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Horry County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#35 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.4
County Score
Property Tax 96.9Water Quality 68.4Weather & Climate 62

County Report Card

About Horry County, South Carolina

A Coastal Mix Below National Averages

Horry County carries a composite score of 39.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, high environmental risks and safety concerns pull down its national ranking.

Behind the South Carolina State Average

The county scores 3.4 points below the South Carolina average of 42.8. While it boasts a much lower tax burden than many neighbors, its infrastructure and safety metrics create a gap compared to state leaders.

Exceptional Tax Benefits for Residents

Horry County features a standout tax score of 96.9, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.337%. This makes it one of the most tax-friendly environments in the region for homeowners and businesses alike.

Significant Environmental Risks and Safety Issues

The county faces a critical risk score of 1.8 and a safety score of 8.4, reflecting vulnerability to coastal hazards and local crime. These factors suggest a need for robust personal and property insurance coverage.

Ideal for Tax-Sensitive Coastal Enthusiasts

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low taxes and access to the coast. While risk factors are high, the $64,623 median income and low tax rates offer a compelling financial package.

2040608010096.926.58.44331.952.61.868.462Tax96.9Cost26.5Safety8.4Health43Schools31.9Income52.6Risk1.8Water68.4Weather6239.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Horry County DNA

Foverall

How Horry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Horry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (96.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96.9+44.900000000000006
Cost
26.5-21.5
Safety
8.4-46.6
Health
43
Schools
31.9-22.1
Income
52.6
Risk
1.8-45.2
Water
68.4+10.400000000000006
Weather
62
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$260,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,181/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$260,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,623/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Compare Horry County with Wicomico County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Marion County
South Carolina
46.2
Dillon County
South Carolina
40.3
Columbus County
North Carolina
40.7
Georgetown County
South Carolina
41.8
Florence County
South Carolina
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Williamsburg County
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39.3
Brunswick County
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45.9
Robeson County
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31.9

Deep Dives

Horry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Horry County

via TaxByCounty

Horry offers one of nation's lowest rates

Horry County's effective tax rate of 0.337% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.71% and placing it in roughly the 10th percentile. Median property taxes of $879 stay far below the national median of $2,690, making Horry a tax-friendly destination.

Lowest tax rate in South Carolina

Horry County holds South Carolina's lowest effective property tax rate at just 0.337%, less than two-thirds the state average of 0.542%. This makes Horry significantly more affordable than every other South Carolina county, especially for owners of higher-value properties.

Horry's rate dwarfs surrounding counties

Horry's 0.337% rate is dramatically lower than Georgetown (0.554%), Marion (0.565%), and Jasper (0.553%), giving it a powerful competitive advantage. Homebuyers in the Myrtle Beach region benefit from tax rates less than one-third those of neighboring counties.

Median Horry home costs just $879 yearly

On Horry's median home value of $260,500 and exceptionally low rate of 0.337%, homeowners pay approximately $879 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that effective bill rises to $956, still among the nation's most affordable for properties of this value.

Even at low rates, appeals can help

While Horry's overall rate is competitive, individual properties may still be overassessed relative to market value. Homeowners with properties assessed significantly above recent comparable sales should consider filing an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Horry County

via CostByCounty

Horry rents rise with coastal demand

Horry County renters spend 21.9% of their $64,623 median income on rent—nearly matching the national rate despite earning $10,000 more than most U.S. households. At $1,181 monthly, Horry's rents have climbed 25% above the state average, reflecting growth pressure from coastal migration.

Pricey but still below state strain

Horry's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio sits below South Carolina's 20.1% state average, placing it in the more manageable tier despite charging $1,181 rent. The county's higher median income of $64,623 helps offset the premium coastal living commands.

Premium pricing for beach access

Horry's $1,181 rent ranks among the highest in this region—exceeded only by neighboring Jasper County at $1,307—reflecting the pull of Myrtle Beach and coastal amenities. Compared to inland Laurens ($847) or Kershaw ($872), Horry charges 40% more, though incomes here are proportionally higher.

Mortgages nearly match rents here

Horry homeowners pay $939 monthly compared to renters' $1,181, a smaller gap than most counties and reflecting the competitive housing market. The median home value of $260,500 represents the highest in this dataset, appealing to buyers willing to pay for location and amenities.

Horry works for coastal seekers with stable income

If beach lifestyle and robust local job markets matter more than rock-bottom costs, Horry's affordability ratio is actually reasonable for the Southeast. Plan on earning at least $65,000 to live comfortably, and consider inland pockets to stretch your budget further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Horry County

via IncomeByCounty

Horry County meets near-national income levels

Horry County's median household income of $64,623 sits 13% below the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly above many rural U.S. counties despite trailing national benchmarks. The county's per capita income of $36,572 slightly outpaces the national average, indicating a relatively balanced earning distribution across households.

