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Sumter County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#43 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
35.2
County Score
Property Tax 81.8Water Quality 64.8Weather & Climate 53.8

County Report Card

About Sumter County, South Carolina

Room for Growth Nationally

With a composite score of 35.2, Sumter falls well below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates significant room for improvement compared to the average American county.

Ranking Below the State Average

Sumter ranks below the South Carolina average of 42.8, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 46 counties. It faces stiff competition from coastal and Piedmont neighbors with higher overall metrics.

Tax Efficiency and Reliable Water

Tax efficiency is the county's brightest spot, boasting a score of 81.8 and a low effective tax rate of 0.539%. Water quality also stands out at 64.8, providing a solid foundation for local infrastructure.

Pressing Needs in Safety and Schools

Safety and schools are the most pressing issues, with scores of 5.1 and 14.2 respectively. Addressing these community pillars is essential for improving the long-term outlook for local families.

A Value Choice for Fixed Incomes

Sumter serves retirees or military families who prioritize low property taxes and utility reliability. It is a value-driven choice for those who value affordability over top-tier public school performance.

2040608010081.842.65.137.114.227.718.364.853.8Tax81.8Cost42.6Safety5.1Health37.1Schools14.2Income27.7Risk18.3Water64.8Weather53.835.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Sumter County DNA

Foverall

How Sumter County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sumter County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.1/100), though Property Tax (81.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.8+29.799999999999997
Cost
42.6
Safety
5.1-49.9
Health
37.1-12.899999999999999
Schools
14.2-39.8
Income
27.7-23.3
Risk
18.3-28.7
Water
64.8
Weather
53.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,990/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.3

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

Lee County
South Carolina
43.9
Clarendon County
South Carolina
42.6
Calhoun County
South Carolina
47.8
Kershaw County
South Carolina
42.5
Richland County
South Carolina
36.7
Darlington County
South Carolina
44.9
Florence County
South Carolina
39.5
Orangeburg County
South Carolina
36.4

Deep Dives

Sumter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sumter County

via TaxByCounty

Sumter's tax burden stays low nationally

At 0.539%, Sumter's effective rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.86%, landing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. Residents pay a median of just $860 annually—32% of the national median of $2,690.

Sumter slightly below South Carolina average

With a 0.539% rate, Sumter runs marginally lower than the state average of 0.542%, placing it among South Carolina's more affordable counties. The median tax of $860 sits below the statewide median of $939.

Most affordable in the regional cluster

Sumter's 0.539% is the lowest rate among Saluda (0.568%), Spartanburg (0.563%), and Union (0.558%), making it the most tax-friendly option in this group. Only York County's 0.496% undercuts Sumter in the broader region.

Typical Sumter tax runs under $900

On a median home value of $159,500, Sumter property owners pay approximately $860 annually in property taxes—about $72 per month. With mortgage escrow, the total rises to roughly $1,106 per year.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Many Sumter homeowners can reduce their tax bills by requesting a free assessment appeal if their homes are valued above market rates. Check your current assessed value against comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sumter County

via CostByCounty

Sumter rents strain household budgets nationwide

Sumter County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here devote a larger share of income to housing than typical Americans. At $1,006 monthly rent against a median household income of $55,990, affordability pressures are real.

Sumter ranks among SC's pricier counties

Sumter's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, signaling tighter affordability within the state context. Its median rent of $1,006 exceeds the statewide average by $61, putting it in the upper tier of SC rental costs.

Sumter rents rival Spartanburg in region

At $1,006 monthly, Sumter's median rent nearly matches Spartanburg County's $1,019, yet Sumter households earn significantly less at $55,990 versus $64,195. This income gap makes Sumter's housing costs proportionally more burdensome than larger neighboring counties.

Housing squeeze in Sumter household budgets

Sumter renters pay $1,006 monthly while homeowners spend $777, drawing from a median household income of $55,990. Over one-fifth of household income goes to rent alone—a tight squeeze that leaves less flexibility for savings and other needs.

Sumter requires careful budget planning

If you're considering Sumter County, factor in that its $1,006 median rent consumes a larger-than-average share of household income. Compare it against nearby Saluda ($814 rent) or Union ($770 rent) to ensure affordability aligns with your financial situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sumter County

via IncomeByCounty

Sumter trails national income median

Sumter County's median household income of $55,990 falls 25% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting the economic challenges facing rural South Carolina. The county remains significantly below the national benchmark.

Slightly above South Carolina average

At $55,990, Sumter's median household income lies just below the state average of $57,006, placing it in the middle tier of South Carolina counties. The county's per capita income of $29,372 trails the state average of $32,382.

