countyscore

Orangeburg County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#42 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.7Property Tax 67.6

County Report Card

About Orangeburg County, South Carolina

Facing Significant National Headwinds

Orangeburg County's composite score of 36.4 is well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates deep-seated challenges across income, safety, and school metrics.

Struggling Against State Benchmarks

With a 36.4 score, Orangeburg trails the South Carolina average of 42.8. It faces tougher socioeconomic conditions than the typical county in the state.

Reliable Utilities and Lower Costs

Infrastructure and affordability are bright spots, with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 74.7. Median home values are accessible at $109,700, keeping entry costs low.

Persistent Safety and Income Gaps

The county struggles with a Safety Score of 1.9 and an Income Score of 5.3. These scores highlight the critical need for local job creation and public safety initiatives.

Value for Resilient Budgets

This county is best for residents focused on low-cost property acquisition who are comfortable navigating urban challenges. It offers high utility reliability for its price point.

Score breakdown

Tax67.6Cost74.7Safety1.9Health23.3Schools19.9Income5.3Risk12.3Water86Weather39
🏛67.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.2
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

Orangeburg County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Orangeburg County

via TaxByCounty

Orangeburg taxes well below national average

Orangeburg County's effective rate of 0.660% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, roughly one-quarter of typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $724 remains significantly below the national median of $2,690.

Above-average within South Carolina

Orangeburg County ranks 14th among South Carolina's 46 counties with an effective rate of 0.660%, above the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $724 is slightly below the state average of $939, reflecting Orangeburg's lower-than-average home values.

Mid-range taxes in regional context

Orangeburg's 0.660% rate falls between Marion's low 0.457% and Richland's higher 0.700%. Compared to Marlboro at 0.638%, Orangeburg's rate is nearly identical, though Orangeburg's higher median home value ($109,700 vs. $74,500) means larger absolute tax bills.

Median home costs $724 yearly

On Orangeburg County's median home value of $109,700, annual property taxes total $724. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically pay approximately $996 per year.

Appeal if your value seems high

Orangeburg homeowners should verify their assessments, particularly those with recently renovated or upgraded properties that may be overvalued. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orangeburg County

via CostByCounty

Orangeburg's rent-income strain

Orangeburg County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Carolina's average of 20.1%, reflecting median income of $43,214 paired with $804/month rent. While rents are moderate, income constraints mean nearly 1 in 4 housing dollars goes to rent.

Orangeburg's affordability challenge

At 22.3% rent-to-income, Orangeburg ranks among South Carolina's less affordable counties, though not as tight as Marion (23.1%) or Marlboro (22.7%). The county's $804 rent is closer to state average, but income lags peers like Pickens and Richland.

Orangeburg between low and mid

Orangeburg's $43,214 income and 22.3% rent-to-income sit between the Pee Dee's struggling lower-income counties ($34k–$36k) and the Upstate's stronger earners ($59k–$61k). Rent of $804/month is notably higher than Marion/Marlboro but lower than Upstate counties.

Rent and ownership splits

Orangeburg renters pay $804/month while homeowners spend $568/month on median homes worth $109,700. On $43,214 income, renters face 22.3% housing burden while homeowners enjoy more favorable terms—ownership offers meaningful relief.

Orangeburg: path to ownership

Orangeburg's moderate rents and affordable home values ($109,700 median) create genuine ownership opportunities for renters earning $43,214. Job seekers should target positions offering income growth toward $55,000+, where affordability stress drops significantly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orangeburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Orangeburg income trails nation significantly

Orangeburg County's median household income of $43,214 runs 42% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting persistent rural economic challenges. This $31,500 gap constrains household purchasing power and limits wealth-building pathways for many families.

Orangeburg ranks in lower-third statewide

Orangeburg's $43,214 median income falls $13,792 below South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it in the lower third of the state's 46 counties. This positioning signals economic distress relative to state norms, though not the deepest challenge in rural South Carolina.

Orangeburg outearns more isolated counties

Orangeburg's $43,214 exceeds Marion ($34,501) and Marlboro ($36,293) but trails more developed areas, reflecting its semi-rural character between coastal and upstate regions. This middle position within the struggling tier suggests mixed economic opportunity.

Rent consumes substantial income share

Orangeburg's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% exceeds the recommended 20% threshold, with renters spending over a fifth of median income on housing. A median home value of $109,700 offers affordable ownership relative to income, providing a homeownership pathway for those with savings.

Orangeburg: prioritize debt and savings first

With $43,214 median income, Orangeburg households benefit most from building emergency reserves of 3–6 months expenses and paying down high-interest debt. Once stabilized, even $100 monthly in a savings account demonstrates financial discipline and creditworthiness for future home purchases.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orangeburg County

via CrimeByCounty

Elevated Crime Rates pose Local Challenges

Orangeburg County faces a total crime rate of 5,088.0 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. This leads to a safety score of 92.0, the lowest among this group of counties.