Horry ranks above South Carolina average

At $64,623, Horry County's median household income exceeds South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 13%, positioning it among the state's stronger-earning counties. The county's per capita income of $36,572 also exceeds the state average of $32,382 by 13%, reflecting steady employment and wage growth.

Horry leads Lowcountry peer counties

Horry's $64,623 median income outearns Jasper County ($63,503) and Kershaw County ($64,343), though it trails the top performers Lancaster County ($74,751) and Lexington County ($75,014). As the coastal economic hub, Horry's tourism-driven economy supports middle-class earnings for the broader region.

Housing affordability tests Horry wallets

A rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% indicates Horry renters spend roughly a fifth of earnings on rent, staying within the comfort zone but approaching stress levels. With median home values at $260,500—more than double the state average—homeownership requires substantial down payments, though strong rental affordability helps working families establish roots.

Invest your Horry County earnings wisely

Horry residents earning $64,623 median incomes can accelerate wealth-building by maximizing retirement contributions and exploring real estate investment opportunities in the competitive coastal market. Tourism-sector workers should prioritize employer 401(k) matches and consider diversified investments to weather seasonal employment fluctuations common in hospitality-dependent economies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Horry County

via CrimeByCounty

Horry County Crime Exceeds National Baselines

Horry County reports 2943.2 crimes per 100K residents, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 95.4, matching the broader South Carolina average.

Horry County Matches State Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 95.4, Horry County aligns perfectly with the South Carolina average. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state mean of 2,920.8 per 100K.

Comparing Horry to Neighboring Lexington

Horry County is considerably safer than Lexington County, which struggles with a much higher crime rate of 4656.1. Horry benefits from 17 reporting agencies monitoring its high-traffic coastal and inland areas.

Property Crimes Drive Horry's Statistics

Property crime sits at 2523.4 per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 419.8. This suggests that the majority of police activity involves theft or burglary rather than interpersonal violence.

Protecting Coastal and Inland Properties

High property crime rates suggest that securing points of entry is vital for local homeowners. Investing in a monitored security system can provide peace of mind in this high-activity county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Horry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Coastal Education Infrastructure

Horry County operates a large-scale system of 57 public schools serving a significant population of 47,357 students. This extensive network includes 30 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 14 high schools across a single massive district.

Navigating Growth and Student Achievement

The county's graduation rate stands at 83.0%, trailing both the state average of 84.2% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending remains efficient at $7,290 per pupil, which is just slightly above the South Carolina average of $7,165.

One District Serving the Entire Region

The Horry 01 district manages all 57 schools in the county, incorporating four charter schools that account for 7% of the total school count. This structure allows the district to maintain diverse options while leveraging the resources of a high-enrollment system.

From Urban Centers to Suburban High Schools

Schools here vary widely, from suburban campuses to city-based facilities, with an average enrollment of 861 students. Major campuses like Carolina Forest High serve over 3,000 students, offering a large-scale collegiate atmosphere for local teenagers.

Join a Dynamic Coastal School System

Horry County is ideal for families seeking the diverse extracurricular and academic opportunities that only large districts can provide. As you browse homes, the proximity to specialized high schools like St. James or Socastee remains a top priority for local buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Horry County

via RiskByCounty

Horry County faces elevated national risk

Horry County's composite risk score of 98.19 places it in the Relatively High category, significantly above the national average. This coastal county experiences above-average exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Highest-risk county in South Carolina

Horry County ranks as South Carolina's most hazard-prone county, scoring 27.44 points above the state average of 70.75. Of all 46 state counties, Horry faces the most comprehensive disaster risk profile.

Riskier than all surrounding counties

Georgetown County (lower score) and Florence County (lower exposure) both face fewer combined hazards than Horry. Your county's coastal location and low-lying terrain amplify risks across nearly every disaster category.

Hurricanes dominate, flooding and tornadoes follow

Hurricane risk (99.58) is nearly at maximum, with flood risk (92.02) and tornado risk (96.69) creating a triple threat. Combined, these three hazards make Horry one of America's most disaster-prone counties.

Prioritize flood and hurricane insurance

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—purchase National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance immediately. Add separate wind/hurricane coverage to protect against the county's highest-scoring threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Horry County

via WaterByCounty

Horry County Water Performance Exceeds State Average

Horry County earns a Grade B, reporting seven health violations over the last five years. Despite these incidents, the county's violation rate of 1.7 per 100,000 residents remains significantly better than the state average of 22.2. Most local systems maintain high standards of safety and reliability.

Most Assessed Waters Fail to Meet Standards

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 66.7% of assessed water bodies in Horry County were classified as impaired. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 42.6%. The primary causes for these failures include E. coli bacteria and unhealthy pH levels.

