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Pickens County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#4 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.4
County Score
Property Tax 95.1Weather & Climate 66.7Water Quality 63

County Report Card

About Pickens County, South Carolina

Exceeding the National Benchmark

Pickens County earns a 50.4 composite score, surpassing the national median of 50.0. It stands as a robust example of a high-growth, high-value region.

Leading the South Carolina Average

The county's 50.4 score is much higher than the state average of 42.8. It is a key driver of quality of life in the South Carolina Upstate.

Incredible Tax and Median Income

The county's Tax Score of 95.1 is among the best in the nation, featuring an effective rate of just 0.380%. This financial health is supported by a solid median household income of $59,411.

Balancing Risk and Housing Costs

Pickens faces a low Risk Score of 22.4, suggesting vulnerability to environmental or systemic stressors. Housing costs are also rising, with a Cost Score of 45.4 reflecting higher demand.

A Magnet for Young Professionals

Pickens County is ideal for families and professionals who want the best of South Carolina's tax benefits. It offers a high-functioning environment for those working in the nearby tech and manufacturing hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax95.1Cost45.4Safety48.4Health43.8Schools27.5Income37.2Risk22.4Water63Weather66.7
🏛95.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.2
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

Pickens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Pickens County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Public Safety

Pickens County is remarkably safe, with a total crime rate of 1,157.1 per 100K, well below the national 2,385.5. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.2.

Exceeding the State Safety Benchmark

At 98.2, Pickens County’s safety score is much higher than the state average of 95.4. Eleven reporting agencies show that the county is one of the more secure locations in South Carolina.

Low Crime compared to Upstate Neighbors

The crime rate here is 1,157.1, which is less than half the statewide average of 2,920.8. Pickens stands out as a low-crime alternative to nearby urban centers.

Minimal Violent Crime in the County

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 157.1 per 100K, which is less than half the national average. Property crime is also very low at 1,000.0, suggesting a safe environment for residents.

Maintaining Security in a Safe Area

Residents can enjoy a high level of safety but should still practice standard home security to prevent opportunistic theft. Participation in local neighborhood watch programs helps keep these rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Pickens County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing System with High Enrollment

Pickens County manages a large student population of 16,796 across 26 public schools. This robust network includes 15 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools. A single primary district oversees the vast majority of these institutions, providing a coordinated educational path for local families.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Lean Efficiency

Pickens County achieves an impressive 88.0% graduation rate, which exceeds both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Remarkably, the county reaches these heights with a lean per-pupil spend of $6,088, the lowest in this region. This suggests a high level of efficiency and effectiveness within the local school system.

Unified Oversight with Charter Variety

The Pickens 01 district is the central authority, managing 24 schools and over 16,000 students. The county also embraces school choice with two charter schools, making up nearly 8% of the educational landscape. This mix allows families to choose between a large, successful traditional district and alternative specialized models.

Suburban Scale in a Balanced Setting

The county is evenly split between rural and suburban locales, with 13 schools in each setting. The average school size is 672 students, reflecting the larger suburban campuses found in areas like Easley. Easley High is the county's largest school, serving nearly 2,000 students, while Richard H. Gettys Middle provides a large-scale middle school experience for over 1,200 kids.

High-Value Education for New Residents

Families seeking a district that outperforms national graduation benchmarks will find Pickens County an ideal choice. Homes in the Easley High or Pickens High zones are particularly popular due to the strong reputation and size of these schools. Make the most of your real estate investment by moving to a county that delivers top-tier results with efficient local funding.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Pickens County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Piedmont Climate Profile

Pickens County averages 60.3°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than the South Carolina average. The county is exceptionally wet, receiving 59.2 inches of annual precipitation. This combination of mild heat and high rainfall supports the region's diverse forest ecosystems.

Cooler and Wetter Than Most

At 60.3°F, Pickens stays cooler than the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. It is also significantly wetter, recording 59.2 inches of rain compared to the state's 48.9-inch average. These figures reflect its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Warmer Than Oconee, Cooler Than Spartanburg

Pickens sits in a thermal middle ground between Oconee (58.0°F) and Spartanburg (60.4°F). While it is drier than Oconee, its 59.2 inches of rain is much higher than Spartanburg's 50.5 inches. This makes Pickens one of the wettest counties in the Upstate region.

Balanced Seasons With Frequent Rain

The county averages 47 extreme heat days per year, with July temperatures peaking at 78.8°F. Snowfall is light but present at 1.6 inches annually. Winter temperatures average 43.2°F, offering a true seasonal transition without the coastal humidity.

Durable Rain Gear is Essential

With nearly 60 inches of rain, residents should prioritize waterproof gear and high-quality roofing. The 47 days of 90°F heat require steady AC, but the 1.6 inches of snow means keeping a shovel handy is wise. Yard maintenance focuses on managing fast growth driven by high precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pickens County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate acidity in the Upstate

Pickens County features a soil pH of 5.32, making it slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.27. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a typical characteristic for the South Carolina Piedmont.

A stable sand and silt mix

The soil contains 57.9% sand and 24.6% silt, along with 15.8% clay. This composition offers a stable structure that resists erosion better than the sandier soils found in the coastal plains.

Solid water capacity potential

The available water capacity of 0.123 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.115, providing good drought resistance. Organic matter is 1.19%, meaning there is plenty of room to improve fertility toward the state average of 2.05%.

Predicting drainage on the slopes

Drainage and hydrologic data are not specifically recorded for this county. Given the 57.9% sand and 15.8% clay mix, the soil likely offers moderate drainage that balances moisture retention with oxygen for roots.

Start your zone 8a garden

Hardiness zone 8a is an excellent climate for cool-season greens and hardy perennials. With its high water capacity, your soil provides a resilient foundation for a productive and beautiful home landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pickens County

via LawnByCounty

Pickens Offers a Balanced Growing Environment

Pickens County has a lawn difficulty score of 37.2, which is slightly easier than the South Carolina state average of 35.1. The Zone 8a climate here provides a middle-ground for lawn care compared to the more extreme conditions found in the coastal plains.

Plentiful Rain and Moderate Heat Stress

The county enjoys 59.2 inches of annual precipitation, providing ample natural hydration for most grass types. With only 47 extreme heat days—well below the state average of 63—your lawn is less likely to scorch during the peak of summer.

Addressing Acidity in Pickens Soil

The soil contains 15.8% clay and 57.9% sand, creating a relatively balanced structure for root growth. However, the pH of 5.32 is quite acidic and will require lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 range needed for optimal grass health.

Navigating Severe Short-Term Drought

While Pickens only had 20 weeks of drought last year, it is currently 100% in severe drought status. Focus on improving your soil's organic matter to help it retain the nearly 60 inches of rain it receives when the dry spells finally break.

Best Grasses for the Pickens Foothills

Tall Fescue is a popular and successful choice for Pickens County due to the moderate heat and high rainfall. Aim to start your lawn after April 1st, once the threat of the last spring frost has safely passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pickens County's county score?
Pickens County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Pickens County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Pickens County ranks #4 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 Pickens County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Pickens County is $821, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Pickens County a tax score of 95.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pickens County?
The median household income in Pickens County, South Carolina is $59,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pickens County earns an income score of 37.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pickens County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Pickens County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Pickens 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 Pickens 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.