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Spartanburg County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#30 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.3
County Score
Property Tax 78.9Water Quality 71.5Weather & Climate 64.1

County Report Card

About Spartanburg County, South Carolina

Below the National Livability Median

Spartanburg scores a 40.3 composite, placing it below the national median of 50.0. It currently ranks in the bottom half of counties nationwide for overall livability metrics.

Trailing the State Average

The county trails the South Carolina state average of 42.8. While it serves as a major regional hub, its composite score struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing areas.

Strong Infrastructure and Tax Benefits

Residents benefit from a strong Tax score of 78.9 and high Water quality at 71.5. The effective tax rate of 0.563% helps balance the growing median home value of $216,000.

Safety and Environmental Risk Concerns

Public safety and environmental risk are the primary concerns with scores of 10.4 and 9.4 respectively. These metrics suggest a need for infrastructure and community safety improvements to boost overall quality of life.

Ideal for Low-Tax Metro Access

Spartanburg is ideal for professionals seeking a low-tax environment with reliable utilities in a growing metro. It works best for those who can navigate urban challenges while enjoying a solid median household income of $64,195.

Score breakdown

Tax78.9Cost31.7Safety10.4Health46Schools41.1Income51.1Risk9.4Water71.5Weather64.1
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.5
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

Spartanburg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Spartanburg County

via TaxByCounty

Spartanburg taxes stay well below national norm

Spartanburg's effective rate of 0.563% places it in the bottom third of U.S. counties, about 35% lower than the national median of 0.86%. The typical household pays just $1,217 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690.

Modestly higher than South Carolina average

At 0.563%, Spartanburg ranks just slightly above the state average of 0.542%, placing it roughly in the middle tier of South Carolina counties. The median tax bill of $1,217 exceeds the state median of $939 by about 30%.

Highest rate in the rural cluster

Spartanburg's 0.563% outpaces Sumter (0.539%), Saluda (0.568%), and Union (0.558%), making it one of the pricier counties in this region. However, York County's 0.496% remains noticeably lower.

Typical Spartanburg home costs $1,217

A median home valued at $216,000 generates approximately $1,217 in annual property taxes—about $101 monthly before mortgage escrow. With mortgage escrow included, the typical bill rises to $1,356 per year.

Appeal your assessment if needed

Spartanburg property owners can challenge their assessed values at no cost if they believe assessments exceed market value. Given home prices across the county, many residents find appeals worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spartanburg County

via CostByCounty

Spartanburg rents affordable against national baseline

Spartanburg County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, with renters paying $1,019 monthly against a median household income of $64,195. The county offers solid affordability for a mid-sized metro area competing with national rental markets.

Spartanburg ranks well within South Carolina

At 19.1%, Spartanburg's rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, positioning it as one of the more affordable counties statewide. Its median rent of $1,019 runs only $74 above the state average, a modest premium for a larger, more developed county.

Pricier than Saluda, but stronger income

Spartanburg's $1,019 median rent outpaces Saluda County's $814, yet Spartanburg households earn notably more at $64,195 versus $52,957. The county's median home value of $216,000 reflects its position as a regional economic hub relative to smaller rural neighbors.

Spartanburg balances rent and ownership costs

Renters here spend $1,019 monthly while homeowners pay $934, both drawing from a median household income of $64,195. Housing consumes roughly 19% of household income—a reasonable share that leaves room for other expenses.

Spartanburg: affordability meets economic opportunity

Relocating to Spartanburg gives you better-than-average state affordability paired with stronger income potential than rural SC counties. Compare its $1,019 rent and $216,000 median home price against higher-cost Upstate metros to appreciate the value proposition.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spartanburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Spartanburg inches closer to national median

Spartanburg County's median household income of $64,195 is 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a notably smaller gap than many South Carolina peers. While below the national standard, the county demonstrates relative economic strength within the state.

Strongest of six counties studied

Spartanburg's $64,195 median household income ranks significantly above South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it among the state's more prosperous counties. The county's per capita income of $33,427 also exceeds the state average of $32,382.

Spartanburg outpaces most neighbors

Spartanburg's $64,195 median income substantially exceeds nearby counties like Saluda ($52,957) and Union ($41,200) to the west. Only York County ($83,060) to the south surpasses Spartanburg in household earnings.

Strong housing affordability picture

Spartanburg's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% keeps housing costs well within the 30% threshold, indicating solid affordability for most households. The median home value of $216,000 represents achievable homeownership for county residents.

