countyscore

Hampton County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#37 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.2Property Tax 52.6

County Report Card

About Hampton County, South Carolina

Below the National Livability Median

Hampton County earns a composite score of 39.2, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile where affordability is high but economic and health metrics lag behind the rest of the country.

Trailing South Carolina's Average Performance

The county's overall score sits roughly 3.6 points lower than the South Carolina state average of 42.8. While it offers local advantages, it struggles to keep pace with the state's faster-growing regions.

Affordable Housing and Excellent Water Quality

Hampton excels in affordability with a cost score of 74.2, driven by a modest median home value of $102,400. Its water quality score of 86.0 is among the best in the state, offering high-quality natural resources to residents.

Struggling with Income and Healthcare Access

The county faces significant hurdles with an income score of 5.3 and a health score of 15.0. Median household incomes hover at $43,059, which limits the economic mobility and health outcomes for the local population.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Rural Living

This county best suits individuals or retirees looking for some of the lowest housing costs in the state. With rents averaging $815, it is an ideal location for those who prioritize a low cost of living over urban amenities or high-paying local jobs.

2040608010052.674.211.215445.335.28638Tax52.6Cost74.2Safety11.2Health15Schools44Income5.3Risk35.2Water86Weather3839.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Hampton County DNA

Foverall

How Hampton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hampton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (5.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.6
Cost
74.2+26.200000000000003
Safety
11.2-43.8
Health
15-35
Schools
44-10
Income
5.3-45.7
Risk
35.2-11.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
38-18
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$102,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$815/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,059/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Allendale County
South Carolina
43.9
Screven County
Georgia
49.9
Effingham County
Georgia
49
Jasper County
South Carolina
34.6
Colleton County
South Carolina
31.7
Bamberg County
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39.5
Beaufort County
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Barnwell County
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39.8

Deep Dives

Hampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Hampton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hampton County Crime Rates Above National Average

Hampton County reports a total crime rate of 2673.3 per 100K residents, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a safety score of 95.8, indicating a relatively stable environment compared to many other jurisdictions.

A Higher Safety Score Than State Average

Hampton County's safety score of 95.8 sits above the South Carolina state average of 95.4. While its total crime rate is significant, it remains lower than the statewide average of 2,920.8 per 100K residents.

Comparing Hampton to Nearby Jasper County

Hampton County experiences more crime than neighboring Jasper County, which maintains a lower total rate of 2275.5 per 100K. Local law enforcement across 11 reporting agencies work to manage these higher figures compared to regional peers.

Violent Crime Trends in Hampton County

The violent crime rate here is 741.1 per 100K, which is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1932.2 per 100K, making up the majority of reported incidents in the county.

Prioritizing Home Security in Hampton

With property crime as a primary concern, residents should consider installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting. Simple deterrents often prove effective in reducing the risk of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hampton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Close-Knit Educational Network in Hampton

Hampton County maintains a focused education system with 10 public schools serving 2,399 students. The infrastructure consists of five elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools, all managed by a single unified district.

Strong Academic Scores with Efficient Spending

The county earns a school score of 53.0, outperforming the state average of 50.8. While the 83.3% graduation rate is slightly below the national 87% benchmark, the county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,378, which is higher than the state average.

Unified District Leadership in Hampton

Hampton School District serves as the sole educational provider for the county's 2,399 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a centralized and traditional public school experience for all local families.

Small-Town Feel Across Rural Campuses

With an average school size of only 240 students, Hampton offers an intimate learning environment where teachers and students know each other well. Most schools are located in rural areas, ranging from Wade Hampton High with 498 students to smaller primary campuses like Varnville Elementary.

Invest in a Community-Focused Education

Families looking for a personalized education in a quiet setting will find Hampton's small school sizes appealing. When exploring local real estate, consider how these community-centered schools contribute to the county's neighborly character.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Hampton County

via WaterByCounty

Hampton County Maintains a Perfect Drinking Water Grade

Hampton County earns a Grade A for drinking water with zero recorded health violations over the last five years. This pristine record far outpaces the South Carolina average violation rate of 22.2 per 100,000 residents. Local water systems consistently meet all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable for Hampton County

Local water bodies in Hampton County are not yet covered in the federal Section 303(d) assessment reports. While the state average impairment rate is 42.6%, this county's specific watershed health remains unclassified by current EPA reporting cycles. Residents should monitor future updates as more rivers are evaluated.

