CountyScore

Pickens County

South Carolina · SC

#14 in South Carolina
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Pickens County, South Carolina

Pickens ranks solidly above national norm

Pickens County's composite score of 69.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40%, placing it in the national upper-middle tier. Low taxes and strong income metrics drive this competitive national position.

Among top performers in South Carolina

Pickens's score of 69.6 ranks well above the state average of 68.2, placing it in the upper band of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county outperforms peers on multiple livability fronts.

Pickens excels in taxes and income

Pickens boasts the second-lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.380%, backed by an exceptional tax score of 91.6, while a median household income of $59,411 reflects solid earning power. These strengths make Pickens an attractive destination for income-focused families.

Housing costs notably higher than budget peers

Pickens's median home value of $216,000 and rent of $936/month represent the highest or near-highest costs in this group, with a cost score of 79.3 indicating moderate affordability. This trade-off reflects the county's growing appeal and gentrification.

Best for earning families seeking tax breaks

Pickens County suits working families earning $55,000–$65,000+ who value low taxes and reasonable incomes over maximum housing affordability. If you're willing to pay more for homes in exchange for rock-bottom taxes and better-paying local jobs, Pickens offers excellent value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.6Cost79.3SafetyComing SoonHealth66.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.2Risk22.4WaterComing Soon
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
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
⚡22.4
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 Pickens County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Lawrence County
Arkansas
69.6
Median income: $44,164
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293

Deep Dives

Pickens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pickens County

via TaxByCounty

Pickens taxes rank among nation's lowest

Pickens County's effective rate of 0.380% places it in the bottom 10% of American counties, among the absolute lowest property tax burdens nationwide. The median tax of $821 remains less than one-third of the national median of $2,690.

Lowest effective rate in South Carolina

Pickens County ties with Oconee for South Carolina's second-lowest effective rate at 0.380%, just below Marion's 0.457% (note: Oconee is 0.394%, Pickens is 0.380%, making Pickens the absolute lowest). At $821 in median taxes, Pickens homeowners enjoy significant savings compared to the state average of $939.

Exceptional rates across upstate cluster

Pickens's 0.380% rate is the lowest in the entire eight-county region, beating even Oconee (0.394%) and Marion (0.457%). The county offers one of South Carolina's premier property tax climates.

Median home costs $821 yearly

On Pickens County's median home value of $216,000, annual property taxes total just $821—an exceptionally low burden for a home near the regional median. Including mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay approximately $1,015 per year.

Protect your tax advantage with appeals

Pickens County's low rates make every dollar of overassessment count more; even a small inflated value reduces your competitive advantage. The county assessor welcomes appeals and could help ensure your already favorable rate stays that way.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pickens County

via CostByCounty

Pickens balances rent and income

Pickens County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's average of 20.1%, supported by median income of $59,411 and $936/month rent. Households spend less than 1 in 5 income dollars on rent, creating meaningful affordability in the Upstate.

Pickens ranks solidly affordable

At 18.9% rent-to-income, Pickens places in South Carolina's better-performing affordability tier, boosted by above-average income and proximity to Clemson University's economic engine. The county's $216,000 median home value reflects regional desirability.

Pickens in Upstate peer group

Pickens' $59,411 income and 18.9% ratio closely mirror Oconee ($60,193, 17.5%) and approach Richland ($61,699, 23.1%), establishing it as an Upstate affordability leader. Rents of $936/month are moderate for the region's growth trajectory.

Renting vs. owning calculus

Pickens renters pay $936/month while homeowners spend $802/month on median homes worth $216,000. With income of $59,411, renters dedicate 18.9% to housing, while homeowners build equity at reasonable cost—ownership becomes attractive here.

Pickens: Upstate's sweet spot

Pickens delivers solid affordability with strong income fundamentals—median earnings approach $60,000, rents are reasonable, and home values align with earning power. The county's Clemson connection and regional growth make it ideal for professionals seeking both affordability and opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pickens County

via IncomeByCounty

Pickens trails national income by 20%

Pickens County's median household income of $59,411 falls 20% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among stronger-earning South Carolina counties. This $15,300 gap, while meaningful, is smaller than many rural peers and reflects Pickens' mixed industrial-service economy.

