CountyScore

Lancaster County

South Carolina · SC

#12 in South Carolina
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, South Carolina

Lancaster significantly outperforms the nation

Lancaster County's composite score of 69.8 beats the national median of 50.0 by 40%, ranking it in the top quarter of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance signals strong livability fundamentals.

Among South Carolina's best performers

Lancaster's 69.8 score surpasses South Carolina's state average of 68.2, placing it in the state's upper tier. It ranks as one of the state's most livable counties overall.

Income and health are the standout strengths

Lancaster leads this group on income with a score of 32.2 and median household income of $74,751, plus excellent health outcomes (71.0). Tax efficiency is also strong at 0.499% effective rate.

Moderate risk is the only real concern

Lancaster's risk score of 20.6 is manageable but represents the main area for improvement in an otherwise well-balanced profile. Housing costs are moderate, with median home values around $298,100.

Ideal for professionals and growing families

Lancaster suits dual-income families, established professionals, and those prioritizing good health and solid incomes in a tax-friendly environment. Its above-average performance across dimensions makes it a strong choice for upwardly mobile residents.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.2Cost76.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.2Risk20.6WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.6
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 Lancaster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Arkansas
69.8
Median income: $48,500
Liberty County
Florida
69.8
Median income: $53,824
McDuffie County
Georgia
69.8
Median income: $54,058
Webster County
Kentucky
69.8
Median income: $58,786
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
69.8
Median income: $42,273

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lancaster County

via TaxByCounty

Lancaster's rate sits near national median

Lancaster County's effective tax rate of 0.499% sits slightly below the national median of 0.71%, placing it around the 35th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $1,487 are only 55% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lancaster's median home value of $298,100 that slightly exceeds the national figure.

Lancaster slightly above South Carolina average

Lancaster County's effective rate of 0.499% sits just below South Carolina's average of 0.542%, ranking it near the middle of the state's 46 counties. With a median property tax of $1,487, Lancaster's tax burden runs higher than most neighbors due to stronger home values.

Lancaster ranks among region's steeper rates

Lancaster's 0.499% rate exceeds Kershaw (0.488%) but mirrors Fairfield (0.573%) and beats Chesterfield (0.492%). The median tax of $1,487 places Lancaster among the region's higher-burden counties due to its relatively strong property values.

Median Lancaster home costs $1,487 yearly

On Lancaster's median home value of $298,100 and effective rate of 0.499%, homeowners pay roughly $1,487 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill climbs to $1,751, reflecting one of the higher annual tax burdens in the Midlands region.

Higher values mean higher appeal potential

Lancaster County's relatively high property values make it a prime market for assessment appeals, especially as real estate markets fluctuate. Homeowners paying $1,487 annually should obtain a recent appraisal and file an appeal if the county's assessed value exceeds current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lancaster County

via CostByCounty

Lancaster matches national income, beats rents

Lancaster County's median household income of $74,751 virtually matches the U.S. average, while residents spend just 14.3% of income on rent—among the lowest rates nationwide. This rare combination of average incomes and excellent affordability makes Lancaster exceptionally livable for relocating Americans.

Best affordability paired with best income

Lancaster's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county group and crushes South Carolina's 20.1% state average by 6 percentage points. Combined with the county's competitive median income, Lancaster emerges as South Carolina's most balanced housing market.

Affordable rents fuel regional competitiveness

Lancaster's $892 monthly rent undercuts Horry ($1,181) by 24% and Jasper ($1,307) by 32%, while keeping pace with peer-income rivals like Lexington ($1,115) at lower cost. The combination of regional amenities and rural-adjacent affordability makes Lancaster a magnet for in-migration.

Ownership investment pays off quickly here

Lancaster homeowners pay $1,012 monthly versus renters' $892—a modest $120 difference that justifies pursuing ownership for long-term residents. The median home value of $298,100 reflects robust property appreciation, making Lancaster homes solid investments for buyers with access to financing.

