CountyScore

Lexington County

South Carolina · SC

#29 in South Carolina
67.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lexington County, South Carolina

Lexington performs well above the nation

Lexington County's composite score of 67.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it solidly in the top third of U.S. counties. This reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Slightly below South Carolina's average

Lexington's 67.5 score sits just below South Carolina's state average of 68.2, ranking it near the middle of state counties. It performs respectably but slightly trails the state norm.

Income and health lead the county's strengths

Lexington boasts the highest income score in this group at 32.4, with median household income of $75,014, plus excellent health outcomes (71.9). Low risk (9.1) rounds out a strong profile.

Housing costs are the main trade-off

With median home values of $217,700 and median rent of $1,115, Lexington's housing costs are notably higher than most peers, reflected in a cost score of 72.5. This is the primary constraint on overall livability.

Best for higher-income families and professionals

Lexington suits dual-income families, established professionals, and those earning strong incomes who value health, low risk, and economic stability. Higher housing costs are offset by excellent income potential and low environmental risk.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.6Cost72.5SafetyComing SoonHealth71.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.4Risk9.1WaterComing Soon
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.1
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 Lexington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
Alabama
67.5
Median income: $93,543
Kusilvak Census Area
Alaska
67.5
Median income: $48,233
Suwannee County
Florida
67.5
Median income: $55,479
Appling County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $43,728
Baldwin County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $55,413

Deep Dives

Lexington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lexington County

via TaxByCounty

Lexington's rate slightly below national median

Lexington County's effective tax rate of 0.522% sits below the national median of 0.71%, placing it around the 30th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $1,136 represent only 42% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lexington's median home value of $217,700 that's well below the national figure.

Lexington slightly above South Carolina average

Lexington County's effective rate of 0.522% sits just below South Carolina's average of 0.542%, placing it near the middle of the state's 46 counties. The median property tax of $1,136 exceeds the state median of $939, reflecting Lexington's relatively strong home values in the Columbia suburbs.

Lexington competitive within Midlands region

Lexington's 0.522% rate sits between Richland (0.497%) and Lancaster (0.499%), making it competitive with neighboring Midlands counties. The median tax of $1,136 reflects Lexington's position as a growing, suburban-influenced county with appreciating property values.

Median Lexington home costs $1,136 yearly

On Lexington's median home value of $217,700 and effective rate of 0.522%, homeowners pay roughly $1,136 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,235, positioning Lexington as moderately priced within the Midlands.

Growing county means dynamic appeal opportunities

Lexington's rapid growth and changing property values create frequent assessment mismatches, making appeals particularly worthwhile. Homeowners paying $1,136 or more should compare their assessment to recent comparable sales in their specific subdivision or neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lexington County

via CostByCounty

Lexington income matches nation, rents climb faster

Lexington County's median household income of $75,014 slightly exceeds the national average, yet residents spend 17.8% of income on rent—a manageable ratio despite paying $1,115 monthly. This higher rent reflects Lexington's role as a growing suburban corridor near Columbia, attracting demand and investment.

Premium rents, competitive affordability ratio

Lexington's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below South Carolina's 20.1% state average, thanks to above-average incomes that offset the county's $1,115 rents. At $1,115, Lexington rents trail only Horry ($1,181) and Jasper ($1,307), reflecting suburban growth and economic vitality.

Suburban pricing for suburban amenities

Lexington's $1,115 rent places it between mid-market Horry ($1,181) and rural peers like Laurens ($847), reflecting its position as a growing suburban hub near Columbia. Compared to similarly-income peers like Lancaster ($892), Lexington commands a $223 premium—the price of commuter convenience and urban access.

Ownership costs nearly match rental levels

Lexington homeowners pay $1,025 monthly versus renters' $1,115—just a $90 difference that makes buying competitively priced for those with down payment access. The median home value of $217,700 reflects suburban values and demand, offering solid appreciation prospects for long-term residents.