Wealth-building opportunities abound

Spartanburg households enjoy above-average incomes and favorable housing costs, positioning them well for wealth accumulation. Consider diversifying investments beyond homeownership—401(k) plans, IRAs, and stock market investments can accelerate long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Spartanburg County

via CrimeByCounty

Total crime slightly exceeds national levels

Spartanburg reports a total crime rate of 2,747.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 95.7.

A typical safety profile for South Carolina

The county’s safety score of 95.7 sits just above the state average of 95.4. While total crime is higher than the national benchmark, it remains lower than the South Carolina average of 2,920.8.

Comparing safety to nearby Upstate counties

Spartanburg is safer than Union County, where the crime rate reaches 3,788.9 per 100K. However, it sees more activity than York County, which reports a lower rate of 2,088.1.

Violent crime stays below state average

Violent crime in Spartanburg is 558.3 per 100K, which is lower than the state average of 580.8. Property crime accounts for 2,189.2 of the total, slightly exceeding national trends.

Secure your property with smart habits

With property crime making up the bulk of local reports, residents should prioritize home lighting and alarm systems. Coordination across 22 reporting agencies helps keep the community informed and protected.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Spartanburg County

via HealthByCounty

Spartanburg exceeds national health benchmarks

Spartanburg County's life expectancy of 73.8 years outpaces the U.S. average of 68.4 years by 5.4 years, and its 16.3% poor or fair health rate falls well below the national average of 21%. The county's strong primary care infrastructure of 62 providers per 100,000 residents supports these health gains. Spartanburg ranks among healthier U.S. communities.

South Carolina's healthcare leader

Spartanburg's life expectancy of 73.8 years slightly exceeds South Carolina's 72.5-year average, placing it near the top of state performers. Its uninsured rate of 12.3% is 0.7 percentage points above the state average, a relatively minor gap. With 62 primary care providers per 100,000, Spartanburg has the second-highest capacity among the six counties examined.

A regional healthcare anchor

Spartanburg's 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far exceed nearby Saluda (16 per 100K) and Union (33 per 100K), establishing it as a healthcare hub. Its 151 mental health providers per 100,000 residents trails only Sumter and York counties, offering robust behavioral health access. Life expectancy rivals similar-sized peer counties across the region.

Strong access, room to improve

Spartanburg's 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensure most families have convenient access to routine care and preventive services. The 12.3% uninsured rate means about 1 in 8 residents lack coverage, a figure higher than the state average despite Spartanburg's overall economic strength. Mental health providers at 151 per 100,000 offer adequate capacity for counseling and behavioral health needs.

Close the coverage gap today

More than 12% of Spartanburg County residents remain uninsured, missing out on preventive care and financial protection. Visit HealthCare.gov to compare marketplace plans, or call 211 to explore Medicaid and free clinic options. Taking action now protects your health and your wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Spartanburg County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale, Diverse Educational Hub

Spartanburg County boasts an extensive network of 81 public schools serving a massive student population of 54,677. The landscape is distributed across 11 different school districts, featuring 44 elementary schools and 15 high schools.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves an impressive 87.6% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Investment stands at $7,232 per pupil, slightly above the South Carolina average, supporting a solid composite school score of 52.8.

Spotlight on Spartanburg's Largest Districts

Spartanburg 02 and Spartanburg 06 lead the county, each serving over 11,600 students across 14 schools. The county also offers school choice through three charter schools, including the High Point Academy which enrolls 1,251 students.

Suburban Energy and Historic Campus Sizes

The environment is primarily suburban with 38 schools, though it retains a mix of 24 rural and 12 city campuses. Schools average 701 students, but massive campuses like Dorman High serve 3,808 students, creating a collegiate atmosphere.

Settling Near Top Spartanburg Schools

Strong graduation rates make districts like Spartanburg 02 and 05 highly desirable for homebuyers. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural retreat, prioritizing school zones is a smart strategy for your real estate search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spartanburg County

via RiskByCounty

Spartanburg faces above-average disaster risks nationally

With a composite risk score of 90.65 and a "Relatively Moderate" rating, Spartanburg County ranks above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's hazard profile reflects significant flood, tornado, and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Among South Carolina's highest-risk counties

Spartanburg's 90.65 score places it well above the state average of 70.75, making it one of the more hazard-exposed counties in South Carolina. Only a handful of South Carolina counties face comparable disaster risks.

Riskier than Union County, safer than York

Spartanburg's 90.65 risk score exceeds neighboring Union County (58.21) by 32 points, yet sits slightly below York County (88.68). The county faces notably higher tornado and flood risks than most upstate peers.

