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Kershaw County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#24 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.5
County Score
Property Tax 87.2Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 56.3

County Report Card

About Kershaw County, South Carolina

Approaching the National Livability Median

Kershaw County earns a composite score of 42.5, coming closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its rural neighbors. It offers a relatively balanced lifestyle that performs well across several dimensions.

Meeting the South Carolina State Standard

The county's score of 42.5 is nearly identical to the South Carolina state average of 42.8. This makes it a representative example of typical South Carolina living, blending affordability with manageable tax rates.

Superior Tax Environment and Water Quality

Kershaw boasts a tax score of 87.2 and a water score of 86.0. Homeowners benefit from a low 0.488% effective tax rate, while the median home value remains accessible at $191,900.

Opportunities to Improve Public Safety

Public safety remains the primary challenge with a score of 10.9, significantly lower than its other dimensions. Strengthening community security could help boost its overall livability ranking even higher.

A Solid Choice for Families

With a median income of $64,343 and low rent averaging $872, Kershaw is an excellent fit for families seeking stability and value. It balances affordability and tax benefits better than most counties in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax87.2Cost41.8Safety10.9Health44.5Schools26.6Income51.5Risk33.3Water86Weather56.3
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.9
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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Nearby counties

Lee County
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43.9
Richland County
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Lancaster County
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Sumter County
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Deep Dives

Kershaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kershaw County

via TaxByCounty

Kershaw offers below-average national rate

Kershaw County's effective tax rate of 0.488% falls noticeably below the national median of 0.71%, ranking it in roughly the 25th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $937 stay well below the national median of $2,690, positioning Kershaw as a tax-friendly county by U.S. standards.

Kershaw ranks below South Carolina average

Kershaw County's effective rate of 0.488% sits below South Carolina's average of 0.542%, placing it in the lower-tax tier of the state's 46 counties. The median property tax of $937 closely matches the state median, despite Kershaw's median home value of $191,900 being below the state norm.

Kershaw taxes favorably against nearby counties

Kershaw's 0.488% rate beats Lancaster (0.499%), Fairfield (0.573%), and Richland (0.497%), giving homeowners a competitive advantage in the Midlands region. The median tax bill of $937 reflects Kershaw's balanced position between lower-value rural counties and higher-value suburban peers.

Median Kershaw home costs $937 yearly

On Kershaw's median home value of $191,900 and effective rate of 0.488%, homeowners pay approximately $937 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,113, remaining quite affordable for properties in this value range.

Challenge overassessments at moderate tax rates

Even counties with moderate tax rates like Kershaw see widespread overassessments that cost homeowners money unnecessarily. Request a copy of your assessment from Kershaw's county assessor and compare it to recent arm's-length sales of similar homes to identify appeal opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kershaw County

via CostByCounty

Kershaw delivers the state's best affordability

Kershaw County renters spend just 16.3% of their income on housing—the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this entire dataset and well below the 20.1% state average. With $872 monthly rent against $64,343 median income, Kershaw offers genuine relief for budget-conscious households.

Most affordable county in this dataset

Kershaw's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the most manageable housing market among these eight counties, beating the state average by nearly 4 percentage points. The combination of reasonable rents and solid local incomes creates an unusually stable housing market.

Balanced alternative to pricier coastal peers

Kershaw's $872 rent falls between Horry County ($1,181) and rural Hampton ($815), positioning it as a goldilocks option for those wanting access without premium pricing. Compared to similarly-sized Laurens ($847), Kershaw costs just $25 more monthly while maintaining comparable affordability ratios.

Mortgages slight premium over rents

Kershaw homeowners pay $934 monthly compared to renters' $872, a manageable $62 difference that reflects stable property values. The median home value of $191,900 sits mid-range in this dataset, offering accessibility for first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike.

Kershaw punches above its weight in value

Relocating households seeking the best combination of affordability and stability should prioritize Kershaw, where the housing market won't strain even modest incomes. Whether renting or buying, you'll enjoy breathing room in your budget that peers in pricier counties simply don't have.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kershaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Kershaw earns solidly above many U.S. counties

Kershaw County's median household income of $64,343 sits 14% below the national median of $74,755, yet outearns roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $34,250 exceeds the national average, indicating strong individual earning power across the workforce.

Kershaw surpasses South Carolina average

At $64,343, Kershaw County's median household income tops South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 13%, placing it firmly in the state's upper-middle income tier. The county's per capita income of $34,250 also exceeds the state average of $32,382 by 6%, reflecting stable employment and wage levels.

