CountyScore

McCormick County

South Carolina · SC

#1 in South Carolina
76
County Score

County Report Card

About McCormick County, South Carolina

McCormick ranks in top tier nationally

McCormick County's composite score of 76.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quintile of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects exceptional health outcomes, income stability, and economic resilience.

South Carolina's strongest county profile

McCormick ranks above the state average of 68.2 and is among the top-performing counties in South Carolina. Its balanced profile across income, health, and stability makes it a statewide leader.

McCormick leads on health and stability

McCormick's standout score of 90.5 on risk (highest among these counties) signals strong economic resilience, while a health score of 66.4 and median household income of $55,344 reflect a healthier, more stable population. The combination positions McCormick as one of the region's most economically secure communities.

Modest affordability compared to peer counties

While still affordable, McCormick's median home value of $159,000 and rent of $666/month are higher than deeply rural neighbors. The cost score of 87.4, though respectable, trails the most budget-friendly counties in this group.

Best for families seeking balance and stability

McCormick suits families prioritizing health, economic security, and income stability over rock-bottom costs. If you want a resilient, stable county community with good health outcomes and willing to pay modest premiums versus the cheapest counties, McCormick delivers strong livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.3Cost87.4SafetyComing SoonHealth66.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk90.5WaterComing Soon
🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.5
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 McCormick County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Miguel County
Colorado
76
Median income: $80,117
Sedgwick County
Colorado
76
Median income: $52,833
Camas County
Idaho
76
Median income: $55,536
Tipton County
Indiana
76
Median income: $78,309
Elliott County
Kentucky
76
Median income: $40,074

Deep Dives

McCormick County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McCormick County

via TaxByCounty

McCormick taxes well below national average

McCormick County's effective tax rate of 0.638% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, roughly one-quarter the typical American burden. The median property tax of $1,014 remains well below the national median of $2,690, despite higher home values in the county.

Middle tier in South Carolina rankings

McCormick County's 0.638% effective rate ranks 19th among South Carolina's 46 counties, slightly above the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $1,014 exceeds the state average of $939, reflecting McCormick's notably higher median home value of $159,000.

Pricier homes, comparable tax rates

McCormick's median home value of $159,000 significantly exceeds Marion ($86,800) and Marlboro ($74,500), yet its 0.638% rate matches Marlboro's. This means McCormick homeowners pay more in absolute dollars but face similar percentage-based rates to less affluent neighboring counties.

Median home costs $1,014 yearly

On McCormick County's median home value of $159,000, the annual property tax bill reaches $1,014. Including mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $1,547 per year toward property taxes.

Challenge overassessments before they compound

McCormick homeowners with higher-value properties should particularly verify their assessments, as even small percentage errors translate to larger dollar amounts. The county assessor's office accepts appeals that could yield meaningful savings on your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCormick County

via CostByCounty

McCormick punches above its weight

McCormick County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is among the best in South Carolina, falling well below both the state average of 20.1% and the national norm. Median household income of $55,344 is respectable for rural South Carolina, and $666/month rent creates genuine affordability relief.

McCormick leads affordability rankings

McCormick ranks among South Carolina's most affordable counties with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, bolstered by solid median income and modest rents. The county's $159,000 median home value is accessible for homebuyers earning $55,344.

McCormick outpaces Pee Dee peers

While Marion ($34,501) and Marlboro ($36,293) struggle with thin incomes, McCormick households earn $55,344, creating a $19,000+ advantage in absolute income. Rents across all three counties are comparable ($663–$686), but McCormick's income cushion makes housing genuinely affordable.

Homeownership advantage clear

McCormick renters pay $666/month while homeowners spend $601/month on a median home worth $159,000. With income of $55,344, housing consumes just 14.4% of rent-paying households' income—the healthiest ratio among peer counties.

McCormick: rural affordability winner

If you're seeking true affordability in South Carolina's interior, McCormick delivers: low rents, reasonable home values, and income levels that make housing genuinely accessible. The county's proximity to larger employment hubs makes it an ideal base for remote or commuting workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCormick County

via IncomeByCounty

McCormick approaches but trails national norm

McCormick County's median household income of $55,344 remains 26% below the national median of $74,755, yet outpaces most South Carolina peers. This $19,400 income gap still limits household wealth accumulation, though McCormick's position suggests relative economic resilience for the region.