Lancaster is South Carolina's sweet spot

If you're relocating to South Carolina and want genuine affordability without sacrifice, Lancaster should top your list—it delivers national-average incomes with below-average housing costs. The combination is rare enough to justify serious consideration, whether you're renting as you settle in or ready to purchase.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lancaster County

via IncomeByCounty

Lancaster matches the national income median exactly

Lancaster County's median household income of $74,751 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's most economically representative counties. The county's per capita income of $41,492 significantly exceeds the national average, reflecting strong individual earning potential across the workforce.

Lancaster leads South Carolina in earnings

Lancaster County's median household income of $74,751 tops South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 31%, ranking it among the state's highest-earning counties. With per capita income of $41,492—28% above the state average of $32,382—Lancaster represents one of South Carolina's economic success stories.

Lancaster and Lexington dominate the region

Lancaster's $74,751 median income virtually ties Lexington County ($75,014) as the region's top earners, significantly outpacing all other peer counties including Horry ($64,623), Kershaw ($64,343), and Jasper ($63,503). Together, these two adjacent counties form a high-income corridor that anchors South Carolina's middle-class economy.

Lancaster offers surprising housing value

Despite top-tier incomes, Lancaster County maintains a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.3%—the lowest in the region—meaning renters dedicate under 15% of earnings to housing. Median home values of $298,100 are high in absolute terms but remain affordable relative to household incomes, supporting robust homeownership rates.

Lancaster residents can build serious wealth

With incomes matching the national median and exceptional housing affordability, Lancaster residents can maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and potentially pursue real estate portfolio building. The county's strong economic foundation supports long-term wealth strategies including education savings, small business investment, and generational wealth transfer planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lancaster County

via HealthByCounty

Lancaster leads South Carolina on longevity

At 75.3 years, Lancaster County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 76.1 years—one of the best performances in South Carolina. Only 16% report poor or fair health, matching the national rate and reflecting strong community health practices.

Highest life expectancy statewide

Lancaster's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks among South Carolina's best, exceeding the state average of 72.5 years by nearly 3 years. The low poor/fair health rate of 16% and uninsured rate of 9.6%—below the state average of 11.6%—signal excellent health outcomes and coverage.

Outshines all regional competitors

Lancaster's 75.3-year life expectancy exceeds Lexington (76.1 edges it out), Kershaw (73.2), Jasper (74.1), and all other nearby counties by significant margins. With 41 primary care providers per 100,000, Lancaster offers solid physician access and clear commitment to preventive health.

Best insurance coverage in the region

Lancaster's 9.6% uninsured rate is among the lowest statewide, meaning nearly 9 in 10 residents have health coverage supporting wellness and emergency care. Though mental health providers (67 per 100,000) lag compared to Kershaw or Lexington, primary care strength ensures most residents can access routine treatment and referrals.

Lancaster leads—now protect yourself

You live in one of South Carolina's healthiest counties; honor that advantage by staying insured and keeping coverage current. Check your plan annually and visit healthcare.gov if you need to switch plans or enroll in new coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lancaster County

via RiskByCounty

Lancaster County scores above national average

Lancaster County's composite risk score of 79.42 ranks it above the national average with a Relatively Low overall rating. Despite above-average exposure, the county remains in the lower-risk category.

Upper-middle risk in South Carolina

Lancaster County scores 8.67 points above South Carolina's average of 70.75, placing it in the higher-risk tier of state counties. Among 46 South Carolina counties, Lancaster ranks in the upper-middle for hazard exposure.

Riskier than Kershaw, less risky than Laurens

Kershaw County (66.67) presents notably lower risk, while neighboring Laurens County (76.21) and Chester County (measured separately) show comparable exposure. Your county's Piedmont location exposes it to strong tornadoes.

Tornadoes and floods lead the list

Tornado risk (88.52) and flood risk (81.33) dominate Lancaster's hazard profile, with earthquake risk (81.97) adding secondary concern. Hurricane risk (74.97) remains significant but lower than coastal counties.

Prioritize flood and severe storm coverage

Lancaster's high flood risk (81.33) makes NFIP or private flood insurance non-negotiable, especially if you're in a floodplain. Confirm your homeowners policy covers wind and hail from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

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.