countyscore

Richland County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#41 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.7
County Score
Water Quality 64.8Property Tax 63.4Health 56.4

County Report Card

About Richland County, South Carolina

Urban Complexity Impacts Scores

Richland County's composite score of 36.7 sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. This reflects the typical trade-offs found in a dense, urbanized county center.

Challenges in the State Capital

At 36.7, Richland trails the state average of 42.8. High living costs and urban risks pull the score down despite the county being a major state economic hub.

Health and Income Leadership

The county excels in health access with a score of 56.4 and strong incomes at 44.2. Residents earn a median of $61,699, the highest among these eight counties.

High Risk and Living Costs

Richland's Risk Score of 6.9 and Cost Score of 17.5 are major weaknesses. Median gross rent of $1,185 makes it the most expensive rental market in this data set.

The Hub for Career Professionals

Richland is best for ambitious professionals who value proximity to health systems and higher salaries. It is suited for those willing to trade affordability for urban opportunity.

2040608010063.417.514.456.444.344.26.964.843.3Tax63.4Cost17.5Safety14.4Health56.4Schools44.3Income44.2Risk6.9Water64.8Weather43.336.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Richland County DNA

Foverall

How Richland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Richland County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (14.4/100), though Property Tax (63.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.4+11.399999999999999
Cost
17.5-30.5
Safety
14.4-40.6
Health
56.4
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
44.2
Risk
6.9-40.1
Water
64.8
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$224,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,185/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$224,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,699/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Lexington County
South Carolina
38.3
Fairfield County
South Carolina
45.3
Calhoun County
South Carolina
47.8
Kershaw County
South Carolina
42.5
Sumter County
South Carolina
35.2
Lee County
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43.9
Newberry County
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Orangeburg County
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36.4

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates sit near National Levels

Richland County reports a total crime rate of 2,428.4 per 100K, nearly mirroring the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.2.

A Competitive Safety Profile in SC

Richland's safety score of 96.2 exceeds the state average of 95.4. Despite being a major population center with 14 reporting agencies, it performs well compared to other large counties.

Lower Crime than the State Average

The county's crime rate of 2,428.4 is lower than the South Carolina average of 2,920.8. This indicates that while active, Richland is safer than many other developed areas in the state.

Managing Violent and Property Statistics

Violent crime stands at 502.2 per 100K, slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary issue at 1,926.2, which is actually lower than the national average.

Security Awareness for Urban Living

Residents should focus on preventing property crimes by securing vehicles and using alarm systems. Working with the 14 local agencies can help address the slightly elevated violent crime numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

South Carolina's Educational Powerhouse

Richland County is a massive educational hub, home to 103 public schools serving over 60,600 students across four districts. The infrastructure is expansive, featuring 59 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 24 high schools, and specialized alternative centers. This scale offers a breadth of resources and specialized programs unmatched in smaller counties.

Significant Investment Amidst Achievement Gaps

Richland County invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,146, far exceeding the state average of $7,165. Despite this high funding, the county-wide graduation rate of 67.3% is below the state average, and the composite school score stands at 48.4. These figures reflect the complex challenges of managing one of the state's largest and most diverse urban school systems.

A Multi-District System with Diverse Choices

Four districts operate in the county, with Richland 02 serving the largest share of students (28,510) across its 32 schools. Families have significant choice, with seven charter schools and seven alternative schools integrated into the public system. This variety allows for specialized educational paths, from traditional large-scale high schools to niche alternative programs.

Large-Scale Urban and Suburban Learning

Education in Richland is primarily suburban and urban, with 49 schools in suburbs and 34 in city locales. The average school size is 612 students, but the largest high schools, like Spring Valley and Blythewood High, each serve over 2,000 students. This environment offers a true 'big school' experience with extensive athletic, arts, and academic opportunities.

Vast Housing Options Near Top Facilities

With over 100 schools, Richland County offers a housing market with unparalleled access to diverse educational settings. Whether you seek a specialized charter school in Columbia or a large suburban high school in Richland 02, there is a home to match your family's needs. Use the county's extensive school data to find the neighborhood that aligns best with your child's future goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Richland County

via WaterByCounty

Richland County Reports Strong Compliance Record

Richland County maintains a Grade B for drinking water, with 13 health violations over a five-year period. Despite the number of violations, the rate of 3.6 per 100,000 residents remains far below the South Carolina average of 22.2. Most residents served by large utilities experience very high reliability in water safety.

