countyscore

Laurens County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#19 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.8
County Score
Property Tax 91.4Water Quality 68.4Cost of Living 63.3

County Report Card

About Laurens County, South Carolina

Competitive Score in the National Landscape

Laurens County earns a 43.8 composite score, positioning it within striking distance of the 50.0 national median. It provides a balanced profile that highlights low costs and favorable taxes.

Above the South Carolina Average

The county's score of 43.8 is a point higher than the state average of 42.8. This makes Laurens a standout performer in the Upstate region, especially for cost-conscious residents.

Exceptional Tax and Housing Value

Laurens features a tax score of 91.4 and a cost score of 63.3. With an effective tax rate of just 0.438% and a median home value of $153,500, it is one of the most affordable spots in the state.

Boosting Safety and Household Incomes

A safety score of 9.6 and an income score of 26.6 are the primary areas for improvement. While the county is affordable, median household incomes of $55,517 reflect lower local wage growth.

The Smart Choice for Homebuyers

This county is ideal for first-time homebuyers or young families who need their dollar to go further. The combination of low property taxes and affordable housing makes Laurens a highly practical place to settle down.

2040608010091.463.39.630.83226.623.868.458.9Tax91.4Cost63.3Safety9.6Health30.8Schools32Income26.6Risk23.8Water68.4Weather58.943.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Laurens County DNA

Foverall

How Laurens County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Laurens County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (91.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.4+39.400000000000006
Cost
63.3+15.299999999999997
Safety
9.6-45.4
Health
30.8-19.2
Schools
32-22
Income
26.6-24.4
Risk
23.8-23.2
Water
68.4+10.400000000000006
Weather
58.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$153,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$847/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$153,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,517/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

41.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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39
Newberry County
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Abbeville County
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Deep Dives

Laurens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Laurens County

via TaxByCounty

Laurens offers well-below-average national rate

Laurens County's effective tax rate of 0.438% falls well below the national median of 0.71%, ranking it in roughly the 15th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $673 represent just 25% of the national median of $2,690, making Laurens among the nation's most affordable counties to own property.

Laurens ranks among South Carolina's lowest

Laurens County's effective rate of 0.438% ranks in the bottom tier of South Carolina's 46 counties, significantly below the state average of 0.542%. The median property tax of just $673 is the second-lowest in the state, reflecting Laurens's affordable median home value of $153,500.

Laurens taxes lowest in surrounding region

Laurens's 0.438% rate significantly undercuts Union (0.609%), Spartanburg (0.601%), and Newberry (0.587%), offering the region's most favorable tax environment. The median annual tax of $673 makes Laurens particularly affordable for homeowners on modest incomes.

Median Laurens home costs just $673 yearly

On Laurens's median home value of $153,500 and very low effective rate of 0.438%, homeowners pay only $673 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $980, still among South Carolina's most affordable property tax burdens.

Even low-cost counties have overassessments

While Laurens offers attractive overall tax rates, individual homeowners may still be paying more than necessary if their property is overassessed. Check your assessment against recent sales of comparable homes and file an appeal if your county valuation appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Laurens County

via CostByCounty

Laurens offers genuine affordability on moderate income

Laurens County residents spend 18.3% of their $55,517 median income on rent—below the state average and reflecting an unusually balanced housing market. At $847 monthly, Laurens rents are among the state's most reasonable, making this rural county genuinely affordable for working families.

Well below state average, but income lags

Laurens's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's 20.1% state average, placing it in the more comfortable tier despite incomes roughly $20,000 below the state norm. The affordable rents partially offset the lower wages, creating a manageable market for residents with local job ties.

Rural charm with rural-priced housing

Laurens's $847 rent ranks among the lowest here, undercutting Horry ($1,181) by 28% and Jasper ($1,307) by 35% while nearly matching Hampton ($815). This affordability reflects Laurens's rural character—for those prioritizing lowest costs over urban amenities, few South Carolina counties compete.

Buying dramatically cheaper than renting here

Laurens homeowners pay just $667 monthly compared to renters' $847—a $180 monthly savings that makes ownership a no-brainer for those with down payment ability. The median home value of $153,500 is the lowest in this dataset, placing homeownership within reach for modest-income households.

Laurens shines for budget-first relocators

If you're relocating on a tight budget or with remote work income, Laurens delivers the lowest ownership costs in South Carolina and rents nearly as affordable. Just accept that local wages are modest and job options limited—this county rewards those who bring income with them.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Laurens County

via IncomeByCounty

Laurens County earns well below national median

Laurens County's median household income of $55,517 trails the national median of $74,755 by 26%, placing it below average for U.S. counties overall. However, the county's per capita income of $28,728 exceeds many rural peers, suggesting modest but stable earning across the workforce.