Massive Data Network Tracks Coastal Water Quality

A robust network of 107 monitoring sites generated 42,696 measurements over the past five years. This represents one of the densest monitoring footprints in the region. Scientists prioritize physical, microbiological, and nutrient data to protect the county's vast water resources.

Pee Dee River Flow Remains Steady but Lower

The Pee Dee River at Highway 701 currently discharges 7,290 cubic feet per second. This flow is 76% of its long-term mean, indicating slightly lower than typical volumes for this massive drainage area. The river drains over 14,000 square miles before reaching this gauge.

Address Bacteria Concerns in Local Waterways

With over 66% of local waters impaired by E. coli and pH issues, residents should avoid contact with stream water after heavy rains. Consider a home filtration system if your private well is located near impaired watersheds. Monitoring the 107 local sites can provide real-time updates on changing water conditions.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Horry County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Average

Horry County maintains an average annual temperature of 63.6°F, significantly exceeding the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid subtropical climate receives 52.4 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 14 inches more than the typical U.S. county.

Beating the South Carolina Temperature Average

The county's 63.6°F annual average sits nearly a full degree higher than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. This coastal warmth is driven by mild winters where the average temperature remains a comfortable 47.7°F.

A Damp Exception Among Coastal Neighbors

While neighboring Marion County averages 51.3 inches of rain, Horry County sees even higher totals at 52.4 inches. Its 34 extreme heat days per year make it much cooler during the summer than inland neighbors like Marion, which sees 55 such days.

Mild Winters and Manageable Summer Heat

Summer averages hover around 79.1°F, with 34 days reaching 90°F or higher. While snowfall data is limited for the coast, the January average of 45.8°F ensures that freezing weather is a rare occurrence.

Planning for High Humidity and Rain

With 52.4 inches of annual precipitation, residents should prioritize advanced drainage systems and mold-resistant building materials. High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to manage the consistent coastal humidity rather than extreme temperature spikes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Horry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols along the coast

Horry County features Alfisols with a dominant texture of fine sandy loam and a pH of 5.04. This pH level is quite acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, though it is typical for coastal South Carolina. These soils are historically productive but usually require pH adjustments for most garden vegetables.

Sandy loams with fine textures

The soil is comprised of 75.1% sand, 13.5% silt, and 8.9% clay. This fine sandy loam offers a better balance of workability and nutrient retention than pure sand. The silt and clay fractions help bind the soil, though sand remains the primary driver of its physical behavior.

Rich organic content leads the state

Horry County boasts a high organic matter content of 3.40%, well above the state average of 2.05%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.097 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.115 in/in. Gardeners benefit from the high fertility but must stay vigilant about irrigation during dry spells.

Managing poorly drained coastal soils

The dominant drainage class is 'Poorly drained' with a hydrologic group of C/D, indicating high runoff potential when wet. These characteristics mean the soil stays saturated longer than average, which can be a challenge for basement construction or root health. Raised beds are often a smart choice for local home gardeners.

Thriving in the coastal Zone 8b

In Hardiness Zone 8b, the climate allows for a wide variety of coastal favorites like blueberries and azaleas which tolerate acidic soils. The high organic matter provides a fantastic foundation for a productive backyard plot. Start your seeds early to make the most of the long, humid growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Horry County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Complexity for Horry County Lawns

Horry County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.4, sitting slightly below the South Carolina average of 35.1. While it is easier to manage a lawn here than in the state's most difficult regions, it remains more demanding than the national median of 50.0. The coastal Zone 8b environment dictates specific maintenance routines for local homeowners.

Wet Climate with Mild Summer Heat

Horry County enjoys 52.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 48.9 inches. Heat stress is less of a factor here than inland, with only 34 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 63. This extra moisture and moderate heat support a robust growing cycle of 5,540 growing degree days.

Draining Fine Sandy Loam Challenges

The soil is characterized as poorly drained fine sandy loam, consisting of 75.1% sand and 8.9% clay. With an acidic pH of 5.04, local lawns require significant lime treatments to reach the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. You must manage drainage carefully to prevent root rot while correcting the low pH to unlock soil nutrients.

Resilience During Coastal Dry Spells

While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, only 7.8% faces severe drought, a much better outlook than many neighboring counties. The county has seen 26 weeks of drought over the last year, requiring consistent irrigation monitoring. Focus on maintaining a taller grass height to shade the soil and retain moisture during these dry periods.

Planting Success in Zone 8b

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for this coastal climate, offering the durability needed for Zone 8b. Plan your major lawn projects between the last spring frost on March 15 and the first fall frost on November 20. This generous window allows plenty of time for new grass to establish deep roots before the winter cooling begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Horry County's county score?
Horry County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Horry County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Horry County ranks #35 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 Horry County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Horry County is $879, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Horry County a tax score of 96.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Horry County?
The median household income in Horry County, South Carolina is $64,623 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Horry County earns an income score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Horry County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Horry County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Horry 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 Horry 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.