CountyScore

Hampton County

South Carolina · SC

#36 in South Carolina
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Hampton County, South Carolina

Hampton scores well above the national median

Hampton County's composite score of 66.1 sits 32% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties overall. This reflects a county that outperforms most of the nation on livability fundamentals.

Middle-of-the-pack in South Carolina

Hampton's 66.1 score ranks it slightly below South Carolina's state average of 68.2, placing it in the middle tier among the state's counties. It performs respectably but falls short of the state's top performers.

Taxes and affordability shine here

Hampton excels in tax efficiency (79.6) with an effective tax rate of just 0.807%, and boasts exceptional housing affordability with a median home value of $102,400 (score: 85.4). Renters benefit too, with a median gross rent of just $815 per month.

Income and risk need attention

The county's weakest link is income, with a score of just 11.5 and a median household income of $43,059—well below state and national norms. Environmental and economic risk scores (35.2) also suggest vulnerabilities that warrant monitoring.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking affordability

Hampton works best for retirees, young families, and anyone prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher earning potential. Its exceptional affordability makes it attractive to those with modest incomes or fixed retirement resources.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.6Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth55.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.5Risk35.2WaterComing Soon
🏛79.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35.2
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 Hampton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Ada County
Idaho
66.1
Median income: $88,907
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
66.1
Median income: $92,266

Deep Dives

Hampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hampton County

via TaxByCounty

Hampton taxes run high nationally

Hampton County's effective tax rate of 0.807% ranks well above the national median of 0.71%, placing the county in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax bill here is $826, significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, but this reflects Hampton's much lower median home values of $102,400 compared to the national $281,900.

Second-highest rate in South Carolina

Hampton County has the second-highest effective tax rate among South Carolina's 46 counties at 0.807%, well above the state average of 0.542%. Despite this elevated rate, the median property tax of $826 stays below the state median of $939 due to lower home values.

Tax burden towers over nearby peers

Hampton's 0.807% rate far exceeds those of neighboring Jasper (0.553%) and nearby Beaufort-area counties. The county's median tax bill of $826 is comparable to neighbors, but the rate itself makes Hampton one of the state's steepest.

A typical Hampton home costs $826 yearly

On Hampton's median home value of $102,400 and effective rate of 0.807%, homeowners pay roughly $826 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,191 when mortgage insurance and other factors are included.

Many Hampton homeowners may be overassessed

Research shows that roughly 10-15% of properties in South Carolina counties are overvalued on assessment rolls. Hampton homeowners paying at the county's high 0.807% rate should consider a professional assessment appeal to verify their home's current market value aligns with the county's valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hampton County

via CostByCounty

Hampton rents stretch further than most

Hampton County households spend 22.7% of income on rent, slightly above the national norm but reflecting lower incomes here. The median household earns $43,059—nearly $32,000 less than the U.S. average of $74,755—making housing affordability a real concern despite modest rent levels.

Middle-of-the-pack affordability statewide

Hampton's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio sits above South Carolina's 20.1% state average, indicating tighter housing pressure than most neighboring counties. The $815 monthly rent is notably lower than the state median of $945, but local wages don't keep pace with that advantage.

Cheapest rents in the Lowcountry

Hampton's $815 rent undercuts Jasper County ($1,307) by nearly 40% and Horry County ($1,181) by 31%, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. However, this affordability reflects the county's rural character and lower median incomes, not a bargain for renters earning $43,059 locally.

Renting costs more than buying here

Hampton renters pay $815 monthly while homeowners spend $551, creating a gap where rental housing consumes a larger share of household income. With a median home value of $102,400, ownership remains within reach for many, though initial down payments remain a barrier.

Consider Hampton for rural affordability

If you're relocating on a modest budget and seeking the lowest rents in South Carolina's Lowcountry, Hampton delivers genuine savings. Just ensure your income or remote work arrangement can sustain a household on local wage levels—the county's median income is among the state's lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hampton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hampton lags far behind national income

Hampton County's median household income of $43,059 falls 42% below the national median of $74,755, ranking among the lowest-income counties in the United States. This gap means the typical Hampton household earns less than three-fifths of what Americans earn nationwide, reflecting persistent economic challenges in the region.

Below-average income ranks in South Carolina

Hampton County's median household income of $43,059 sits 24% below South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it among the lower-income counties in the state. The county's per capita income of $25,082 also trails the state average of $32,382 by 23%, signaling structural economic barriers.

Hampton trails nearby rural counties

Hampton's $43,059 median income falls below neighboring Jasper County ($63,503) and Laurens County ($55,517), though it edges slightly ahead of Lee County ($44,145). Among its peer counties, Hampton ranks among the lowest, with only Lee County earning comparably less in the immediate region.

Housing costs strain Hampton household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% suggests Hampton households spend nearly a quarter of income on rent, which approaches the 30% affordability threshold where housing stress begins. With median home values at $102,400, homeownership remains relatively affordable, but rental affordability pressures indicate many residents struggle with basic housing stability.

Build financial security in Hampton County

Despite income challenges, Hampton residents can strengthen their financial futures through employer retirement plans, even with modest contributions, and by exploring low-cost investment options like index funds or employer matches. Community development financial institutions and local nonprofits often offer financial literacy programs tailored to working families earning under $50,000 annually.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hampton County

via HealthByCounty

Hampton's health gap widens nationally

At 70.3 years, Hampton County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a significant gap that reflects deeper health challenges. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.9%) report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 16%, signaling widespread chronic illness and limited wellness access.

Lowest life expectancy in South Carolina

Hampton ranks at the bottom of South Carolina counties for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 72.5 years by 2.2 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 24.9% is among the worst statewide, indicating urgent need for preventive care expansion and disease management.

Compared to Jasper and Laurens

Hampton's life expectancy of 70.3 years lags neighboring Jasper (74.1) by nearly 4 years, and Laurens (71.5) by 1.2 years. With 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Hampton has more access than Jasper (23) but faces higher unmet health needs overall.

Coverage gaps affect one in eight

Hampton's uninsured rate of 13.4% exceeds the state average of 11.6%, leaving roughly 3,000 residents without health protection. Primary care is limited at 33 providers per 100,000, and mental health capacity (127 per 100,000) strains under demand from residents managing chronic stress and poverty-related illness.

Get covered and take control

If you're uninsured or underinsured, now is the time to explore your options—whether marketplace plans, Medicaid, or community health center visits. Contact Hampton County health department or visit healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage that can transform your health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hampton County

via RiskByCounty

Hampton's risk ranks below national average

With a composite risk score of 64.79, Hampton County scores well below the national baseline and carries a Relatively Low risk rating. This means your home faces fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties.

Safest county in South Carolina

Hampton County ranks as South Carolina's lowest-risk county, with a score 5.96 points below the state average of 70.75. Among all 46 South Carolina counties, Hampton stands out as exceptionally well-positioned against natural disasters.

Lower risk than surrounding counties

Jasper County (78.59) and Allendale County (unmeasured) present higher risk profiles than Hampton. Your county's advantage stems from lower flood exposure and more moderate wildfire conditions compared to coastal neighbors.

Watch for hurricanes and earthquakes

Hurricane risk (92.99) and earthquake risk (82.89) are Hampton's primary concerns, though both remain manageable with proper preparation. Flood risk (34.67) stays notably low, making hurricane preparedness your top priority.

Secure hurricane and earthquake coverage

Standard homeowners insurance covers earthquake damage—verify your policy includes it. Consider a separate wind/hurricane policy if your current homeowners plan has limitations on wind damage.

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.