countyscore

Newberry County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#21 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.4
County Score
Property Tax 64.3Water Quality 63.8Cost of Living 61.8

County Report Card

About Newberry County, South Carolina

Measured Performance Against National Standards

Newberry County scores 43.4 on the composite index, sitting slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a typical rural-American profile with balanced trade-offs.

Aligned with State Averages

Newberry's score of 43.4 is almost identical to the South Carolina state average of 42.8. It represents a middle-of-the-road experience for the Palmetto State.

Solid Utilities and Financial Balance

The county performs best in tax and utility reliability, posting a 64.3 Tax Score and a 63.8 Water Score. This baseline infrastructure supports a stable residential environment for homeowners.

Public Safety Concerns

Safety remains the primary area for improvement with a dimension score of 19.5. Additionally, the Health Score of 33.0 suggests that access to care lags behind more urbanized counties.

For the Practical Rural Resident

Newberry County is a fit for those who want a steady, affordable lifestyle near Columbia or Greenville. It serves families well who prioritize low taxes and mid-market home values.

Score breakdown

Tax64.3Cost61.8Safety19.5Health33Schools37.2Income37.9Risk38Water63.8Weather55
🏛64.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.3
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

Newberry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Newberry County

via TaxByCounty

Newberry's taxes remain below national norm

Newberry County's effective rate of 0.689% still ranks below the national median, placing it in the bottom 25% of American counties. The median property tax of $1,090 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690.

Above-average rate within South Carolina

Newberry County ranks 12th among South Carolina's 46 counties with an effective rate of 0.689%, notably above the state average of 0.542%. At $1,090 in median taxes, Newberry homeowners pay about $151 more than the state average of $939.

Highest rate in the regional eight

Newberry's 0.689% effective rate is the highest among the eight analyzed counties, exceeding Marion (0.457%), Pickens (0.380%), and Oconee (0.394%) by substantial margins. Only Richland County approaches Newberry's tax intensity in this region.

Median home costs $1,090 yearly

On Newberry County's median home value of $158,200, annual property taxes total $1,090. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically pay approximately $1,245 per year.

Verify your assessment aggressively

Newberry's above-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important—errors cost more here than in lower-tax counties. Contact the county assessor to request a reassessment if your home's value has declined or seems inflated compared to recent sales nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newberry County

via CostByCounty

Newberry keeps housing affordable

Newberry County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's average of 20.1% and sits comfortably below the national benchmark, thanks to median income of $59,670 and rent of $854/month. Households here spend less than 1 in 6 income dollars on rent—a healthier housing burden.

Newberry ranks solidly affordable

At 17.2% rent-to-income, Newberry places in the middle-to-upper tier of South Carolina affordability, matching incomes and modest rents for real stability. The county's $158,200 median home value aligns with household earning power.

Newberry: Pee Dee's sweet spot

Newberry splits the difference between lower-income Marion/Marlboro ($34k–$36k) and Oconee/Pickens/Richland ($59k–$61k), with median income of $59,670 and rent of $854/month. At 17.2% rent-to-income, Newberry offers affordability closer to its better-resourced neighbors.

Rents and mortgages in balance

Newberry renters pay $854/month while homeowners spend $676/month on a median home worth $158,200. On $59,670 income, housing eats 17.2% for renters and proportionally less for owners, leaving room for savings and other needs.

Newberry: balanced affordability

Newberry offers genuine housing affordability without sacrificing income potential—median earnings are competitive statewide, and rents remain reasonable. The county's central location and balanced metrics make it ideal for workers seeking stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newberry County

via IncomeByCounty

Newberry income 20% below U.S. average

Newberry County's median household income of $59,670 lags the national median of $74,755 by 20%, a smaller gap than many rural South Carolina counties. Still, Newberry families earn roughly $15,000 less annually than typical U.S. households, affecting long-term savings and asset accumulation.

Newberry tops half of South Carolina counties

Newberry's $59,670 median income exceeds South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it in the upper half of the state's 46 counties. This above-average position signals stronger economic fundamentals than many rural peers.

Newberry competes with upstate economic peers

Newberry's $59,670 sits between Pickens County ($59,411) and Oconee County ($60,193), clustering with the upstate region's middle-tier earners. All three counties reflect the industrial and service economy character of inland South Carolina.

Housing affordable and manageable for most

Newberry's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% falls comfortably below the 20% affordability benchmark, providing housing stability for renters. A median home value of $158,200 aligns reasonably with the median income, supporting accessible homeownership for qualified borrowers.