Laurens slightly edges South Carolina average

At $55,517, Laurens County's median household income falls just 3% below South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it near the middle of the state's income distribution. The county's per capita income of $28,728 lags the state average of $32,382 by 11%, indicating some income inequality within households.

Laurens ranks between low and high earners

Laurens's $55,517 median income substantially trails top performers Lancaster ($74,751) and Lexington ($75,014), yet comfortably exceeds struggling counties Hampton ($43,059) and Lee ($44,145). The county sits solidly in the state's middle tier, below Horry, Kershaw, and Jasper but above the lowest-income peers.

Laurens housing remains moderately affordable

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% means Laurens renters spend roughly a fifth of earnings on housing, staying comfortably within affordability guidelines. Median home values of $153,500 remain accessible for middle-income families, supporting homeownership opportunities despite below-average county incomes.

Laurens residents can build stability

With moderate incomes and affordable housing, Laurens residents should prioritize employer retirement plans, emergency savings, and strategic homeownership to build long-term equity. Community banks and local nonprofits often offer financial coaching tailored to working families earning $50,000–$60,000 annually.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Laurens County

via CrimeByCounty

Laurens County Above National Crime Levels

Laurens County has a total crime rate of 2822.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 95.5 indicates it remains slightly safer than the state average.

Consistent with State Safety Norms

The safety score of 95.5 in Laurens County sits just above the South Carolina average of 95.4. Its total crime rate is also slightly better than the statewide average of 2,920.8.

Laurens Compared to Regional Peers

Laurens County maintains a lower crime rate than Lee County, which exceeds 3,000 per 100K. Ten reporting agencies provide coverage across the county to manage local safety concerns.

Analyzing the Crime Mix in Laurens

Violent crime stands at 502.5 per 100K, while property crime is significantly higher at 2320.0. This gap highlights property theft as the most frequent challenge for local law enforcement.

Strengthening Home Defenses in Laurens

Property crime rates suggest that active monitoring is beneficial for local homeowners. Using timed lighting and alarm systems can effectively reduce the likelihood of property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Laurens County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dual-District Schooling in Laurens

Laurens County features 18 public schools that serve a total of 8,840 students. The system is split across two districts, providing a mix of 11 elementary schools and specialized secondary campuses.

High Investment Amidst Academic Goals

The county spends $7,672 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $7,165. However, the graduation rate of 78.4% trails the state average, indicating an area where the county is focusing on future improvements.

A Tale of Two Districts

Laurens 55 is the larger of the two districts with 5,344 students, followed by Laurens 56 with 2,715 students. The county also supports two charter schools, making up about 11% of the total educational facilities available.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

Education here is evenly split between rural and town settings, with schools like Laurens District 55 High serving 1,554 students. The average school size is a manageable 491 students, offering a blend of larger high schools and smaller elementary campuses.

Find Your Community in Laurens

With a variety of town and rural school settings, Laurens County offers options for every lifestyle. Consider homes in the Laurens or Clinton areas to take advantage of the specific programming offered by each of the county's two distinct districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Laurens County

via RiskByCounty

Laurens County scores above national average

Laurens County's composite risk score of 76.21 ranks above the national average with a Relatively Low overall rating. Your county faces above-average but still manageable disaster exposure.

Upper-middle risk in South Carolina

Laurens County scores 5.46 points above South Carolina's average of 70.75, placing it in the higher-risk tier of state counties. Among 46 South Carolina counties, Laurens ranks in the upper-middle for overall hazard exposure.

Riskier than Kershaw, similar to Lancaster

Kershaw County (66.67) faces lower risk, while Lancaster County (79.42) and Newberry County (measured separately) present comparable threat levels. Laurens sits in an intermediate risk zone within the Piedmont region.

Hurricanes and floods pose main threats

Hurricane risk (76.76) and flood risk (71.95) are Laurens's top concerns, with tornado risk (65.20) as a secondary hazard. Wildfire risk (49.08) remains relatively low compared to neighboring counties.

Secure flood and hurricane coverage

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage—obtain NFIP or private coverage to protect against your county's significant flood risk. Verify wind and hail protection in your policy to address hurricane and severe storm threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Laurens County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Water Compliance with Single Violation

Laurens County earns a Grade B with only one drinking water health violation in the last five years. Its violation rate of 1.7 per 100,000 residents is much better than the South Carolina average of 22.2. The county generally provides highly reliable drinking water to its population.

Assessed Waterways Show Exceptional Health

Laurens County reports a 0% impairment rate for its assessed water bodies according to 2022 federal data. This is an outstanding result compared to the state average of 42.6% impairment. Local streams currently meet the health goals set by the Clean Water Act.

Diverse Monitoring Profile Across Thirty-Three Sites

Monitoring teams have recorded 9,541 measurements at 33 sites over the past five years. They primarily track physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics. This robust data set confirms the healthy status of the county's watersheds.