Pickens ranks in state's upper half

Pickens' $59,411 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 standing reflects the county's economic diversity and workforce stability.

Pickens clusters with upstate wealth peers

Pickens' $59,411 sits just below Oconee County ($60,193) and nearly matches Newberry County ($59,670), establishing it as part of the upstate's economically resilient cluster. These three counties define the region's middle-to-upper economic tier.

Housing costs manageable for most households

Pickens' rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% sits comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, supporting financial flexibility for renters. A median home value of $216,000 reflects strong market demand, yet remains achievable for qualified borrowers earning the median income.

Pickens residents: build investment portfolio

Pickens households earning $59,411 with manageable housing costs can allocate $300–$400 monthly to diversified investments and retirement savings. Consistent contributions compound over 30 years into $200,000+ in wealth, funding college education and retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pickens County

via HealthByCounty

Pickens approaches U.S. health averages

Pickens County residents live 74.6 years on average, just 1.5 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years. Only 18.4% report poor or fair health, matching or slightly beating the national 18% average. Pickens demonstrates above-average health outcomes compared to most South Carolina peers and rivals many national benchmarks.

Top health performer statewide

Pickens's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks third-best in South Carolina, trailing only Richland (75.5) and Oconee (75.0) counties. The 18.4% poor/fair health rate is also among the state's best, reflecting sustained healthcare investments and healthier population demographics. Pickens shows that South Carolina counties can achieve outcomes approaching national averages.

Strong primary care supports success

Pickens's 59 primary care providers per 100,000 residents outpaces most regional peers except Richland's 83 per 100K and Newberry's 66 per 100K. With 147 mental health providers per 100K and 74.6-year life expectancy, Pickens's provider strength directly supports better health outcomes. The county's 11.6% uninsured rate—matching the state average—means most residents can access these available providers.

Insurance access mirrors statewide rate

Pickens's 11.6% uninsured rate exactly matches the South Carolina average, affecting roughly 2,100 county residents without coverage. Combined with strong primary care capacity (59 per 100K), most insured Pickens residents enjoy reliable access to routine care. The county's 18.4% poor/fair health rate suggests that healthcare access is functioning relatively well for those with coverage.

Maintain Pickens's health momentum

Pickens residents without insurance should visit healthcare.gov or explore South Carolina Medicaid to access the county's strong primary care network. If you're already insured, stay engaged with preventive care—Pickens's success comes from both access and active use of available services. Continuing to build on strong healthcare infrastructure will help Pickens maintain its statewide health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pickens County

via RiskByCounty

Pickens faces moderate national disaster risk

Pickens County scores 77.61 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category but above South Carolina's average of 70.75. This moderate-to-high standing reflects particularly significant flood and earthquake exposure.

Pickens ranks among SC's mid-tier risk counties

Pickens County ranks in the middle-to-upper range of South Carolina's 46 counties for overall disaster risk. Several counties face higher composite risk, but Pickens is riskier than most state peers.

Pickens is riskier than Newberry but safer than Oconee

Pickens's 77.61 composite score falls between Newberry County (61.99) and Oconee County (85.62), reflecting moderate-to-elevated exposure. The county's 84.03 flood risk is notably higher than both neighbors, distinguishing its hazard profile.

Flooding poses the greatest threat here

Pickens's flood risk of 84.03 is the county's most acute hazard, significantly exceeding state and regional peers. Earthquake risk (83.14) compounds the concern, creating a dual vulnerability that demands careful planning.

Flood insurance coverage is high priority

Pickens residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's exceptionally high 84.03 flood risk score. Earthquake coverage should also be considered, and homeowner's insurance should be comprehensive and regularly reviewed for adequate protection limits.

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.