Floods and tornadoes dominate Spartanburg's hazard picture

Flood risk (92.72) and earthquake risk (91.63) are Spartanburg's top two hazards, followed closely by tornado risk (88.07). Together, these three hazards account for the county's elevated overall risk profile.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Spartanburg homes

Spartanburg residents should prioritize flood insurance, as the county's 92.72 flood risk score is among the highest in the state. Earthquake coverage and a solid homeowners policy form a complete protection strategy for the county's multi-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Spartanburg County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Upstate Climate

Spartanburg County's annual average temperature of 60.4°F is notably warmer than the national median but cooler than the Deep South average. The county receives 50.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly above the national average. This climate features four distinct but generally mild seasons.

Cooler and Wetter Than Average

Spartanburg is cooler than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F, reflecting its more northern Upstate position. Its 50.5 inches of annual rain is slightly higher than the state average of 48.9 inches. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a less oppressive South Carolina summer.

Thermal Peer to Pickens County

Spartanburg's 60.4°F average is almost identical to Pickens County's 60.3°F. However, Spartanburg is drier, receiving 50.5 inches of rain compared to Pickens' 59.2 inches. It is significantly cooler and wetter than the Midlands counties like Richland.

Moderate Heat and Frequent Winter Frost

The county sees 53 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 79.0°F. Winter brings more snow than the state average, recording 2.0 inches per year. Winter temperatures are brisk but manageable, averaging 43.4°F between December and February.

Plan for Mixed Precipitation and Heat

Residents should keep both snow shovels and umbrellas ready for the 2.0 inches of snow and 50.5 inches of rain. Moderate AC capacity is needed for the 53 days of 90°F heat in the summer. Winterizing homes is important for the January low average of 41.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Spartanburg County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Piedmont acidity in Spartanburg

While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the soil features a pH of 5.34, which is nearly identical to the South Carolina average of 5.27. This acidic environment is characteristic of the region and sits over a full point lower than the national median.

High sand content drives soil texture

The soil is predominantly sand at 61.1%, balanced by 18.9% silt and 15.0% clay. This high sand percentage suggests a loose texture that is generally easy to till but may require frequent watering.

Lean soils with surprisingly good capacity

At 0.69%, organic matter is significantly lower than the state average of 2.05%, indicating a need for soil amendments. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.129 in/in remains higher than the state average, helping plants survive during summer heat.

Limited data on Spartanburg drainage classes

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not currently available for Spartanburg's primary soil map. Local growers should observe their specific plots for pooling, as the high sand content often suggests rapid drainage despite the lack of formal data.

Diverse planting in hardiness zone 8a

The region supports everything from apple orchards to landscape shrubs that thrive in the long growing season. Adding compost to your garden will help overcome the low organic matter and turn this sandy soil into a productive oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Spartanburg County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growing Conditions in Spartanburg

Spartanburg County scores a 38.5 for lawn difficulty, making it tougher than the national average but easier than the state average. This Zone 8a region offers a slightly cooler environment for the Upstate. However, recent weather patterns have made maintaining lush turf more difficult for local homeowners.

High Rainfall and Moderate Heat Levels

Annual precipitation reaches 50.5 inches, slightly exceeding the ideal lawn maximum of 50 inches. Residents deal with 53 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the South Carolina average of 63. This slightly cooler climate helps reduce evaporation but can lead to moisture-related fungus issues if not monitored.

Acidic Soils Require Nutrient Balancing

The local soil has a pH of 5.34, meaning it is significantly more acidic than the 6.0 standard most lawns require. With a high sand content of 61.1%, nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains. Regular soil testing and lime applications are necessary to ensure your grass can actually absorb the fertilizer you apply.

Universal Severe Drought Affects Spartanburg

Currently, 100% of Spartanburg County is experiencing severe drought conditions, having spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year. These extreme conditions demand strict adherence to water conservation and drought-tolerant grass selections. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain what little moisture is available.

Establish Lawns After Early April

Plan your lawn projects around the last spring frost date of April 8 to protect tender new growth. Hardiness Zone 8a supports hardy warm-season varieties, though some residents find success with Tall Fescue in shaded areas. Spring is the perfect time to address the 100% severe drought impact with resilient planting strategies.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spartanburg County's county score?
Spartanburg County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 40.3 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 Spartanburg County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Spartanburg County ranks #30 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 Spartanburg County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Spartanburg County is $1,217, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Spartanburg County a tax score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spartanburg County?
The median household income in Spartanburg County, South Carolina is $64,195 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spartanburg County earns an income score of 51.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spartanburg County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Spartanburg County scores 40.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg 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.