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Lexington County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#40 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
38.3
County Score
Property Tax 83.7Income & Jobs 77.3Health 62.3

County Report Card

About Lexington County, South Carolina

A Higher-Earning County Facing Obstacles

Lexington County earns a 38.3 composite score, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it boasts strong economic and health metrics, low scores in safety and environmental risk impact its overall standing.

Below Average Despite High Incomes

Lexington's score of 38.3 trails the state average of 42.8. This surprising gap exists because the county's significant economic strengths are offset by some of the lowest safety and risk scores in the region.

Leading in Health and Local Incomes

Lexington is a regional leader in income (77.3) and health (62.3). Residents enjoy a high median household income of $75,014 and better access to healthcare services than many neighboring counties.

Critical Safety and Hazard Risks

The county faces significant challenges with a safety score of 2.2 and a risk score of 9.1. These metrics suggest that residents should prioritize home security and disaster preparedness in their daily lives.

A Prime Spot for Healthy Professionals

Lexington County is ideal for high-earners who prioritize medical access and career growth over absolute safety or low risk. For families earning the median $75,014, the lifestyle trade-offs may be well worth the economic benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax83.7Cost24.5Safety2.2Health62.3Schools25.3Income77.3Risk9.1Water53.8Weather47.6
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.4
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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Deep Dives

Lexington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lexington County

via CrimeByCounty

Lexington County Crime Significantly Above National Rates

Lexington County reports a high total crime rate of 4656.1 per 100K, nearly double the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a lower safety score of 92.6.

Safety Challenges Relative to South Carolina

Lexington County's safety score of 92.6 is well below the South Carolina average of 95.4. Its total crime rate is also much higher than the state average of 2,920.8.

Comparing Lexington to Nearby Horry County

Lexington's crime rate is significantly higher than Horry County's 2943.2 per 100K. A large network of 24 reporting agencies works to manage crime in this densely populated area.

Property Crime Dominates Lexington Data

Lexington faces a property crime rate of 3963.0 per 100K, which is nearly double the national average. Violent crime is also elevated at 693.1 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 369.8.

Taking Action Against Property Theft

High property crime rates make comprehensive home security essential for Lexington residents. Monitored alarms and visible cameras are the best defenses against the county's frequent theft reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lexington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive and Diverse Suburban System

Lexington County supports a vast network of 73 public schools, serving an impressive 62,874 students. This extensive infrastructure includes 36 elementary, 18 middle, and 16 high schools across four distinct districts.

Navigating Growth in a Large System

The county reports a graduation rate of 74.1%, which is lower than the state average, though per-pupil spending remains healthy at $7,338. The county's school score is 45.9, reflecting the complex challenges of managing a rapidly growing student population.

A Multi-District Educational Hub

Lexington 01 is the largest district, serving over 28,000 students alone. The county is also a major center for charter education, with six charter schools including the massive SC Connections Academy, which enrolls over 6,200 students.

Suburban Excellence and Virtual Options

With an average size of 886 students, schools here often feel like large, bustling communities. Most campuses are located in suburban settings, though the county also hosts large virtual schools that serve students across the entire region.

Find Your Place in a Growing Suburb

Lexington County's wide variety of school districts and charter options make it a premier destination for families in South Carolina. Focus your home search on the suburban corridors near Lexington or White Knoll to access some of the county's most popular campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lexington County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat and Subtropical Humidity

Lexington County is significantly warmer than the national median, posting an annual average temperature of 64.0°F. Its 48.1 inches of rain puts it 10 inches above the national average, defining its humid subtropical character.

One of the Warmest Spots in the State

Lexington County exceeds the state average temperature of 62.8°F by over a full degree. This 64.0°F average makes it one of the hotter regions in South Carolina, particularly during the peak of summer.

Hotter than Neighboring Laurens County

Lexington is much warmer than Laurens County, which averages only 61.2°F. Lexington also faces five more days of extreme heat annually than Laurens, totaling 68 days above 90°F.

Intense Summer Heat and Dusting of Snow

Summer temperatures average 80.4°F, peaking in July at 81.9°F with 68 days of extreme heat. Winters are mild, averaging 47.4°F, though the county does see about 1.1 inches of snow annually.

Preparing for Significant Heat Exposure

Residents must plan for over two months of 90°F-plus days by investing in energy-efficient cooling and window tinting. The 1.1 inches of snow means while rare, winter weather can still impact local travel for a day or two.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lexington County

via SoilByCounty

Midlands soil with moderate acidity

Lexington County soil has a pH of 5.47, which is slightly less acidic than the state average but still below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is unlisted, the pH level is relatively favorable for many regional crops. This moderate acidity is a hallmark of the Midlands' transition zone.

Silty and sandy Midlands mix

The soil contains 64.5% sand, 20.0% silt, and 10.8% clay. This mixture has a higher silt content than many coastal counties, which contributes to better nutrient availability and a smoother texture. It is a versatile ground that is relatively easy to manage for home landscapes.

Standard water capacity and low organics

Organic matter is 1.41%, which is lower than the state average of 2.05%. However, the available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is almost exactly the state average of 0.115 in/in. This means the soil has a normal ability to store moisture for plants compared to other South Carolina counties.

Awaiting hydrology and drainage data

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not yet classified in this dataset for Lexington County. Homeowners and developers should look for local signs of water flow and soil saturation after heavy rains. The balanced composition suggests generally reliable drainage, but site-specific data is always best.

Endless possibilities in Zone 8b

Lexington County falls into Zone 8b, where long summers and mild winters are the norm. This climate is excellent for growing everything from camellias to tomatoes and summer squash. Your balanced soil texture is a great foundation for any garden project you choose to start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lexington County

via LawnByCounty

Standard South Carolina Lawn Challenges

Lexington County earns a lawn difficulty score of 36.4, placing it just above the South Carolina average of 35.1. Being in Hardiness Zone 8b, local homeowners face the typical uphill battle of the Deep South, trailing the national median of 50.0. Success requires a balanced approach to heat management and soil health.

Higher Heat and Ample Rainfall

Lexington experiences 68 extreme heat days per year, exceeding the state average of 63. Fortunately, the 48.1 inches of annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state average of 48.9, providing a decent natural water supply. This combination fuels a robust 5,736 growing degree days, necessitating regular mowing through the long season.

Sand-Heavy Soil Needs pH Boosting

The soil here is composed of 64.5% sand and 10.8% clay, which provides better structural balance than some neighbors but still drains quickly. The pH is 5.47, which is acidic and requires lime to move toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Focusing on soil amendments will help your grass utilize nutrients more effectively in the heat.

Staying Ahead of Dry Conditions

With only 0.5% of the county in severe drought, Lexington is currently faring better than many of its neighbors. Over the past year, the county has seen 22 weeks of drought, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Consistent, deep watering during the hottest weeks will keep your lawn from slipping into severe stress.

Kickstarting Your Lexington Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine are the top performers in Lexington's Zone 8b. The best window for planting opens after the last spring frost on March 25 and closes before the first fall frost on November 7. Start early with a soil test to ensure your pH is ready for the spring growth surge.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lexington County's county score?
Lexington County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 38.3 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 Lexington County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Lexington County ranks #40 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 Lexington County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Lexington County is $1,136, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Lexington County a tax score of 83.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lexington County?
The median household income in Lexington County, South Carolina is $75,014 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lexington County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lexington County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Lexington County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Lexington 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 Lexington 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.