Monitoring Data Collected Across Three Local Sites

Technicians recorded 1,525 water quality measurements at three distinct sites over the last five years. These efforts primarily track physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic materials. This data provides a targeted baseline for the county's water chemistry.

Salkehatchie River Flow Drops Below Typical Levels

The Salkehatchie River near Miley currently flows at 137 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents just 44% of the river's long-term mean flow. Drier conditions are affecting the local drainage area covering 341 square miles.

Watch Streamflow Levels to Protect Local Sources

Current streamflow is significantly below the typical average, which can concentrate natural minerals and affect source water. Because specific watershed impairment data is missing, residents should rely on the county's excellent compliance record while staying aware of river health. Supporting expanded monitoring can help fill data gaps for local streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hampton County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the nation's warmer spots

Hampton County's 65.6°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median. It features a deep southern climate with very short, mild winters.

Warmer than the state average

Hampton is a heat leader, sitting 2.8 degrees above the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. Its rainfall of 49.4 inches tracks very closely to the state average of 48.9 inches.

Leading the region in warmth

Hampton is consistently warmer than its inland neighbors, maintaining a 65.6°F annual average. Its rainfall is typical for the Lowcountry, providing 49.4 inches of precipitation annually.

Intense heat and very warm winters

The county experiences 80 days of extreme heat over 90°F, one of the highest in the state. Winter is the warmest in this group, averaging 50.9°F with only 0.1 inches of snow.

Focus on extreme heat prep

With 80 days of 90-degree weather, high-efficiency cooling is the top priority for residents. Heavy winter coats are rarely needed, as January averages a very mild 49.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hampton County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic profiles in Hampton County

Hampton County soil registers a pH of 5.00, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and lower than the state average. While specific taxonomic orders are not mapped here, the acidity suggests a landscape that requires lime for traditional gardening. Local growers must manage this low pH to unlock essential nutrients for plant growth.

A landscape dominated by sand

The soil composition is 77.6% sand, 11.9% silt, and 8.5% clay. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but limits the soil's ability to hold onto nutrients over time. You will find this ground easy to work and dig, though it dries out quickly during South Carolina's hot summers.

Impressive organic matter despite low water capacity

At 3.15%, the organic matter content is remarkably higher than the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in compared to the state average of 0.115 in/in. This means the soil is naturally rich in carbon but struggles to retain moisture for thirsty crops.

Limited data on local drainage patterns

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unclassified for this county. Without specific drainage data, builders and farmers should perform site-specific perk tests to ensure proper water movement. The high sand percentage generally suggests rapid infiltration, but local pockets of clay could alter results.

Heat-loving crops thrive in Zone 8b

Hampton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a long and warm growing season. This environment is perfect for heat-tolerant crops like watermelons, sweet potatoes, and okra. Grab a shovel and start your garden today to take advantage of the high natural organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hampton County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Tough Growing Conditions in Hampton

Hampton County presents a significant challenge for homeowners with a lawn difficulty score of 21.4, well below the South Carolina average of 35.1. While Hardiness Zone 8b supports many species, this score indicates much harder maintenance than the national median of 50.0. Success here requires a more proactive approach than in neighboring counties.

High Heat Demands Frequent Watering

With 80 extreme heat days per year, Hampton significantly exceeds the state average of 63 days, placing intense stress on turfgrass. The county receives 49.4 inches of annual rain, which sits right near the state average but requires careful timing to offset the 6,073 growing degree days. Mowing schedules must remain aggressive through the long growing season to keep up with rapid growth.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

The local soil is highly acidic with a pH of 5.00, falling far below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most lawns. Composed of 77.6% sand and only 8.5% clay, this ground drains quickly but struggles to retain essential nutrients. You will likely need regular lime applications and organic matter to stabilize the foundation for healthy grass.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county faces severe drought conditions, and residents have endured 35 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect your investment, prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation. These conditions make water conservation a necessity rather than an option for local homeowners.

Starting Your Hampton Lawn Journey

Heat-tolerant varieties like Centipede or St. Augustine thrive in Zone 8b and can withstand the intense local summers. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 23 but well before the first fall frost on November 26. With the right grass and soil prep, you can defy the difficulty score and build a resilient landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hampton County's county score?
Hampton County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39.2 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 Hampton County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Hampton County ranks #37 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 Hampton County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Hampton County is $826, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Hampton County a tax score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hampton County?
The median household income in Hampton County, South Carolina is $43,059 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hampton County earns an income score of 5.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hampton County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Hampton County scores 39.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Hampton 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 Hampton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.