Sumter positioned between peers

Sumter's $55,990 median income ranks above the struggling counties of Union ($41,200) and Williamsburg ($43,471) to the east and south. The county falls short of Saluda ($52,957) to the northwest and significantly lags Spartanburg County ($64,195).

Housing costs rising for renters

Sumter's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% approaches the 30% affordability ceiling, signaling emerging housing cost pressures for renters. The median home value of $159,500 remains accessible for homebuyers relative to local incomes.

Strategic saving critical in Sumter

Rising housing costs in Sumter make budget discipline essential—track expenses closely and prioritize building a 3-6 month emergency fund. Explore affordable financial literacy programs and employer benefits to maximize savings potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sumter County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates exceed the national benchmark

Sumter County’s total crime rate of 3,480.1 per 100K is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a safety score of 94.5, indicating a need for higher awareness.

Ranking below the state safety average

The county’s safety score of 94.5 falls below the South Carolina average of 95.4. Local crime rates also exceed the state average of 2,920.8 per 100K residents.

Monitoring safety against regional neighbors

Sumter experiences more crime than Williamsburg County, which reports a rate of 2,979.4. It also faces higher incident numbers than nearby York County’s 2,088.1 per 100K.

High violent crime requires attention

The violent crime rate of 831.8 per 100K is more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime also trends high at 2,648.3, primarily impacting residential and commercial security.

Investing in home and personal safety

Residents should employ active security measures like cameras and motion sensors to deter property crimes. Local law enforcement across eight agencies remains focused on reducing these elevated figures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sumter County

via SchoolsByCounty

City-Centered Learning in Sumter

Sumter County manages 27 public schools that serve a total of 15,132 students within a single county-wide district. The system features a strong primary foundation with 16 elementary schools supported by 6 middle and 5 high schools.

Facing Regional Academic Challenges

The county's graduation rate sits at 81.0%, which is lower than the South Carolina average of 84.2%. Current per-pupil spending of $6,096 supports a school score of 46.8 as the district strives to close the gap with national performance levels.

Sumter 01 District Dynamics

The Sumter 01 district controls nearly all local education, overseeing 25 schools and 14,800 students. The county includes one charter school, representing roughly 3.7% of the total public education options available to residents.

A Blend of City and Rural Life

With 12 schools in city settings and 9 in rural areas, the county offers diverse learning environments. While the average school size is 582, Sumter High School stands out as a major regional hub with 2,289 students.

Building a Future in Sumter

Many homebuyers focus their search near established institutions like Alice Drive Middle or Sumter High. When evaluating local real estate, consider how district resources and school locations align with your long-term family goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sumter County

via RiskByCounty

Sumter faces moderately elevated national disaster risks

Sumter County's composite risk score of 81.74 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The county's exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding reflects broader regional vulnerability patterns.

Above-average risk among South Carolina counties

At 81.74, Sumter's composite risk score exceeds the state average of 70.75 by 11 points. This ranking places Sumter among the moderate-to-higher-risk counties statewide.

Riskier than Union but similar to Spartanburg

Sumter's 81.74 score sits between Union County (58.21) and Spartanburg County (90.65), reflecting its mid-range exposure among upstate counties. The county faces comparable flood and wildfire risks to other South Carolina interior counties.

Hurricanes and earthquakes top Sumter's risk list

Hurricane risk (91.91) and earthquake risk (91.09) are Sumter's most significant hazards, each scoring in the upper 90s. Wildfire risk (78.98) rounds out the top three, reflecting the county's inland yet vulnerable geography.

Sumter homeowners need layered protection strategies

Given Sumter's elevated hurricane and earthquake risks, comprehensive insurance coverage is critical—including wind/hail and earthquake policies beyond standard homeowners insurance. Flood insurance should also be considered, as the county's 76.27 flood risk remains substantial.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sumter County

via WaterByCounty

Steady Compliance Marks Sumter's Drinking Water

Sumter County maintains a Water Quality Grade of B, recording 3 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 3.6 per 100,000 residents remains well below the state average of 22.2.

All Assessed Waters Classified as Impaired

Data from the 2022 reporting cycle shows that 100% of the assessed water bodies in Sumter County are impaired. The primary stressors identified are E. coli and pH levels, exceeding the state's average impairment rate of 42.6%.

Detailed Records from 43 Monitoring Stations

Sumter features 43 monitoring sites which have logged 7,476 measurements in the last five years. These records provide a deep look at physical parameters and nutrient levels across the county.