Significant Gap from State Safety Levels

The safety score of 92.0 falls well below the state average of 95.4. With 19 agencies reporting, the data shows a high volume of criminal activity requiring significant law enforcement resources.

Highest Crime Rate in the Comparison

Orangeburg's crime rate of 5,088.0 is nearly 75% higher than the South Carolina average of 2,920.8. It faces significantly more reporting activity than its immediate geographic neighbors.

High Rates of both Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is exceptionally high at 1,386.7 per 100K, while property crime reaches 3,701.3. Both figures far exceed national averages, indicating a high frequency of reported incidents.

Proactive Security and Community Awareness

Residents should prioritize comprehensive home security and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Collaboration with the 19 local law enforcement agencies is essential for improving these safety metrics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Orangeburg County

via HealthByCounty

Orangeburg below U.S. health benchmarks

Orangeburg County residents live 70.1 years on average, 6 years less than the U.S. median of 76.1 years. Nearly 23% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national 18% average and signaling significant health challenges. Orangeburg's gap from national norms reflects economic pressures and healthcare access barriers affecting a substantial share of residents.

Below-average but stable statewide

Orangeburg's 70.1-year life expectancy trails South Carolina's 72.5-year average by 2.4 years, placing it in the lower half of statewide rankings. The 22.7% poor/fair health rate is notably above state trends, reflecting concentrated health burdens in the county. Orangeburg faces real health challenges but ranks above Marlboro and Marion, suggesting capacity for improvement with targeted investment.

Moderate access amid regional inequality

Orangeburg's 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents positions it between Marlboro's shortage (11 per 100K) and Newberry's strength (66 per 100K). The county's 233 mental health providers per 100K far exceed Marlboro's count, suggesting mental health infrastructure investment. However, Orangeburg's 70.1-year life expectancy remains below most neighbors, indicating that provider capacity alone hasn't fully offset other barriers.

Strong coverage but persistent health gaps

Orangeburg's 11.1% uninsured rate is actually slightly below the state average, suggesting that coverage is not the primary barrier. Instead, wealth disparities, chronic disease burden, and transportation challenges likely drive the 22.7% poor/fair health rate and 70.1-year life expectancy. Even insured residents may struggle accessing or affording care, reflecting deeper structural inequities.

Coverage + preventive care matter

Orangeburg residents should ensure they have active health insurance and commit to annual preventive visits—coverage is a foundation but engagement drives change. If uninsured, healthcare.gov and Medicaid options are available to close immediate gaps. Building consistent relationships with primary care providers and addressing chronic conditions early can help close the health gap between Orangeburg and healthier South Carolina counties.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Orangeburg County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network Serving Diverse Needs

Orangeburg County operates an extensive educational infrastructure with 30 public schools serving 11,296 students. The system is primary-focused, with 17 elementary schools complemented by four middle schools and nine high schools. While three districts exist, the vast majority of schools are consolidated under one main administration.

Working to Bridge Performance Gaps

The county reports a graduation rate of 79.0% and a composite school score of 47.1, indicating areas for potential academic growth. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,724, which is below both the state and national averages. The local community continues to focus on improving these outcomes through its large network of 30 campuses.

Consolidated District Power with Charter Options

The Orangeburg district is the dominant force in the county, managing 27 schools and nearly 11,000 students. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, representing 3.3% of the total school landscape. Two additional districts exist but currently report zero enrollment, reflecting recent consolidation efforts to streamline education.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campuses

With 20 rural schools and 10 in town settings, Orangeburg offers a diverse mix of locales for its 11,296 students. The average school size is 403 students, providing a middle-ground between intimate rural schools and large city campuses. Orangeburg Wilkinson High is the largest in the county, serving 1,073 students as the primary secondary hub.

Finding the Right Fit in Orangeburg

With 30 different schools to choose from, Orangeburg County offers families many options for where to settle. Whether you prefer a rural primary school or a large town high school, there is a campus to fit your lifestyle. Explore homes near Orangeburg Wilkinson or Lake Marion High to stay connected to the county's main educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orangeburg County

via RiskByCounty

Orangeburg faces significant national disaster risk

Orangeburg County scores 87.72 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and well above South Carolina's average of 70.75. This high standing reflects particularly acute exposure to earthquakes and hurricanes, with scores of 95.61 and 95.33 respectively.

Orangeburg ranks 3rd riskiest in SC

Orangeburg County ranks third-highest for overall disaster risk among South Carolina's 46 counties, behind only Richland and Marion counties. The county's exceptionally high earthquake and hurricane scores drive this elevated ranking.

