CountyScore

Saluda County

South Carolina · SC

#5 in South Carolina
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Saluda County, South Carolina

Saluda scores well above the national median

With a composite score of 72.0, Saluda County ranks in the 44th percentile nationally—significantly above the median of 50.0. This places it among the more livable counties in America, driven by affordability and a low tax burden that residents appreciate.

Above average for South Carolina

Saluda ranks above the South Carolina state average composite score of 68.2, making it one of the more attractive counties in the state. Among all South Carolina counties, Saluda stands out as a solidly mid-to-upper tier option for those weighing their options statewide.

Affordability and tax savings lead the way

Saluda excels in two critical affordability metrics: a Tax Score of 86.3 reflects an effective tax rate of just 0.568%, and a Cost Score of 85.2 is backed by a median home value of $123,200 and rent averaging $814/month. These figures make Saluda one of the most cost-effective places to live in the region.

Income levels and risk factors need attention

The county's Income Score of 18.0 reflects a median household income of $52,957, well below state and national norms. Additionally, the Risk Score of 59.9 suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental vulnerabilities that residents should monitor.

Ideal for budget-conscious retirees and families

Saluda County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes or urban amenities. It's a strong choice for retirees on fixed budgets, young families saving for their future, or anyone seeking genuine small-town living with tangible cost advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.3Cost85.2SafetyComing SoonHealth62.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome18Risk59.9WaterComing Soon
🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.9
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 Saluda County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $54,237
Marion County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $46,953
Nevada County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $41,761
Archuleta County
Colorado
72
Median income: $76,524
Echols County
Georgia
72
Median income: $61,723

Deep Dives

Saluda County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Saluda County

via TaxByCounty

Saluda's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.568%, Saluda's effective tax rate runs well below the national median of 0.86%, placing the county in roughly the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is just $700 annually—just 26% of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above South Carolina average

Saluda's 0.568% rate sits just above the state average of 0.542%, ranking it in the middle of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county collects a median of $700 compared to the statewide median of $939.

Right in line with rural SC peers

Saluda's rate matches closely with Union County (0.558%) and Sumter County (0.539%), but lags behind Spartanburg County's 0.563% and Williamsburg County's 0.662%. Among this rural cluster, Saluda offers a moderate tax environment.

Own a typical Saluda home?

With a median home value of $123,200, the typical Saluda homeowner pays about $700 annually in property taxes. That comes to roughly $58 per month—or $1,053 if your mortgage includes escrow.

Check if you're overassessed

Many South Carolina homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, making them eligible for a tax appeal at no cost. If you believe your $123,200 home is overvalued, Saluda's assessor's office can review your case.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saluda County

via CostByCounty

Saluda rents rank below national burden

At 18.4%, Saluda County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national standard, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median gross rent of $814 per month is notably affordable compared to the national median household income of $74,755.

Among SC's most affordable counties

Saluda County ranks favorably within South Carolina, where the state average rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%—and Saluda beats that mark at 18.4%. Its median rent of $814 runs $131 below the statewide average of $945, signaling genuine affordability in a state context.

Saluda stands out in the upstate cluster

Compared to nearby Spartanburg County ($1,019 median rent) and Sumter County ($1,006 median rent), Saluda offers noticeably cheaper rental options at $814 per month. The county's median home value of $123,200 also trails Spartanburg's $216,000, making it a budget-friendly option in the region.

Housing costs fit comfortably in Saluda budgets

Saluda renters pay $814 monthly while homeowners spend $561 on mortgage costs, all supported by a median household income of $52,957. Together, housing expenses consume roughly 22% of household income for renters—tight but manageable compared to national norms.

Saluda offers rare affordability in SC

If you're relocating to South Carolina on a modest budget, Saluda County delivers some of the state's lowest rents and home values. Compare its $814 monthly rent and $123,200 median home price against neighboring counties to see why affordability-conscious movers are taking notice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saluda County

via IncomeByCounty

Saluda lags behind national income

Saluda County's median household income of $52,957 falls 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it well below the national standard. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural South Carolina relative to national trends.

Below average for South Carolina

At $52,957, Saluda's median household income ranks below the state average of $57,006, positioning it in the lower tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county's per capita income of $29,590 also trails the state average of $32,382.

Saluda versus nearby counties

Saluda's $52,957 median income sits between Union County ($41,200) to the north and Sumter County ($55,990) to the south. The county performs better than its western neighbors but lags Spartanburg County ($64,195) to the northwest.

Housing remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Saluda households dedicate well under the 30% affordability threshold, making housing costs sustainable relative to local incomes. The median home value of $123,200 aligns reasonably with household earning power in the county.

Building wealth in Saluda County

Saluda residents benefit from affordable housing and can prioritize savings and investment over high rent burdens. Starting an emergency fund or exploring low-cost investment options through employer retirement plans can help families build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Saluda County

via HealthByCounty

Saluda lives longer than the nation

At 73.9 years, Saluda County residents live about 5.5 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 68.4 years. The county's 19.9% poor or fair health rate sits slightly below the national average of 21%, suggesting a healthier population overall. These gains reflect modest but meaningful progress in Saluda's public health.

Ranking among South Carolina counties

Saluda outpaces South Carolina's state average life expectancy of 72.5 years by 1.4 years, placing it in the upper half of state performers. Its uninsured rate of 14.1% exceeds the state average of 11.6%, however, indicating a coverage gap worth addressing. Overall, Saluda ranks as a mid-tier health performer within its state.

How Saluda stacks up locally

Saluda's life expectancy of 73.9 years trails neighboring Spartanburg County at 73.8 years by a fraction, and falls well behind York County's 76.3 years. The county's primary care capacity of 16 providers per 100,000 residents significantly lags regional peers like Spartanburg (62 per 100K) and Sumter (54 per 100K). Mental health resources are comparatively sparse at 58 per 100,000, the lowest among its neighbors.

Access gaps in daily care

With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Saluda residents often travel farther for routine checkups and preventive services than those in well-served neighboring counties. The 14.1% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 7 county residents lack health insurance coverage, creating barriers to regular care. Mental health support at 58 per 100,000 providers is strained, limiting access to counseling and behavioral health services.

Explore your coverage options

If you're among the 14.1% of Saluda residents without health insurance, now is the time to explore your options. Visit HealthCare.gov or contact your local health department to understand marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and community health center services. Getting covered improves your access to preventive care and protects your family from unexpected medical costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saluda County

via RiskByCounty

Saluda ranks well below national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 40.14, Saluda County sits in the "Very Low" category—well below the national average. This means residents face comparatively lower exposure to major natural hazards than most American counties.

South Carolina's safest county from disasters

Saluda's 40.14 score ranks it as the lowest-risk county in South Carolina, standing 43 points below the state average of 70.75. Among all South Carolina counties, Saluda offers the most favorable natural disaster risk profile.

Safer than all surrounding Upstate counties

Saluda's risk score of 40.14 dramatically outperforms neighboring Union County (58.21) and Spartanburg County (90.65). Even among regional peers, Saluda residents enjoy substantially lower exposure to tornado, flood, and earthquake hazards.

Earthquakes and hurricanes pose low but real risks

Saluda's top hazards are earthquake risk (66.79) and hurricane risk (75.68), both moderate on the county's overall low-risk profile. Tornado risk (63.96) ranks third, though all three remain well below state averages.

Basic coverage protects Saluda homes effectively

While Saluda's disaster risk is the lowest in the state, standard homeowners insurance remains essential for the county's modest earthquake and hurricane exposure. Consider a conversation with your insurer about earthquake coverage, as standard policies typically exclude it.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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