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Greenwood County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#38 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39
County Score
Property Tax 76Water Quality 68.2Weather & Climate 57.4

County Report Card

About Greenwood County, South Carolina

Greenwood Below the National Benchmark

Greenwood County registers a composite score of 39.0, placing it well behind the 50.0 national median. It struggles to compete nationally across most livability dimensions.

Performance Below the State Average

The county's 39.0 score trails the South Carolina average of 42.8. This gap is largely due to lower scores in safety and economic opportunity compared to state peers.

Moderate Costs and Reliable Utilities

Greenwood maintains a solid water score of 68.2 and a cost score of 56.2. Housing remains accessible with a median gross rent of $880, while the tax score sits at 76.0.

Economic and Security Difficulties

Safety is a major concern with a score of 7.5, and the income score lags at 16.0. Household incomes average $50,635, limiting purchasing power for many local residents.

A Starting Point for Budget Living

Greenwood offers a low-cost entry point into South Carolina for those prioritizing affordable rent and decent infrastructure. However, those seeking high security and rapid income growth may find better fits elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax76Cost56.2Safety7.5Health33.2Schools28.1Income16Risk27.3Water68.2Weather57.4
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Greenwood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Greenwood County

via TaxByCounty

Greenwood rates below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greenwood County

via CostByCounty

Greenwood rents sit just at state average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greenwood County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenwood lags the national income median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greenwood County

via CrimeByCounty

Greenwood Above National Crime Rate

Greenwood's total crime rate of 3,054.4 per 100K exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 95.2.

Close to the South Carolina Average

Greenwood’s safety score of 95.2 is just a fraction below the South Carolina average of 95.4. It sits near the middle of the pack for safety across the state's counties.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Counties

With a total crime rate of 3,054.4, Greenwood sees more activity than the state average of 2,920.8. It also maintains a higher crime rate than neighboring Greenville.

Property Crime Drives Totals

Property crime is the main driver at 2,588.4 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average. Violent crime is 466.0, elevated compared to national levels but lower than the state average.

Secure Your Property in Greenwood

Because property crime is prevalent, residents should ensure all outbuildings and vehicles are locked. Investing in monitored security systems can provide an extra layer of protection for local homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greenwood County

via HealthByCounty

Greenwood approaches national health parity

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greenwood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Local Education in Greenwood County

Greenwood County provides education to 10,617 students through a network of 20 public schools. The system is distributed across four districts and includes 10 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools. This infrastructure serves a mix of town centers and rural outskirts.

Graduation Rates Near State Averages

Greenwood County reports a graduation rate of 83.9%, sitting just below the state average of 84.2%. The county spends $6,929 per pupil, which is slightly lower than the South Carolina state average but supports a school score of 50.2. These metrics reflect a system that is closely aligned with statewide educational performance.

Greenwood 50 Leads the County

Greenwood 50 is the largest district in the area, overseeing 13 schools and 8,610 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning education is managed entirely through the traditional four-district model. Smaller districts like Greenwood 51 and 52 serve the surrounding rural communities.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The county's schools are split between 11 rural and nine town settings, with an average school size of 559 students. Greenwood High is the largest institution, enrolling ,1730 students and serving as a major community hub. This mix ensures that families can find both large-scale high school experiences and smaller elementary environments.

Search for Homes in Greenwood

Greenwood County offers a balanced lifestyle with schools that are deeply integrated into the local community. Homes near Greenwood High or Emerald High are popular choices for families wanting to stay connected to the county's academic and athletic life. Explore our local real estate listings to find a home that fits your educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greenwood County

via RiskByCounty

Greenwood faces moderate disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greenwood County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warm Piedmont climate

Greenwood County's 62.0°F average temperature is well above the national median. This climate supports a long outdoor season with a relatively mild year-round feel.

Slightly cooler and drier than average

The county is 0.8 degrees cooler than the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. It also receives 43.9 inches of rain, which is five inches less than the state average of 48.9 inches.

One of the region's drier spots

Compared to the state average, Greenwood is noticeably drier with only 43.9 inches of annual precipitation. Its 62.0°F temperature makes it a standard representative of the lower Piedmont region.

Hot Julys and crisp winters

Residents face 58 days of extreme heat per year, with July averaging 80.3°F. Winter is mild but cool at 45.1°F, bringing a light 0.7 inches of annual snow.

Plan for a drier environment

The 43.9 inches of annual rain means water management is more important here than in wetter coastal counties. Prepare for nearly two months of 90-degree days during the peak summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greenwood County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Soils with Moderate Acidity

Greenwood County holds a soil score of 20.0, very close to the South Carolina state average. Its average pH of 5.46 is notably less acidic than many neighboring counties, though still under the national median.

High Silt and Clay Content

At 55.2% sand, 27.6% silt, and 16.4% clay, this soil has the highest combined silt and clay in the group. This dense composition allows it to trap and hold onto essential minerals and nutrients.

Leader in Water Retention

Greenwood leads with an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in, well above the state average of 0.115. While organic matter is low at 1.05%, the soil's ability to store water is a major asset during droughts.

Sturdy and Moisture-Rich

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high clay and silt percentages suggest a slower, more deliberate drainage pattern. This makes the land very resilient to drying out but potentially slower to warm in spring.

Steady Yields in Zone 8a

Zone 8a's climate pairs well with Greenwood's superior water-holding soil for thirsty crops like corn and melons. Boost your garden's low organic matter with compost to create a truly high-performing plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greenwood County

via LawnByCounty

Optimized Growing in Greenwood County

Greenwood County holds the highest lawn difficulty score in the region at 44.7, making it the easiest area for turf management. This score is nearly 10 points higher than the South Carolina state average of 35.1. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, it offers a balanced climate for both warm and cool-season grasses.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation of 43.9 inches sits right in the middle of the ideal range for healthy turf. The county faces 58 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 63, reducing the risk of summer burn. With 5143 growing degree days, the season is productive without being overly intense.

Balanced Soils for Better Nutrient Retention

With a pH of 5.46, Greenwood’s soil is less acidic than many coastal counties but still benefits from lime. The composition of 55.2% sand and a healthy 16.4% clay provides excellent structure for holding water and fertilizer. While drainage class data is unavailable, this texture typically supports strong root systems.

Navigating a Year of Severe Drought

Every part of Greenwood County is currently under severe drought conditions, and the area has seen 24 weeks of drought this year. Because the soil is currently 100% abnormally dry, irrigation should focus on the early morning hours to prevent evaporation. Avoid applying heavy fertilizers until natural rainfall returns to prevent chemical burn.

Maximize Your High Lawn Care Score

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for Greenwood’s full-sun areas, while Fescue can work in the shade. The primary growing window begins after the April 1 frost and lasts until the first freeze on November 12. With a score of 44.7, your efforts here will yield better results than almost anywhere else in the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenwood County's county score?
Greenwood County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39 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 Greenwood County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Greenwood County ranks #38 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 Greenwood County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Greenwood County is $973, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Greenwood County a tax score of 76/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenwood County?
The median household income in Greenwood County, South Carolina is $50,635 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenwood County earns an income score of 16/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenwood County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Greenwood County scores 39/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Greenwood 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 Greenwood County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.