McCormick ranks middle-of-pack in state

McCormick's $55,344 median income places it slightly below South Carolina's $57,006 state average, ranking around the midpoint among the state's 46 counties. This moderate position reflects a mixed economic profile—neither among the state's most challenged nor most prosperous regions.

McCormick lags wealthier upstate neighbors

McCormick's $55,344 trails nearby Oconee County ($60,193) and Pickens County ($59,411) but exceeds more rural peers like Marion ($34,501). This positioning reflects McCormick's intermediate economic standing within the upstate region.

Housing costs comfortably manageable here

McCormick's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% sits well below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend only about one-seventh of median income on housing. A median home value of $159,000 is reasonably accessible relative to the county's income, supporting homeownership stability.

McCormick: leverage home equity strategically

McCormick households earning $55,344 have built-in advantages—affordable housing and manageable rent ratios free up income for retirement savings and investment. Direct $200–$300 monthly into Roth IRAs or employer 401(k)s to capitalize on compound growth and tax advantages over a 30-year horizon.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McCormick County

via HealthByCounty

McCormick above national health benchmarks

McCormick County residents live 73.3 years on average, just 2.8 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years and notably above its South Carolina peers. Only 19.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national 18% average and the lowest rate in this eight-county analysis. McCormick demonstrates that healthier outcomes are achievable even in rural South Carolina.

Health leader within South Carolina

McCormick exceeds the state average life expectancy of 72.5 years by 0.8 years and has a far lower poor/fair health rate (19.2% vs. state trend). The county consistently outperforms its regional peers, suggesting effective health management and healthcare access despite rural challenges. McCormick shows South Carolina that better health metrics are within reach.

Strong primary care for a rural county

McCormick's 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks above Marlboro (11 per 100K) and Marion (38 per 100K), giving residents meaningful access to routine care. At 73.3 years life expectancy, McCormick residents live 4+ years longer than Marlboro's population, a gap directly tied to healthcare access. The county's lower uninsured rate (9.7%) and stable provider workforce support sustained health outcomes.

Strong coverage, fewer barriers to care

McCormick's 9.7% uninsured rate is the lowest in this cohort and well below South Carolina's 11.6% average, meaning most residents have insurance pathways to primary care. With 51 primary care providers per 100K and 50 mental health providers, McCormick achieves geographic and insurance-based access that many rural counties lack. This foundation supports the county's above-average health outcomes.

Keep your coverage momentum strong

McCormick residents enjoy above-average health security; if you're uninsured, healthcare.gov and Medicaid options remain available and worth exploring for fuller coverage. Continue regular preventive visits with your primary care provider—McCormick's provider network makes routine care accessible. Maintaining coverage and preventive habits will help sustain the county's health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCormick County

via RiskByCounty

McCormick is South Carolina's safest county

McCormick County scores just 9.54 on the composite risk scale—the lowest in South Carolina and far below the national average. This very low risk rating means McCormick residents face minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to virtually all other U.S. counties.

McCormick stands alone as safest in state

McCormick County ranks last (safest) among South Carolina's 46 counties for composite disaster risk, significantly outperforming even the second-safest county. Its 9.54 score is a stark contrast to the state average of 70.75.

McCormick is dramatically safer than peers

McCormick's 9.54 composite score dwarfs neighboring Newberry County (61.99) and the nearby Oconee County (85.62). Even the state's second-safest county faces risks more than six times higher than McCormick.

Earthquakes pose the highest relative threat

Even McCormick's most significant hazard—earthquake risk at 51.34—remains well below state and national averages. Flood (16.79) and wildfire (34.76) risks are minimal, making McCormick's overall threat profile exceptionally benign.

Standard homeowner's insurance typically suffices

McCormick residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance without the specialized flood or wind coverage required in higher-risk counties. Annual disaster preparedness remains prudent, but McCormick's very low risk profile means financial exposure to natural disasters is minimal.

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.