Lexington suits suburban lifestyle seekers

If you're relocating to South Carolina's capital region seeking suburban amenities without coastal price premiums, Lexington offers solid value and genuine affordability for households earning $75,000+. The county's growth trajectory and job diversity make it a long-term investment bet worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lexington County

via IncomeByCounty

Lexington County surpasses national income median

Lexington County's median household income of $75,014 edges just slightly above the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in America's middle-class mainstream. The county's per capita income of $38,807 substantially exceeds the national average, reflecting strong individual earning power and economic opportunity.

Lexington leads South Carolina in prosperity

At $75,014, Lexington County's median household income tops South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 32%, ranking it among the state's very highest-earning counties. The county's per capita income of $38,807 exceeds the state average of $32,382 by 20%, signaling exceptional economic strength.

Lexington and Lancaster share top-county status

Lexington's $75,014 median income edges slightly ahead of regional peer Lancaster County ($74,751), and both substantially outpace all other nearby counties including Kershaw ($64,343), Horry ($64,623), and Jasper ($63,503). These two adjacent counties dominate the state's income hierarchy.

Lexington balances income and housing costs

At 17.8%, Lexington's rent-to-income ratio ranks among South Carolina's lowest, with renters dedicating under one-fifth of earnings to housing costs. Median home values of $217,700 represent fair value for households earning $75,000+, supporting accessible homeownership and equity-building opportunities.

Lexington residents can accelerate wealth

With incomes above national medians and strong housing affordability, Lexington residents can aggressively pursue maxed retirement contributions, diversified investments, and real estate portfolio expansion. The county's economic foundation supports advanced wealth strategies including business ownership, real estate investment, and significant education funding for future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lexington County

via HealthByCounty

Lexington exceeds U.S. health benchmarks

At 76.1 years, Lexington County residents match the U.S. life expectancy average—a strong achievement reflecting excellent healthcare access and community health practices. With only 14.9% reporting poor or fair health, Lexington significantly beats the national rate of 16%, showing exceptional disease prevention and management.

Healthiest county in South Carolina

Lexington's 76.1-year life expectancy ranks at or near the top of South Carolina counties, exceeding the state average of 72.5 years by 3.6 years. The 14.9% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest statewide, reflecting strong primary care investment, employer-sponsored coverage, and preventive health culture.

Outperforms all regional peers decisively

Lexington's 76.1-year life expectancy beats every compared county, including Lancaster (75.3), Horry (74.6), and trailing regional peers by 2–7+ years. With 63 primary care providers and 211 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health capacity statewide—Lexington sets the standard for healthcare access.

Excellent coverage and provider access

At 10.4% uninsured, Lexington beats the state average of 11.6%, meaning strong employer and individual coverage rates protect residents. With 63 primary care providers and 211 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest-resourced county in the cohort—Lexington residents enjoy rare access to behavioral and physical health specialists.

Maintain Lexington's health advantage

You live in South Carolina's healthiest county—keep that edge by staying insured, getting preventive screenings, and pursuing coverage gaps if uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov to enroll or update your coverage and ensure continuous access to Lexington's excellent healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lexington County

via RiskByCounty

Lexington County faces elevated national risk

Lexington County's composite risk score of 90.90 places it well above the national average with a Relatively Moderate rating. Your county experiences above-average exposure across multiple hazard types.

Second-highest risk in South Carolina

Lexington County scores 20.15 points above South Carolina's average of 70.75, ranking as the second-riskiest county in the state after Horry. Among 46 South Carolina counties, only Horry County (98.19) faces greater combined disaster risk.

Riskier than most neighboring counties

Kershaw County (66.67) and Laurens County (76.21) both face significantly lower risk than Lexington. Richland County (measured separately) presents comparable exposure due to similar geographic and demographic factors.

Tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes converge

Tornado risk (97.65), flood risk (90.55), and hurricane risk (92.07) create a triple-threat environment in Lexington. Earthquake risk (91.44) adds a fourth significant hazard, making comprehensive preparedness essential.

Bundle comprehensive disaster insurance

Flood insurance is critical—obtain NFIP or private coverage immediately if not already protected. Pair it with robust wind/hurricane coverage and confirm your homeowners policy includes tornado and severe storm protection.

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.