CountyScore

Sumter County

South Carolina · SC

#30 in South Carolina
67.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Sumter County, South Carolina

Sumter ranks solidly in the upper half nationally

Sumter County's composite score of 67.3 places it at the 35th percentile nationally, comfortably above the U.S. median of 50.0. This indicates livability strengths that resonate across multiple dimensions valued by American residents.

Near the middle of South Carolina's rankings

Sumter's score of 67.3 falls just below the South Carolina state average of 68.2, positioning it slightly below the midpoint statewide. Among South Carolina's 46 counties, Sumter remains a competitive option for those comparing regional alternatives.

Tax efficiency and affordable housing standout

Sumter posts a Tax Score of 87.1 with an effective rate of just 0.539%—the lowest among these six counties—and a Cost Score of 78.3 backed by a median home value of $159,500. These affordability benchmarks make Sumter attractive for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Lower incomes limit overall economic opportunity

An Income Score of 19.9 reflects a median household income of $55,990, which trails regional peers and limits discretionary spending. The Health Score of 64.9, while acceptable, suggests room for improvement in wellness and healthcare access.

Perfect for cost-conscious buyers seeking stability

Sumter County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing tax savings and affordable homeownership over high incomes. It works best for retirees, single-income households, or anyone building equity on a modest budget in a quieter, smaller-city setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.1Cost78.3SafetyComing SoonHealth64.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.9Risk18.3WaterComing Soon
🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.3
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 Sumter County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
67.3
Median income: $63,947
Miller County
Arkansas
67.3
Median income: $49,983
Inyo County
California
67.3
Median income: $72,432
Cook County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $50,133
Toombs County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $54,130

Deep Dives

Sumter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Sumter County

via HealthByCounty

Sumter faces health challenges above average

Sumter County's life expectancy of 72.1 years falls 4.7 years below the U.S. average of 68.4 years, though it still exceeds the national figure by approximately 3.7 years when accounting for recent data shifts. Its 18.8% poor or fair health rate is lower than the national average of 21%, indicating mixed health outcomes. Sumter's primary care access of 54 per 100,000 providers mirrors national infrastructure levels.

Below average in South Carolina

At 72.1 years, Sumter's life expectancy lags South Carolina's 72.5-year average, placing it in the lower half of state performers. The county's 10.6% uninsured rate is notably better than the state average of 11.6%, showing modest progress on coverage. Overall, Sumter faces more health challenges than most of its state peers.

Competing against healthier peers

Sumter's 72.1-year life expectancy trails neighboring York County (76.3 years) by 4.2 years and lags Spartanburg (73.8 years) by 1.7 years. The county leads the region in mental health provider capacity at 182 per 100,000, a significant strength. Primary care access at 54 per 100,000 ranks solidly among peers, though below Spartanburg and York.

Strong mental health, uneven primary care

Sumter leads the region with 182 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering excellent access to counseling and behavioral health services for those seeking care. Primary care capacity of 54 per 100,000 provides reasonable access, though some residents may experience wait times or travel. The 10.6% uninsured rate, lower than the state average, means most residents have some coverage.

Maximize your mental health coverage

Sumter's exceptional mental health provider network means you have real options for counseling, therapy, and behavioral health support. If you're uninsured or underinsured, explore plans at HealthCare.gov or contact local federally qualified health centers to access care. Taking advantage of Sumter's mental health resources starts with securing coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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