Orangeburg is riskier than most regional peers

Orangeburg's 87.72 composite score significantly exceeds nearby Newberry County (61.99) and most state peers except Richland (93.10) and Marion (80.69). The county's unique combination of high earthquake (95.61) and hurricane (95.33) risks distinguishes it regionally.

Earthquakes and hurricanes are extreme threats

Orangeburg faces exceptional earthquake risk (95.61) and hurricane risk (95.33)—among the highest in the state for both hazards. Wildfire risk (79.93) compounds the threat landscape, creating a particularly challenging disaster profile.

Comprehensive, specialized insurance is vital

Orangeburg residents need robust homeowner's insurance covering earthquake and wind damage—both at extreme risk levels in this county. Additional flood insurance and disaster preparedness plans are essential to protect against the county's multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orangeburg County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Warm and Humid

Orangeburg County averages 65.3°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the national median of 54°F. The climate is characterized by heavy humidity and long, oppressive summers typical of the Deep South. Annual precipitation is 47.1 inches, aligning closely with national averages for the Eastern Seaboard.

One of the State's Hot Spots

With an annual average of 65.3°F, Orangeburg is notably warmer than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. The county receives 47.1 inches of rain, which is slightly less than the statewide average of 48.9 inches. It represents the warmer, drier side of the state's coastal plain transition.

Hotter Than Columbia and Sumter

Orangeburg is warmer than its northern neighbor Richland, which averages 63.9°F, and its eastern neighbor Sumter at 63.2°F. It experiences more extreme heat than most surrounding counties in the Midlands. This makes it one of the most thermally intense regions in the central part of the state.

Sizzling Summers and Nonexistent Snow

Summer dominates the calendar with 80 days of temperatures at or above 90°F and a July average of 82.1°F. Snow is nearly unheard of, averaging just 0.1 inches per year. Winter is remarkably mild, with a December-to-February average of 49.5°F.

Invest in Cooling and Hydration

Reliable air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury, to handle the 80 days of extreme heat. Residents can largely ignore snow prep, but they should plan for high water bills to maintain landscaping during hot, 47.1-inch rain years. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 47.7°F January mornings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orangeburg County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soil of the inner plain

Orangeburg County soil is acidic with a pH of 5.15, which is lower than the South Carolina average of 5.27. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, making it ideal for acid-loving shrubs.

Highly sandy soil texture

The soil is dominated by 80.1% sand, with only 11.5% silt and 8.4% clay. This extreme sandiness means the soil is exceptionally easy to dig but will require extra organic matter to improve its nutrient-holding capacity.

Meeting the moisture challenge

Available water capacity is low at 0.088 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.115. Organic matter sits at 1.72%, which also trails the state average of 2.05%, contributing to a lower overall soil score of 14.0.

Managing fast-draining ground

While official drainage classes are not provided, the 80.1% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. Heavy rain will likely soak in quickly, but nutrients can also wash away just as fast without proper management.

Growing strong in zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b allows for a long season of heat-loving crops like watermelons and peppers. Adding mulch and compost will help your garden overcome the low water capacity and produce a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orangeburg County

via LawnByCounty

South Carolina's Most Challenging Lawn Conditions

Orangeburg County holds a lawn difficulty score of 25.2, making it the most difficult area in the group to maintain. This Zone 8b county presents a combination of intense heat and sandy soil that tests the patience of even the most experienced gardeners.

Brutal Heat and High Growing Demand

Homeowners must manage 80 extreme heat days per year and a staggering 6,042 growing degree days. This high thermal energy means grass requires immense amounts of water and nutrients to keep up with the aggressive growing pace.

Managing Extremely Sandy Soil Foundations

The soil in Orangeburg is 80.1% sand, the highest in the region, with an acidic pH of 5.15. This sand-heavy composition means water and fertilizer wash through the root zone rapidly, requiring small, frequent applications to be effective.

Enduring the State's Longest Droughts

Orangeburg suffered through 35 weeks of drought over the past year, far exceeding its neighbors. With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, prioritize drought-tolerant landscape designs and avoid any heavy pruning or fertilizing during the driest months.

Selecting the Toughest Turf for 8b

Only the most drought-hardy grasses like Bermuda or Bahia can thrive in Orangeburg's intense heat. Because spring arrives early here, you can typically begin planting safely after the last frost on March 15th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orangeburg County's county score?
Orangeburg County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 36.4 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 Orangeburg County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Orangeburg County ranks #42 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 Orangeburg County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Orangeburg County is $724, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Orangeburg County a tax score of 67.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orangeburg County?
The median household income in Orangeburg County, South Carolina is $43,214 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orangeburg County earns an income score of 5.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orangeburg County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Orangeburg County scores 36.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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.