countyscore

Lancaster County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#14 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.8
County Score
Property Tax 86Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 77

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, South Carolina

Strong National Standing for the Region

Lancaster County's composite score of 44.8 is one of the highest in this group, nearing the national median of 50.0. It shows strong performance in economic metrics that exceed many peer counties.

Outperforming the South Carolina Average

At 44.8, Lancaster sits comfortably above the South Carolina state average of 42.8. This indicates a higher quality of life and better economic health than the typical county in the state.

High Incomes and Low Tax Burdens

Lancaster excels with an income score of 77.0 and a tax score of 86.0. The median household income of $74,751 is robust, yet the effective tax rate remains a very low 0.499%.

Improving Local Safety and Risk Resilience

The county's lower scores appear in safety (15.3) and risk (20.6). Addressing these issues could provide more security for a community that is otherwise economically thriving.

Perfect for Upwardly Mobile Professionals

Lancaster is the top choice for professionals who want higher-than-average incomes without the burden of high taxes. It offers a sophisticated economic profile that justifies the slightly higher median home value of $298,100.

Score breakdown

Tax86Cost36.5Safety15.3Health58.1Schools24.7Income77Risk20.6Water86Weather62.7
🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.6
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

Union County
North Carolina
46.1
Chester County
South Carolina
40.3
Kershaw County
South Carolina
42.5
York County
South Carolina
44.5
Fairfield County
South Carolina
45.3
Chesterfield County
South Carolina
43.2
Mecklenburg County
North Carolina
33.2
Anson County
North Carolina
34.8

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Lancaster County

via CrimeByCounty

Lancaster County Beats National Safety Averages

Lancaster County maintains a total crime rate of 2365.5 per 100K, coming in below the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 96.3 for the area.

A Safety Leader in South Carolina

Lancaster's safety score of 96.3 is nearly a full point higher than the state average of 95.4. It also maintains a crime rate significantly lower than the statewide average of 2,920.8.

Outperforming Neighbors in Public Safety

Lancaster County is safer than neighboring Kershaw County, reporting roughly 300 fewer crimes per 100K residents. Eight reporting agencies contribute to this robust safety profile.

Lancaster's Low Violent Crime Profile

Violent crime in Lancaster is 399.5 per 100K, very close to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1966.0, which is also lower than the national property crime rate.

Vigilance for Lancaster Homeowners

Even with lower rates, property crime remains the most common threat in the county. Residents should ensure all windows and doors have sturdy locks to maintain the county's safe standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lancaster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling in Growing Lancaster

Lancaster County's education system supports 15,114 students across 23 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, including 12 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools managed under a single district.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts an 86.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the South Carolina average of 84.2%. This performance is sustained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,308, which remains below both state and national spending levels.

Unified District Serving a Growing Region

The Lancaster 01 district manages all 23 schools in the county, ensuring a cohesive curriculum for all 15,114 students. The district includes one charter school, providing an alternative academic path for a small segment of the population.

A Rapidly Growing Suburban and Rural Mix

Schools in Lancaster range from rural settings to bustling suburban campuses like Indian Land High, which serves ,1678 students. While the average school size is 687, the county features several large elementary schools with over 1,000 students each.

Move to a District on the Rise

Lancaster's strong graduation rates and diverse school locales make it a top pick for families relocating to the area. Focusing your home search near Indian Land or the town of Lancaster will place you near the county's most popular school clusters.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Lancaster County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols and sandy clays in Lancaster

Lancaster County's soil is characterized as Entisols with a dominant texture of sandy clay and a pH of 5.24. This pH is nearly identical to the state average but significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. These soils are often less developed but offer a unique texture compared to the sandier coast.

High clay content increases retention

With 16.1% clay and 26.9% silt, this soil is much heavier than the state average. The 55.5% sand content is low for South Carolina, meaning this ground holds onto nutrients and water much better than coastal soils. However, it may be more difficult to work when it is wet or very dry.

Lower organics but superior water storage

The organic matter content is relatively low at 1.67%, falling below both the state and national averages. Conversely, the available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.115 in/in. This soil is a reliable water reservoir for plants even if it needs supplemental compost.

Predictable drainage for the Piedmont

The dominant drainage class is 'Moderately well drained' with a hydrologic group of C. This indicates moderate infiltration rates and predictable water movement, which is beneficial for both farm yields and stable home foundations. It provides a solid middle ground for most land uses.

Hardy gardening in Zone 8a

Lancaster County is located in Hardiness Zone 8a, where summer crops like tomatoes and peppers thrive alongside spring favorites like peas. The clay-rich soil is excellent for holding the moisture those plants need during a hot August. Get out there and plant something today in this resilient soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lancaster County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges for Lancaster Lawns

Lancaster County presents a difficult environment for lawn care with a score of 22.6, well below the South Carolina average of 35.1. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, the region requires specialized knowledge to overcome its natural limitations. Success here depends on careful attention to soil health and water management.

Preparing for Unpredictable Growing Seasons

While specific annual temperature and precipitation data are limited for Lancaster, the regional Zone 8a climate typically demands high heat tolerance. Homeowners should prepare for the standard South Carolina summer stress while monitoring local rainfall closely. Establishing a consistent mowing height will help protect the grass crown during periods of climate uncertainty.

Managing Heavy Sandy Clay Soils

The soil in Lancaster is a moderately well-drained sandy clay, containing 16.1% clay and 55.5% sand. The pH of 5.24 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, which can lock up essential nutrients. You must prioritize lime applications and core aeration to help water and air penetrate this dense soil structure.

Coping with Severe Drought Stress

Lancaster is currently struggling with 90.5% of its area in severe drought, following 32 weeks of drought over the last year. These harsh conditions require residents to be extremely disciplined with their water use to avoid turf loss. Focus on keeping the grass alive through dormancy rather than forcing it to stay green during the worst peaks.

Choosing the Right Turf for Lancaster

Bermuda grass is often the best choice here due to its high drought tolerance and ability to thrive in Zone 8a. While local frost dates are not recorded, aim to plant in late spring once the soil is reliably warm. Even with a low difficulty score, a well-chosen grass type can turn a struggling yard into a resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lancaster County's county score?
Lancaster County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 44.8 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 Lancaster County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Lancaster County ranks #14 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 Lancaster County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Lancaster County is $1,487, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Lancaster County a tax score of 86/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lancaster County?
The median household income in Lancaster County, South Carolina is $74,751 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lancaster County earns an income score of 77/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lancaster County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Lancaster County scores 44.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Lancaster 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 Lancaster County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.