Reedy River Flowing Below Historic Means

The Reedy River near Waterloo is currently flowing at 182 cubic feet per second. This discharge is 59% of its long-term mean, indicating moderately dry conditions for this 251-square-mile basin. Lower flows can impact both aquatic habitats and local water availability.

Maintain Healthy Watersheds During Dry Spells

Laurens County has some of the healthiest watersheds in the state, so protecting this status is vital. With streamflow currently at 59% of typical levels, residents should practice water conservation to reduce stress on local rivers. Even with good watershed health, a single compliance violation suggests residents should stay informed about their local utility reports.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Laurens County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Subtropical Climate with Moderate Rain

Laurens County records an annual average temperature of 61.2°F, which is notably warmer than the national median. It receives 46.7 inches of precipitation per year, following the standard humid subtropical pattern of the American South.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

At 61.2°F, Laurens County sits below the state average of 62.8°F, making it one of the milder regions in South Carolina. Its annual precipitation of 46.7 inches is also slightly below the statewide average of 48.9 inches.

Cooler and Steadier than Lexington

Laurens is nearly 3 degrees cooler on average than Lexington County, which hits 64.0°F annually. While Lexington sees 68 days of extreme heat, Laurens experiences 63 days above 90°F.

Frequent Heat Waves and Trace Snowfall

The county faces 63 days of extreme heat annually with July temperatures averaging 80.2°F. Unlike coastal areas, Laurens sees occasional winter weather, averaging 1.3 inches of snowfall per year.

Dual-Season Preparation for Residents

Homeowners should prepare for 63 days of extreme heat by ensuring attic insulation is up to code. Since the county averages over an inch of snow, keeping a basic shovel and ice melt is a wise precaution for the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Laurens County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols with a higher-than-average pH

Laurens County features Alfisols with a sandy loam texture and an average pH of 5.69. This is the highest pH among the counties in this group, though it remains below the national median of 6.5. These soils are naturally more balanced and may require less lime than other parts of the state.

The versatile mix of sandy loam

The soil composition consists of 68.3% sand, 16.4% silt, and 15.3% clay. This sandy loam texture is often considered ideal for gardening because it drains well while the clay keeps nutrients available for plant roots. It is a workhorse soil that responds well to traditional farming practices.

Excellent water capacity with lean organics

The organic matter is quite low at 1.10%, which is well below the state average of 2.05%. However, the available water capacity is high at 0.124 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.115 in/in. Plants here have access to a deep water reserve, though the soil requires more organic amendments for peak health.

Well-drained soils for deep roots

Laurens County soil is 'Well drained' with a hydrologic group of D, which typically suggests high runoff when saturated but excellent air space for roots. This drainage class prevents waterlogging, making it perfect for fruit trees and other deep-rooted perennials. It is an efficient landscape for water management.

A prime environment in Zone 8a

Sitting in Hardiness Zone 8a, Laurens County is an excellent place to grow heavy feeders like corn or squash. With the high water capacity and well-drained profile, your garden can survive the heat of a Piedmont summer. Your soil is ready for a boost of compost to start a successful season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Laurens County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Potential in Laurens

Laurens County offers a relatively favorable environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 44.2. This makes it one of the easier counties in South Carolina for homeowners, outperforming the state average of 35.1. While still trailing the national median of 50.0, the conditions in Zone 8a are quite workable.

Standard Heat and Healthy Rain

The county receives 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is just below the state average of 48.9 inches. With 63 extreme heat days, Laurens matches the state average exactly, creating a predictable environment for lawn maintenance. This climate generates 5,004 growing degree days, providing ample energy for turf development.

Well-Drained Sandy Loam Foundation

Laurens features well-drained sandy loam soil with 15.3% clay and 68.3% sand. The pH of 5.69 is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many neighboring counties, though it still requires light lime adjustments. This superior drainage class means your lawn is less likely to suffer from waterlogged roots during heavy rains.

Addressing Extreme Drought Challenges

Despite a good difficulty score, 100% of Laurens is currently in severe drought, and it has faced 25 weeks of drought in the past year. This current crisis requires supplemental irrigation to prevent permanent grass damage. Mulching your grass clippings can help return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these dry periods.

Strategic Planting for Laurens Lawns

Tall Fescue is a popular choice here, though Bermuda grass offers more protection against the current drought trends in Zone 8a. Time your seeding or sodding between the last spring frost on April 1 and the first fall frost on November 5. Start with a quick soil test to take full advantage of the county's naturally better soil quality.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laurens County's county score?
Laurens County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 43.8 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 Laurens County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Laurens County ranks #19 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 Laurens County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Laurens County is $673, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Laurens County a tax score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Laurens County?
The median household income in Laurens County, South Carolina is $55,517 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Laurens County earns an income score of 26.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Laurens County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Laurens County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Laurens 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 Laurens 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.