Spartanburg County's composite score of 66.5 places it at the 33rd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid, balanced livability across multiple dimensions that appeal to a broad range of residents.
2 / 5
Slightly below the South Carolina average
With a composite score of 66.5 against South Carolina's state average of 68.2, Spartanburg ranks just below the middle of the pack statewide. It remains a respectable choice among South Carolina counties, particularly for those seeking a balance of affordability and opportunity.
3 / 5
Strong health outcomes and low tax burden
Spartanburg leads with a Health Score of 67.0 and a Tax Score of 86.4, reflecting an effective tax rate of 0.563% and better-than-average health indicators. The median household income of $64,195 also outpaces many rural South Carolina counties, providing more financial stability.
4 / 5
Cost of living rising faster than income
The Cost Score of 75.7 is notably lower than Spartanburg's other strengths, with median home values at $216,000 and rent at $1,019/month—higher than many comparable counties. Income growth hasn't kept pace with housing costs, creating affordability pressure for middle-income families.
5 / 5
Best for families seeking a balanced community
Spartanburg suits working families and professionals who value health outcomes and reasonable incomes over rock-bottom prices. It's particularly attractive to those relocating to the Piedmont region who can afford moderate housing costs and want access to job opportunities and services.
Spartanburg County's composite score of 66.5 places it at the 33rd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid, balanced livability across multiple dimensions that appeal to a broad range of residents.
Slightly below the South Carolina average
With a composite score of 66.5 against South Carolina's state average of 68.2, Spartanburg ranks just below the middle of the pack statewide. It remains a respectable choice among South Carolina counties, particularly for those seeking a balance of affordability and opportunity.
Strong health outcomes and low tax burden
Spartanburg leads with a Health Score of 67.0 and a Tax Score of 86.4, reflecting an effective tax rate of 0.563% and better-than-average health indicators. The median household income of $64,195 also outpaces many rural South Carolina counties, providing more financial stability.
Cost of living rising faster than income
The Cost Score of 75.7 is notably lower than Spartanburg's other strengths, with median home values at $216,000 and rent at $1,019/month—higher than many comparable counties. Income growth hasn't kept pace with housing costs, creating affordability pressure for middle-income families.
Best for families seeking a balanced community
Spartanburg suits working families and professionals who value health outcomes and reasonable incomes over rock-bottom prices. It's particularly attractive to those relocating to the Piedmont region who can afford moderate housing costs and want access to job opportunities and services.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.