CountyScore

Horry County

South Carolina · SC

#38 in South Carolina
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Horry County, South Carolina

Horry outperforms most U.S. counties overall

Horry County's composite score of 66.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, placing it in the top third nationally. This coastal county delivers above-average livability across multiple dimensions.

Slightly below average for South Carolina

Horry's 66.0 score sits just below South Carolina's state average of 68.2, ranking it in the middle tier statewide. It performs solidly but doesn't crack the state's top tier.

Taxes, health, and low risk lead the way

Horry boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group (0.337%) for a tax score of 92.8, plus strong health outcomes (65.1) and exceptionally low risk (1.8). These fundamentals create a stable, tax-efficient living environment.

Income remains a modest drawback

With a median household income of $64,623 and an income score of 25.6, Horry lags behind on earning potential compared to peers. Housing costs are also higher, with median rent of $1,181 monthly and home values near $260,500.

Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and remote workers

Horry suits older adults and location-independent professionals who value low taxes, excellent health infrastructure, and minimal economic risk. The coastal lifestyle and tax advantages outweigh the higher housing costs for the right demographic.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.8Cost72.6SafetyComing SoonHealth65.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk1.8WaterComing Soon
🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.8
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 Horry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Horry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Horry County

via HealthByCounty

Horry outpaces national health averages

At 74.6 years, Horry County residents live 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a notable achievement reflecting strong community health initiatives. Only 16.6% report poor or fair health, matching the national rate and suggesting effective disease prevention and management practices.

Horry punches above state average

Horry's life expectancy of 74.6 years exceeds South Carolina's state average of 72.5 years by 2.1 years, placing it in the healthier tier of South Carolina counties. The low poor/fair health rate of 16.6% demonstrates strong community health fundamentals and access to quality care.

Stronger outcomes than regional peers

Horry's 74.6-year life expectancy beats nearby Jasper County (74.1) and significantly outpaces Laurens County (71.5) and Hampton County (70.3). At 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Horry has more physician access than nearly all regional neighbors, enabling better preventive care.

Good coverage, growing access demands

Horry's uninsured rate of 14.7% slightly exceeds the state average, affecting an estimated 25,000 residents seeking affordable coverage options. With 62 primary care providers and 180 mental health providers per 100,000, Horry offers solid healthcare infrastructure, though beach tourism and seasonal population swings create variable demand.

Keep Horry healthy—cover yourself

Even in a relatively healthy county, the uninsured face unexpected costs that derail families: secure coverage through your employer, marketplace plans, or Medicaid today. Visit scdhhs.gov or healthcare.gov to explore options that fit your budget and keep you protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.