CountyScore

Richland County

South Carolina · SC

#45 in South Carolina
63.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Richland County, South Carolina

Richland competes at national average level

Richland County's composite score of 63.7 sits 27% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the national middle tier. Strong health outcomes and income levels partially offset housing cost challenges.

Below South Carolina state average

Richland's score of 63.7 falls below the state average of 68.2, ranking it in the lower tier of South Carolina's 46 counties. Housing costs weigh most heavily on the county's livability score.

Richland leads in health and income

Richland County boasts the highest health score in this group at 70.4 and the second-highest median household income at $61,699, reflecting a well-educated, health-conscious population. These strengths position Richland as a regional hub for opportunity and wellness.

Housing costs strain affordability significantly

Richland's median home value of $224,200 and median rent of $1,185/month are the highest in this group, with a cost score of just 68.8 reflecting serious affordability strain. These costs can eclipse the county's income and health advantages for budget-conscious households.

Ideal for well-paid professionals seeking health

Richland County suits educated professionals and dual-income families earning $60,000–$75,000+ who prioritize health, urban amenities, and income opportunity over affordable housing. If you have solid earning power and value access to good health care and professional employment, Richland's higher costs deliver strong quality-of-life returns.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.6Cost68.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.7Risk6.9WaterComing Soon
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.9
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 Richland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Alabama
63.7
Median income: $64,589
Clay County
Florida
63.7
Median income: $86,094
Putnam County
Florida
63.7
Median income: $47,256
Decatur County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $50,485
Lowndes County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $55,887

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland taxes remain below national norm

Richland County's effective rate of 0.700% ranks in the bottom 25% nationally, still well below the typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $1,569 is less than 60% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Carolina's overall tax-friendly environment.

Highest rate among analyzed counties

Richland County ranks 10th among South Carolina's 46 counties with an effective rate of 0.700%, above the state average of 0.542%. At $1,569 in median taxes, Richland homeowners pay about $630 more than the state average of $939, driven by the county's highest median home values.

Highest taxes in the regional group

Richland's 0.700% effective rate exceeds all other analyzed counties, including Newberry (0.689%) and Orangeburg (0.660%). The county's position as South Carolina's most populous demands higher tax rates to fund services for Columbia and surrounding areas.

Median home costs $1,569 yearly

On Richland County's median home value of $224,200, annual property taxes total $1,569—the highest median bill in this eight-county region. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay approximately $1,697 per year.

Challenge assessments to cut costs

Richland County homeowners should actively verify their assessments, as overvaluation by even a small percentage yields substantial dollar savings given the higher property values. The county assessor accepts appeals that could meaningfully reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland's affordability paradox

Richland County's 23.1% rent-to-income ratio equals Marion's despite median income of $61,699—the state's highest—because rents are steep at $1,185/month. Columbia's capital-city demand drives housing costs that consume more income than rural peers, even at stronger earnings levels.

Richland's high-income, high-cost reality

At 23.1% rent-to-income, Richland ranks among South Carolina's least affordable by ratio, though median income of $61,699 is the state's strongest. The county's $1,185 median rent—26% above state average—reflects Columbia's urban housing market.

Richland stands apart in cost

Richland's $1,185 rent and $61,699 income reflect urban demand absent in rural Marion ($663 rent), Marlboro ($686), and Pickens ($936). Only Oconee and Pickens approach Richland's income levels, but Richland renters pay $250–$300/month more.

Columbia's housing consumption

Richland renters pay $1,185/month while homeowners spend $1,182/month on median homes worth $224,200—among South Carolina's highest. On $61,699 income, renters and owners both dedicate roughly 23% to housing, reflecting Columbia's premium urban market.

Richland: pay for urban advantage

Richland's higher costs reflect Columbia's employment diversity, cultural amenities, and income opportunity—median earnings outpace all other featured counties by $2,000+. Relocating here requires accepting urban-level housing costs, but career potential and quality-of-life gains justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland ranks in national middle ground

Richland County's median household income of $61,699 runs 17% below the national median of $74,755, yet outperforms most South Carolina counties. This $13,000 gap reflects Richland's status as South Carolina's largest and most economically diversified county, anchored by Columbia.