Limited Live Streamflow Data for Sumter

The Pocotaligo River at Sumter does not currently have active live discharge reporting available. Despite the lack of real-time USGS data, drinking water compliance remains a reliable signal of local water safety.

Manage Bacteria and Acidity Risks

With 100% of assessed watersheds showing impairment, residents should avoid direct contact with surface water after heavy rains when E. coli levels spike. Homeowners may also want to monitor pH levels if they utilize private wells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sumter County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Sunny Midlands Climate

Sumter County averages 63.2°F annually, which is roughly 9 degrees higher than the U.S. median. Precipitation is consistent with the region at 47.5 inches per year. The humid subtropical climate ensures a long outdoor season and very mild winters.

Right in Line With State Averages

Sumter's annual average of 63.2°F is nearly identical to the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. Its rainfall of 47.5 inches is also very close to the state's 48.9-inch average. Sumter represents the quintessential climate of the South Carolina inner coastal plain.

Slightly Cooler Than its Neighbors

Sumter is slightly cooler than Richland (63.9°F) and Orangeburg (65.3°F) to the west and south. Interestingly, it has fewer extreme heat days (56) than both Richland (84) and Orangeburg (80). This provides a marginally more tempered summer experience than neighboring counties.

Hot Summers and Very Rare Snow

Summers are hot with 56 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 80.3°F. Snow is almost a non-factor, averaging only 0.6 inches per year. Winters are pleasant and mild, with temperatures averaging 47.0°F during the winter months.

Prioritize Sun Protection and AC

With 56 days of high heat, maintaining a reliable cooling system and using sun protection is vital. Residents only need light winter gear for the 45.2°F January average, as 0.6 inches of snow rarely impacts travel. The 47.5 inches of rain is well-distributed, but gardeners should plan for summer dry spells.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sumter County

via SoilByCounty

Sumter’s sandy Ultisols offer unique potential

Dominant Ultisols here present as loamy sand with a pH of 5.31. This acidity level is typical for the state but remains much lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for traditional gardening.

Predominantly sandy and highly workable

Sumter soil is 73.4% sand, featuring only 14.8% silt and 11.8% clay. This light composition makes the soil extremely easy to work and allows roots to penetrate deeply without resistance.

Exceptional organic matter levels for the state

Sumter boasts a high organic matter content of 3.24%, well above the state average of 2.05%. While the available water capacity is slightly low at 0.103 in/in, the rich organic content provides excellent nutrient-holding potential.

Well-drained soils for healthy roots

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This combination prevents waterlogging, making it an excellent choice for crops that are sensitive to 'wet feet' or for stable building foundations.

Thriving in the warmth of zone 8b

The sandy, well-drained soil and warm climate are perfect for pecans, sweet potatoes, and cotton. With the county’s superior organic matter levels, your backyard garden has a significant head start on fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sumter County

via LawnByCounty

Sumter County Enjoys a Zone 8b Advantage

With a lawn difficulty score of 40.6, Sumter County is more favorable for lawn care than the South Carolina average of 35.1. As a Zone 8b region, it enjoys a warmer winter than the Upstate. However, the score still trails the national median, suggesting that regional soil and heat issues remain prevalent.

Predictable Rains Support Summer Growth

Sumter receives 47.5 inches of rain annually, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The county sees 56 extreme heat days, staying below the state average of 63. With 5451 growing degree days, the environment supports a long, active growing season for southern turf varieties.

Well-Drained Sandy Soils Dominate

The soil in Sumter is classified as well-drained loamy sand, featuring a high sand content of 73.4%. While this prevents puddling, the pH of 5.31 is quite acidic and requires lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Lawns here often need more frequent, lighter fertilization because the sandy texture doesn't hold nutrients long.

Widespread Dryness Without Severe Impact

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, 0% of the area is currently in severe drought. Sumter has faced 18 weeks of drought in the past year, which is less than many neighboring counties. Maintaining a taller mowing height can help shade the soil and preserve the moisture found in your loamy sand base.

Plant Early in Sumter’s Warm Climate

With the last spring frost occurring early on March 24, Sumter residents can get a head start on the growing season. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede thrive in the 8b hardiness zone and sandy soil. Start your renovation in late March to capitalize on the 5451 growing degree days available.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sumter County's county score?
Sumter County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 35.2 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 Sumter County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Sumter County ranks #43 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 Sumter County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Sumter County is $860, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Sumter County a tax score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sumter County?
The median household income in Sumter County, South Carolina is $55,990 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sumter County earns an income score of 27.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sumter County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Sumter County scores 35.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Sumter 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 Sumter County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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