Newberry workers: maximize retirement savings

With $59,670 median income and manageable housing costs, Newberry households can allocate $300–$400 monthly to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Employer matches and compound returns mean these contributions could grow to $150,000+ over three decades, creating meaningful wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Newberry County

via CrimeByCounty

Safer than the Typical American County

Newberry County reports a total crime rate of 2,101.9 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 96.7.

Outperforming the South Carolina Average

Newberry’s safety score of 96.7 is higher than the state average of 95.4. This indicates that the 10 local reporting agencies manage a lower-than-average volume of criminal activity for the state.

A Safe Haven among Neighbors

The county's crime rate of 2,101.9 is roughly 28% lower than the South Carolina average of 2,920.8. It stands out as a relatively low-crime area within the Midlands region.

Balanced Statistics for Property and Safety

Violent crime sits at 419.3 per 100K, slightly above the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much lower than the national norm at 1,682.6 per 100K.

Securing Property in a Safe County

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Engaging with community alerts keeps these safety numbers heading in the right direction.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Newberry County

via HealthByCounty

Newberry meets South Carolina's average

Newberry County residents live 72.5 years on average, meeting the state average exactly but falling 3.6 years short of the U.S. median of 76.1 years. One in five residents (19.5%) reports poor or fair health, slightly above the national 18% average. Newberry's health profile aligns with South Carolina's broader trend, reflecting mixed access and outcome challenges across the state.

Right at South Carolina's health median

Newberry's 72.5-year life expectancy exactly matches the state average, placing it in the middle of South Carolina's health rankings. The county's 19.5% poor/fair health rate is just slightly above state norms, suggesting typical—not exceptional—health conditions for the state. This middle-ground position means Newberry reflects statewide inequities without the acute crises of its lowest-ranked neighbors.

Better primary care than state average

Newberry's 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents significantly outpaces Marion County (38 per 100K) and Marlboro County (11 per 100K), though trails Richland County's 83 per 100K. With 75 mental health providers per 100K and 72.5-year life expectancy matching the state, Newberry demonstrates that adequate provider supply supports stable health outcomes. The county's balanced provider network contributes to middling—but not alarming—health metrics.

One in eight residents lacks coverage

Newberry's 12.1% uninsured rate runs 0.5 percentage points above the state average, affecting roughly 1,700 county residents without insurance. Combined with moderate primary care access (66 per 100K), uninsured residents may face delays scheduling routine appointments or skip preventive care entirely. The uninsured rate aligns with broader South Carolina trends, reflecting persistent coverage gaps.

Close your coverage gap today

Newberry residents above the uninsured rate should check healthcare.gov and South Carolina Medicaid options immediately—coverage removes barriers to Newberry's available primary care providers. Community health centers offer sliding-scale visits for low-income residents, often without requiring prior insurance. Taking action on coverage will help you access the preventive care that keeps Newberry's health stable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Newberry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network for a Growing Community

Newberry County's education system consists of 14 public schools serving 5,806 students across a single district. The landscape features a robust foundation of eight elementary schools, supported by two middle schools and four high schools. This structure provides multiple pathways for students as they progress through the grades.

Consistent Performance and Solid Funding

With a 84.0% graduation rate, Newberry aligns closely with the South Carolina state average of 84.2%. The county invests $7,575 per pupil, which is higher than the state average and helps maintain a composite school score of 51.6. These figures suggest a stable and well-funded educational environment compared to state-wide benchmarks.

One District, Fourteen Schools

Newberry 01 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 5,806 students. The district maintains traditional public school offerings with no charter schools currently in operation. This singular management structure ensures that educational initiatives and resources are applied uniformly across all 14 campuses.

A Community-Focused, Rural Education

Schools here are primarily rural, with 12 of the 14 campuses located in the countryside and two in town settings. The average school size of 447 students fosters a community-centric feel, with Newberry High being the largest at 802 students. Mid-Carolina High follows closely with 723 students, highlighting the county's balance of larger secondary schools and smaller primary schools.

Plant Roots Near High-Quality Schools

For families moving to Newberry County, the consistent graduation rates and higher-than-average funding are strong indicators of a stable school system. Real estate near the Mid-Carolina or Newberry High school zones offers access to the county's top-tier secondary facilities. Prioritizing school quality can significantly enhance both your family's experience and your home's long-term value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newberry County

via RiskByCounty

Newberry faces moderate disaster risk nationally

Newberry County scores 61.99 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but below South Carolina's average of 70.75. This below-average standing reflects somewhat lower exposure than many state peers, though tornado and earthquake risks remain notable.

Newberry ranks in SC's safer counties

Newberry County ranks in the lower-risk half of South Carolina's 46 counties, placing it among the safer communities statewide. Only McCormick and Marlboro counties have lower composite risk scores.

