewer households. Greenwood residents experience tighter financial constraints than most South Carolinians.
Trails Upstate and CSRA neighbors
Greenwood's $50,635 median income falls behind Laurens County ($53,400) and Abbeville County ($51,800), while matching rural peers like Saluda. Edgefield and Aiken counties to the east substantially outpace Greenwood due to stronger regional economies. Greenwood's position in the Upstate's lower tier reflects manufacturing decline and limited job growth.
Housing remains relatively affordable
Greenwood's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% indicates housing claims just over one-fifth of household income—a notable burden for lower-earning families. Median home values of $166,400 are achievable for working families, though they demand careful budgeting. Housing affordability is Greenwood's relative strength in an economically challenged county.
Start small with emergency savings
Greenwood households should prioritize building small emergency savings before aggressive investing; financial stability precedes wealth building. Free financial counseling through nonprofits and government programs helps residents stretch budgets and plan for homeownership. Even modest, consistent saving compounds into meaningful assets over decades of discipline and commitment.
Greenwood residents live an average of 72.9 years, just 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 20.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county slightly exceeds the national median of 18%, indicating moderate health challenges. These metrics suggest Greenwood residents face some chronic disease burden but are broadly healthier than the worst-performing counties.
Greenwood slightly exceeds state baseline
At 72.9 years, Greenwood's life expectancy modestly outpaces South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by just 0.4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 20.4% sits slightly above state norms, suggesting typical South Carolina health challenges. Greenwood represents the state's median health profile with notable strengths in provider access.
Greenwood shines in provider density
Greenwood's 72.9-year life expectancy falls short of Dorchester (76.4 years) and Greenville (76.1 years) but exceeds Edgefield (74.5 years). However, Greenwood boasts an exceptional 407 mental health providers per 100K—the highest in this cohort—and 117 primary care providers per 100K. This provider density far exceeds most South Carolina counties, offering superior behavioral health access.
Mental health strength offsets modest gaps
Greenwood's uninsured rate of 11.6% matches the state average, with most residents carrying coverage. The county's exceptional mental health provider network of 407 per 100K means residents can access behavioral health care more readily than in most counties. With 117 primary care providers per 100K, Greenwood also maintains solid access to routine medical care.
Tap Greenwood's mental health advantage
Greenwood offers 407 mental health providers per 100K—unmatched among South Carolina counties—so securing insurance maximizes behavioral health access. Uninsured residents should visit healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage and connect to the county's robust mental health network. Your plan unlocks preventive care and behavioral health support that sustain long-term wellness.
Greenwood County scores 72.74 on the composite risk scale, slightly exceeding South Carolina's state average of 70.75 and positioning itself in the relatively low risk category. This moderate profile reflects the county's mix of upland and low-lying terrain across the piedmont region.
Greenwood ranks in the state's middle tier
With a composite score of 72.74, Greenwood ranks near the state average but substantially below the state's highest-risk coastal and urban counties. The county represents a moderate-risk profile typical of inland piedmont areas.
Greenwood falls between peers in risk
Greenwood's 72.74 score positions it well below Dillon County (84.32), Florence County (89.57), and Greenville County (93.96), but significantly above the safest counties like Edgefield (21.98) and Fairfield (40.81). It occupies a middle ground among South Carolina's diverse county risk profiles.
Tornadoes present the greatest threat
Tornado risk at 85.59 is Greenwood's most significant hazard, while earthquake risk (84.00) and hurricane risk (75.59) pose moderate but meaningful threats. Flood risk (66.22) and wildfire risk (54.36) remain below state averages due to the county's upland positioning.
Balanced coverage strategy recommended
Greenwood residents should prioritize windstorm coverage for tornado and hurricane protection, while flood insurance remains optional due to lower flood exposure. A reinforced safe room and standard homeowners policy provide practical, affordable protection for this moderate-risk county.