Kershaw competes with Horry and Jasper

Kershaw's $64,343 median income matches Horry County ($64,623) and Jasper County ($63,503) closely, making these three counties the region's consistent middle-income performers. All three trail Lancaster ($74,751) and Lexington ($75,014), but comfortably outpace lower-income counties like Hampton and Lee.

Kershaw offers exceptional housing affordability

A rent-to-income ratio of just 16.3% ranks Kershaw among South Carolina's most affordable rental markets, with households spending barely one-sixth of earnings on housing. Median home values of $191,900 remain accessible for middle-income families, making Kershaw one of the region's best bets for housing stability and equity-building.

Kershaw's affordability fuels wealth building

With strong housing affordability and stable incomes, Kershaw residents should aggressively pursue homeownership and retirement savings, potentially building equity faster than peers in higher-cost counties. The county's favorable rent-to-income ratio frees up household cash flow for long-term investments and emergency reserves.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kershaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Kershaw County Reflects National Crime Trends

Kershaw County shows a total crime rate of 2693.9 per 100K, placing it slightly above the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 95.7, indicating moderate safety.

Better Than Average Safety for Kershaw

Kershaw County's safety score of 95.7 outperforms the state average of 95.4. Its total crime rate is also lower than the South Carolina state average of 2,920.8 per 100K.

Kershaw vs Neighboring Lancaster County

Kershaw County has a slightly higher crime rate than neighboring Lancaster, which reports 2365.5 per 100K. Local law enforcement across 9 agencies works to keep the county below the state crime average.

Violent vs Property Crime in Kershaw

The violent crime rate is 494.1 per 100K, while property crime is 2199.8 per 100K. This means residents are much more likely to encounter theft or burglary than violent incidents.

Securing Your Property in Kershaw

With over 2,100 property crimes per 100K residents, home security remains a priority. Installing doorbell cameras can help residents monitor deliveries and deter neighborhood property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kershaw County

via HealthByCounty

Kershaw approaches national health norms

At 73.2 years, Kershaw County residents live slightly less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years but close enough to suggest reasonable health infrastructure and outcomes. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health versus the national 16%, Kershaw shows minor health challenges relative to national peers.

Solidly above South Carolina average

Kershaw's life expectancy of 73.2 years exceeds the state average of 72.5 years, and its 17.7% poor/fair health rate is better than most South Carolina counties. The county ranks in the healthier half statewide, reflecting good access to primary and mental health services.

Healthier than Lancaster, better insured

Kershaw's 73.2-year life expectancy trails only Lancaster County (75.3) among nearby peers and mirrors Jasper (74.1) closely. With 58 primary care providers per 100,000, Kershaw offers stronger physician access than Jasper or Hampton, though Lancaster still leads the region.

Strong insurance coverage, excellent mental health access

At 10.1% uninsured, Kershaw beats the state average of 11.6%, meaning most residents have health protection in place. The county shines with 200 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the state—addressing behavioral health needs that often go untreated elsewhere.

Kershaw's strong coverage—verify you're set

While Kershaw's uninsured rate is below state average, 1 in 10 still lacks coverage; make sure you're enrolled in a plan that meets your needs. Review your current insurance or explore marketplace options at healthcare.gov to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kershaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of Educational Levels

Kershaw County provides 18 public schools for a total student population of 11,262. The system is well-distributed, featuring 10 elementary schools and a balanced count of four middle and four high schools.

Strong Graduation Success and High Efficiency

Kershaw outperforms the state with an 86% graduation rate, nearly reaching the national average of 87%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil spend of $6,467, demonstrating high efficiency compared to the state average of $7,165.

A Unified Community District

Kershaw 01 manages 17 of the county's 18 schools, providing a consistent educational experience for nearly the entire student body. The district includes one charter school, offering a touch of alternative choice within a primarily traditional public system.

A Blend of Suburb and Rural Settings

The average school size is 662 students, creating a mid-sized environment that avoids being overly crowded. Lugoff-Elgin High is the largest campus with 1,744 students, while many other schools are located in peaceful rural or suburban locales.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Kershaw County is a compelling choice for education-focused homebuyers. Look for residential opportunities near Camden or Lugoff to be close to the county's top-rated secondary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kershaw County

via RiskByCounty

Kershaw County scores below national average

Kershaw County's composite risk score of 66.67 places it below the national average with a Relatively Low rating. Your county faces fewer simultaneous disaster threats than most U.S. counties.

Below average within South Carolina

Kershaw County scores 4.08 points below South Carolina's average of 70.75, ranking it in the lower-risk tier of state counties. Among 46 South Carolina counties, Kershaw maintains a safety advantage.