Zero Impairments Found in Assessed Water Bodies

Data from the 2022 EPA cycle shows that 0% of the four assessed water bodies in Richland County are impaired. This is significantly better than the statewide average of 42.6%, where many counties struggle with bacterial contamination. Local watersheds are successfully meeting Clean Water Act standards for their designated uses.

Extensive Monitoring Network for the Capital Region

Forty-one monitoring sites across Richland County have recorded 12,861 measurements over the last five years. Agencies focus on physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals to track the impact of urban development on water quality. This comprehensive data set supports informed decision-making for the county’s water resources.

Congaree River Flow Monitored for National Park Health

The USGS gauge on the Congaree River near Gadsden reports a current discharge of 2,640 cfs. While long-term mean data is not currently available for this specific station, it remains a critical monitoring point for the 8,290 square mile drainage area. This river system is the primary artery for the county’s surface water drainage.

Balance Urban Growth with Watershed Protection

Richland County currently enjoys a 0% impairment rate, but urban runoff from Columbia requires constant vigilance to maintain this status. Residents should follow local guidance on water conservation and ensure that household chemicals are disposed of properly. Staying informed about the 13 recent health violations can help residents advocate for continued infrastructure improvements.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat in the Palmetto State

Richland County averages 63.9°F annually, placing it nearly 10 degrees above the national median temperature. It receives 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is typical for the humid subtropical South. This climate supports a long growing season but brings intense summer humidity.

A Core Part of the Hot Midlands

Richland's 63.9°F average is higher than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. The county is slightly drier than the rest of the state, with 45.9 inches of rain versus the 48.9-inch state average. It is frequently among the warmest metropolitan areas in the region.

Warmer Than Surrounding Rural Counties

Richland is warmer than Newberry (62.6°F) and Sumter (63.2°F), likely due to the urban heat island effect in Columbia. It experiences 84 extreme heat days, far more than Newberry's 59 days. This makes Richland one of the most heat-stressed counties in the Midlands.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with an 82.0°F average and 84 days reaching over 90°F. Snow is rare, with only 0.5 inches recorded annually on average. Winters are very manageable, with a December-to-February average temperature of 47.2°F.

Prepare for Prolonged Heat Waves

Residents need high-performing cooling systems to withstand 84 days of 90°F+ temperatures. With only 0.5 inches of snow, heavy winter gear is rarely needed, though light jackets are used for the 45.4°F January average. Irrigation may be necessary during the hot summers to supplement the 45.9 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

High-quality acidic Ultisols

Richland County features acidic Ultisols with a pH of 5.44, which is notably higher than the state average of 5.27. While it still sits below the national median of 6.5, this pH is favorable for many southern regional crops.

Classic sandy loam texture

The soil is classified as a Sandy Loam, containing 61.4% sand, 24.9% silt, and 11.8% clay. This specific blend is highly prized by gardeners for being easy to work while still holding essential moisture.

Rich organic matter scores

Organic matter is a impressive 2.82%, far exceeding the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.119 in/in, this soil is built for high productivity.

Well-drained and garden-ready

Richland soils are classified as well-drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This ensures that root systems stay aerated while the soil maintains enough moisture to support steady growth throughout the season.

A gardener's dream in zone 8b

Zone 8b offers a long, productive season for everything from tomatoes to citrus. With a superior soil score of 31.8—the highest among its neighbors—Richland County is the perfect place to start a garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High-Heat Lawns in Richland

Richland County's lawn difficulty score of 36.5 sits just above the state average but remains a challenge for Zone 8b homeowners. Success here requires a strategy that balances the county's intense heat with its specific soil needs.

Thriving Through 84 Days of Extreme Heat

Richland faces 84 extreme heat days per year, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 63. This intense heat, combined with 5,729 growing degree days, means your lawn will require significant water and frequent mowing to stay healthy.

Lush Growth in Well-Drained Sandy Loam

The county features well-drained sandy loam soil with 61.4% sand and a pH of 5.44. While the drainage is excellent for preventing disease, the acidic pH means you should apply lime to ensure your grass can actually use the nutrients in the soil.

Efficient Watering in Abnormally Dry Conditions

Richland is currently 100% abnormally dry, though it faced a relatively low 22 weeks of drought over the past year. Use smart irrigation to target the early morning hours, which reduces evaporation and helps your lawn survive the 84 days of 90-degree weather.

Heat-Ready Grass for Richland's Climate

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top contenders for Richland's high-heat environment. You can typically begin your planting or sodding after the last spring frost, which usually occurs around March 22nd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 36.7 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 Richland County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Richland County ranks #41 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 Richland County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $1,569, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, South Carolina is $61,699 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Richland County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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