Newberry is safer than Oconee but riskier than McCormick

Newberry's 61.99 composite score places it between the very safe McCormick County (9.54) and the elevated-risk Oconee County (85.62). This positioning reflects Newberry's middle-ground exposure to tornado and earthquake hazards.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are primary hazards

Newberry's tornado risk of 80.88 represents the county's most significant hazard, followed closely by earthquake risk at 82.35. Flood risk (62.88) also exceeds the state average, creating a multifaceted disaster profile.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

Newberry residents should ensure homeowner's insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes, given the county's 80.88 tornado risk. Adding flood insurance is equally prudent, as the 62.88 flood risk score indicates vulnerability to water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newberry County

via WeatherByCounty

Newberry's Warm Humid Subtropical Climate

Newberry County maintains an annual average temperature of 62.6°F, significantly higher than the national median of approximately 54°F. The region experiences a classic humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Residents see about 45.8 inches of precipitation annually, which sits just below the national average.

A Typical South Carolina Climate Profile

The county's annual average of 62.6°F almost perfectly mirrors the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. Newberry ranks as a moderately warm county, avoiding the extreme heat of the coast while staying warmer than the mountain regions. Its 45.8 inches of rain is slightly drier than the statewide average of 48.9 inches.

Warmer Than Mountains, Cooler Than Midlands

Newberry is slightly warmer than its neighbor Spartanburg to the north, which averages 60.4°F. However, it remains cooler than Richland County to the southeast, where temperatures average 63.9°F. This positioning provides a middle-ground climate within the Piedmont region.

Hot Summers and Very Rare Snow

Summer heat is intense, with 59 days per year reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 80.8°F. Winters are mild, averaging 45.8°F, though the county sees a modest 1.4 inches of snow annually. These conditions create long growing seasons punctuated by brief cold snaps.

Prioritize Cooling and Moderate Winter Prep

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage nearly two months of extreme heat. While 1.4 inches of snow is minimal, basic winterization for outdoor pipes is still recommended for January's 43.8°F average. Rain gear is essential throughout the year to handle the 45.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newberry County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately acidic growing conditions

Newberry County soil maintains a pH of 5.40, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.27. However, it still falls short of the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to optimize nutrient availability for vegetables.

Strong silt and clay presence

The soil contains 58.0% sand, 24.3% silt, and 17.7% clay. The higher silt and clay percentages compared to coastal counties help this soil hold its structure and support heavier plant roots.

Excellent water retention capacity

The available water capacity is a robust 0.139 in/in, beating the state average of 0.115. This helps compensate for a lower organic matter level of 0.80%, which is well below the state average of 2.05%.

Natural drainage in Newberry

Specific drainage and hydrologic data are not available for this county in our current records. Gardeners should observe their specific plot's drainage speed, as the 58% sand content typically allows for decent water infiltration.

Productive potential in zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a is well-suited for a variety of fruit trees and summer vegetables. By adding compost to boost organic matter, you can leverage the high water capacity for a truly flourishing garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newberry County

via LawnByCounty

Newberry's Mid-Range Difficulty for SC Lawns

Newberry County features a lawn difficulty score of 40.3, which is one of the more manageable scores in South Carolina. Despite being easier than the state average of 35.1, the Zone 8a climate still presents specific challenges compared to the national average of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall and Long Growing Cycles

Newberry receives 45.8 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for sustaining turf without constant supplemental watering. With 5,345 growing degree days, your lawn will have a long, productive season for growth and repair.

Navigating High Sand and Low pH

While specific drainage data is limited, the soil is composed of 58.0% sand and 17.7% clay, suggesting a relatively stable texture. However, the pH of 5.40 is below the ideal threshold, meaning regular applications of lime are necessary to unlock soil nutrients for your grass.

Conserving Water During Severe Dry Spells

Newberry experienced 25 weeks of drought last year, and currently, 97.3% of the county is in severe drought status. Using rain barrels and smart controllers can help you manage your lawn's water needs responsibly while meeting local conservation goals.

Spring Start for Newberry Lawns

Tall Fescue or Zoysia grass can perform well in Newberry's 8a climate if properly maintained. The best time to begin seeding or sodding is after the last spring frost, which typically occurs around March 31st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newberry County's county score?
Newberry County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Newberry County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Newberry County ranks #21 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 Newberry County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Newberry County is $1,090, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Newberry County a tax score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newberry County?
The median household income in Newberry County, South Carolina is $59,670 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newberry County earns an income score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newberry County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Newberry County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Newberry 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 Newberry County with other counties side by side.

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