Less risky than Lancaster, similar to Laurens

Lancaster County (79.42) and Laurens County (76.21) both exceed Kershaw's risk profile, while Sumter County (measured separately) presents comparable exposure. Kershaw's central location buffers against coastal hurricane surge.

Tornadoes and hurricanes require attention

Tornado risk (72.90) and hurricane risk (86.07) represent Kershaw's primary concerns, while flood risk (64.41) remains moderate. Earthquake risk (82.28) rounds out exposure but poses lower practical threat to most properties.

Ensure tornado and wind protection

Review your homeowners policy's wind coverage and confirm it includes severe storm protection. If you live in a flood-prone area, verify NFIP or private flood insurance is in place.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kershaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth in Kershaw

Kershaw County features an annual average temperature of 62.0°F, placing it well above the U.S. median. This humid subtropical region experiences drier conditions than most, with just 38.3 inches of annual rainfall compared to the national average of 38 inches.

Slightly Cooler than the State Average

Kershaw's 62.0°F average is slightly below the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. The county is also significantly drier than the rest of the state, receiving over 10 inches less rain than the state average of 48.9 inches.

Dry Conditions Compared to Lee County

Compared to neighboring Lee County's 46.6 inches of rain, Kershaw is much drier at 38.3 inches. However, both counties share similar heat profiles, with Kershaw recording 61 days of extreme heat annually.

Sizzling Summers and Snowless Winters

Summers are intense with 61 days surpassing 90°F and a July average of 80.7°F. Snow is virtually non-existent with a recorded 0.0 inches of annual snowfall, and winter lows average a cool 45.1°F.

Focus on Drought and Heat Prep

Because Kershaw is drier than its neighbors, xeriscaping and efficient irrigation are smart choices for homeowners. Residents should prepare for two full months of 90°F weather by servicing cooling systems every spring.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kershaw County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting classification in Kershaw County

Data for dominant soil texture and taxonomic order is currently unavailable for Kershaw County. While we lack a specific pH reading for this area, the statewide average of 5.27 suggests the soil is likely acidic. Local soil testing is the best way to determine your specific land's identity.

Seeking data on soil makeup

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for this county. Without these figures, it is difficult to generalize about drainage and nutrient retention across the county. Observing how your soil feels—gritty or sticky—can give you a clue about its sand and clay content.

Organic matter and water capacity unknown

There is currently no digital data for organic matter or available water capacity in Kershaw County. These factors are critical for understanding how much water your garden needs and how fertile your soil is. Adding compost is a safe bet to improve any soil type when data is limited.

Drainage characteristics remain unmapped

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups have not been recorded in the current dataset. Understanding local hydrology is vital for preventing erosion and managing runoff during heavy rains. We recommend consulting with local agricultural extension offices for historical land use data.

Piedmont possibilities in Zone 8a

Kershaw County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, which supports a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. From juicy peaches to hardy winter greens, the climate offers two distinct growing seasons. Do not let the lack of data stop you; start small and learn from your own soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kershaw County

via LawnByCounty

Kershaw Offers State-Leading Lawn Potential

With a lawn difficulty score of 45.9, Kershaw County is one of the easiest places in South Carolina to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 35.1 and approaches the national median of 50.0. Residents in Hardiness Zone 8a have a distinct advantage when it comes to curb appeal.

Dryer Conditions with Standard Heat

Kershaw receives 38.3 inches of rain annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 48.9 inches. Despite the lower rainfall, the 61 extreme heat days are on par with state norms, requiring efficient irrigation to keep grass green. You can expect a steady growing season with 5,164 growing degree days to power your lawn's development.

Soil Knowledge is Power Here

Official soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Kershaw County, making a professional soil test your first priority. Understanding whether you have the sandy hills or clay-heavy flats common in this region will dictate your fertilizer needs. Start with a baseline test to ensure you aren't wasting money on the wrong amendments.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dry Spells

The county has faced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. However, only 8.7% is in severe drought, which is much lower than the state's hardest-hit regions. Focused watering of high-traffic areas will help your lawn survive these temporary dry periods.

Timing Your Seeding for Success

Tall Fescue or Bermuda grass are excellent choices for the Kershaw climate and Zone 8a. Plan to plant after the last spring frost on April 4 and before the first fall frost on November 14 for the best results. Take advantage of the county's favorable difficulty score to create a standout landscape this year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kershaw County's county score?
Kershaw County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Kershaw County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Kershaw County ranks #24 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 Kershaw County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Kershaw County is $937, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Kershaw County a tax score of 87.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kershaw County?
The median household income in Kershaw County, South Carolina is $64,343 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kershaw County earns an income score of 51.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kershaw County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Kershaw County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Kershaw 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 Kershaw 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.