Richland leads South Carolina in income

Richland's $61,699 median income stands $4,693 above South Carolina's state average of $57,006 and ranks among the state's top earners. This leadership position reflects Columbia's government, education, and healthcare sectors that support higher wages statewide.

Richland significantly outearns nearby counties

Richland's $61,699 substantially exceeds neighboring Newberry ($59,670) and Pickens ($59,411), reflecting Columbia's urban economic advantage. This income premium reflects the capital city's concentration of stable, well-paying public and private sector jobs.

Housing costs challenge despite higher income

Richland's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% exceeds the 20% affordability benchmark, with renters spending nearly a quarter of median income on housing. A median home value of $224,200 reflects strong demand in Columbia, requiring substantial down payments and competing with national competition for housing.

Richland workers: leverage urban job market

With $61,699 median income and strong career advancement opportunities in Columbia's government and healthcare sectors, Richland workers can direct $400–$500 monthly to retirement and investment accounts. Over 30 years, consistent contributions and employer matches can generate $300,000+ in wealth, supporting comfortable retirement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Richland leads South Carolina on health

Richland County residents live 75.5 years on average, just 0.6 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years—the highest in this eight-county analysis. Only 16.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate in this cohort and beating the national 18% average. Richland's outcomes rival major U.S. metros, driven by robust healthcare infrastructure and higher insurance coverage.

South Carolina's healthiest county

Richland County ranks first statewide on life expectancy at 75.5 years, 3 years above the state average, and has the lowest poor/fair health rate at 16.8%. This leadership reflects concentrated healthcare investment, a major medical university presence, and higher household income compared to most state peers. Richland sets the benchmark that other South Carolina counties aspire toward.

Unmatched provider network and access

Richland's 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 417 mental health providers per 100K far exceed any peer in this cohort—Orangeburg's 48 and 233 providers pale in comparison. With 75.5-year life expectancy and the lowest uninsured rate (9.6%), Richland residents enjoy both insurance access and exceptional provider density. This combination drives South Carolina's best health outcomes.

Lowest uninsured rate supports outcomes

Richland's 9.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in this eight-county analysis, meaning roughly 16,000 fewer uninsured residents than Oconee despite similar population size. Combined with 83 primary care and 417 mental health providers per 100K, Richland residents enjoy both insurance and immediate access to care. This foundation enables preventive, rather than crisis-driven, healthcare.

Keep coverage strong, stay preventive

Richland residents should maintain their health insurance and use Richland's exceptional primary care and mental health provider networks for preventive visits and early intervention. If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov and Medicaid are available immediately—Richland's resources make coverage more beneficial than in most counties. Building consistent preventive care habits will help sustain Richland's statewide health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland faces the highest disaster risk in SC

Richland County scores 93.10 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category but far exceeding South Carolina's average of 70.75. This exceptionally high score reflects extreme exposure across virtually all major hazard types—tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding.

Richland ranks as SC's riskiest county

Richland County ranks first (highest risk) among South Carolina's 46 counties for overall disaster risk, scoring significantly higher than second-place Marion County. The county's multi-hazard vulnerability is unmatched statewide.

Richland faces far greater risk than peers

Richland's 93.10 composite score substantially outpaces even nearby Orangeburg County (87.72) and all other regional competitors. The county's extreme exposure across tornado (95.01), flood (94.56), hurricane (94.37), and earthquake (93.80) hazards is nearly unparalleled.

Tornadoes and flooding create dual crisis

Richland's tornado risk of 95.01 and flood risk of 94.56 represent the county's most severe threats—both in the extreme range. Hurricane (94.37) and earthquake (93.80) risks round out a uniquely dangerous four-hazard profile that demands serious preparation.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is non-negotiable

Richland residents must carry flood insurance, wind coverage, and ideally earthquake protection given the county's extreme exposure across all major hazards. Annual insurance reviews and detailed disaster preparedness plans are essential—this county faces greater multi-hazard risk than nearly any other in South Carolina.

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.