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Williamsburg County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#36 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.3
County Score
Cost of Living 79.9Property Tax 67.2Weather & Climate 43.9

County Report Card

About Williamsburg County, South Carolina

Rural Challenges Impact National Ranking

Williamsburg earns a composite score of 39.3, falling nearly 11 points below the national median of 50.0. This profile reflects common economic challenges found in many rural Southern counties.

Performance Below the State Average

The county's score of 39.3 remains below the South Carolina average of 42.8. It faces significant hurdles compared to more diversified economies in the Upstate or Lowcountry regions.

Highly Accessible Housing Market

The Cost score of 79.9 reflects exceptional housing affordability, with median home values under $100,000. Renters also see savings, with median gross rent sitting at a modest $769 per month.

Income and Safety Concerns

Extremely low Income (5.5) and Safety (8.1) scores are the primary drags on the county's profile. A median household income of $43,471 suggests limited local economic opportunities for the workforce.

A Quiet Choice for Low-Cost Living

Williamsburg appeals to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle where housing costs are minimal. It is a practical choice for those who work remotely or are retired and value property affordability.

2040608010067.279.98.120.237.15.517.925.443.9Tax67.2Cost79.9Safety8.1Health20.2Schools37.1Income5.5Risk17.9Water25.4Weather43.939.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Williamsburg County DNA

Foverall

How Williamsburg County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Williamsburg County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (79.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.2+15.200000000000003
Cost
79.9+31.900000000000006
Safety
8.1-46.9
Health
20.2-29.8
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
5.5-45.5
Risk
17.9-29.1
Water
25.4-32.6
Weather
43.9-12.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$95,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$769/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$95,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,471/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.6

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

Florence County
South Carolina
39.5
Clarendon County
South Carolina
42.6
Georgetown County
South Carolina
41.8
Marion County
South Carolina
46.2
Berkeley County
South Carolina
35.1
Horry County
South Carolina
39.4
Sumter County
South Carolina
35.2
Lee County
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43.9

Deep Dives

Williamsburg County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Williamsburg County

via TaxByCounty

Williamsburg has South Carolina's highest rate

Williamsburg's 0.662% effective rate is the highest among the six counties and still sits below the national median of 0.86%, putting it in the bottom 45% nationally. The median property tax of $630 remains just 23% of the national median of $2,690.

Notably above South Carolina average

At 0.662%, Williamsburg's rate exceeds the state average of 0.542% by 22%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties in South Carolina. The median tax of $630 falls below the state median of $939 due to lower home values.

Highest rate in the rural cluster

Williamsburg's 0.662% outpaces all five peers, including Spartanburg (0.563%), Saluda (0.568%), Sumter (0.539%), and Union (0.558%). This makes Williamsburg the steepest-taxed county in this group despite low property values.

Williamsburg home owners pay $630 median

With a median home value of $95,100, Williamsburg residents pay approximately $630 annually in property taxes—about $53 per month. Including mortgage escrow, the typical bill reaches $884 per year.

Appeal could lower your assessment significantly

Williamsburg residents should carefully review their assessments, especially given the county's higher rate relative to state average. A successful appeal could result in meaningful tax savings on properties across the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Williamsburg County

via CostByCounty

Williamsburg rents burden low-income households

Williamsburg County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, with renters paying $769 monthly on a median household income of just $43,471. The county's low wages amplify housing cost burden despite competitive rents.

Williamsburg ranks among SC's affordability challenges

At 21.2%, Williamsburg's rent-to-income ratio surpasses South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, reflecting above-average housing strain. Its median rent of $769 sits below the state average, yet the county's depressed median income of $43,471 creates proportional stress.

Williamsburg competes on price with Union

Williamsburg's $769 median rent nearly ties Union County at $770, making both among the cheapest rental options in the region. However, Williamsburg's median household income of $43,471 exceeds Union's $41,200, offering slightly better affordability odds despite higher rents.

Housing absorbs over one-fifth of income

Williamsburg renters spend $769 monthly while homeowners pay $561, drawing from a median household income of $43,471. Renters here allocate roughly 21% of household income to housing—a significant burden that limits savings and discretionary spending.

Williamsburg offers low costs, tight margins

Relocating to Williamsburg means accessing South Carolina's lowest housing costs—$769 monthly rent and $95,100 median home value—but income levels are also among the state's lowest. Move here only if job prospects justify the median income ceiling, or if you seek rural affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Williamsburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Williamsburg significantly below national mark

Williamsburg County's median household income of $43,471 falls 42% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, the second-lowest among these six counties. The substantial gap reflects deep economic challenges in this rural South Carolina community.

Second-lowest earner in state study

Williamsburg's $43,471 median household income ranks near the bottom of South Carolina counties, trailing the state average of $57,006 by 24%. The county's per capita income of $24,533 represents the lowest among the six counties examined.

Williamsburg among the county's poorest

Williamsburg's $43,471 median income ranks above only Union County ($41,200) among the six counties studied. It significantly trails neighbors like Sumter County ($55,990) to the north and Saluda County ($52,957) to the northwest.

Housing costs strain families

Williamsburg's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% pushes close to the 30% affordability ceiling, indicating housing cost burdens for many residents. The median home value of $95,100 remains among the lowest in the region.

Williamsburg: Overcoming economic barriers

Williamsburg residents face significant income constraints but can benefit from community-based programs and microfinance options designed for low-income families. Focus on skills training and education that lead to higher-wage employment while accessing free or sliding-scale financial counseling services.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Williamsburg County

via CrimeByCounty

County crime sits above national levels

Williamsburg County reports a crime rate of 2,979.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 95.3.

Matching the South Carolina average

The county's safety score of 95.3 is almost identical to the South Carolina state average of 95.4. While higher than national figures, these rates are standard for the region.

Comparing safety to regional neighbors

Williamsburg is safer than Sumter County, which has a higher crime rate of 3,480.1. However, it remains more active than York County’s 2,088.1 per 100K.

A look at violent crime concerns

Violent crime stands at 725.4 per 100K, nearly double the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2,254.0, requiring consistent vigilance from residents.

Proactive security for local households

With elevated violent and property crime rates, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Eleven reporting agencies work across the county to manage these safety challenges.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Williamsburg County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots and Personalized Learning

Williamsburg County maintains 11 public schools for its 2,946 students, all managed by a single school district. The landscape features five elementary schools along with three middle and three high schools to serve the region.

Strong Investment in Student Success

The county's 84.0% graduation rate is nearly identical to the state average of 84.2%. Williamsburg invests $7,571 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,165 and contributes to a competitive school score of 51.6.

The Williamsburg 01 Mission

All 2,946 students are enrolled in the Williamsburg 01 district, which operates without the presence of charter schools. This allows for a unified educational strategy across the county's primary and secondary campuses.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

This is one of the most rural districts in the state, with 8 of 11 schools located in rural settings. Campuses are uniquely small, averaging just 295 students, though Kingstree High is the largest with 720 students.

Relocating to Williamsburg County

Families who value small class sizes and higher-than-average per-pupil spending often look toward Kingstree for housing. Use local school data as a guide to find the perfect home in this community-focused county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Williamsburg County

via RiskByCounty

Williamsburg faces above-average national disaster risks

Williamsburg County's composite risk score of 82.06 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The county's risk profile reflects heightened vulnerability to hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.

Among the highest-risk counties in South Carolina

At 82.06, Williamsburg's score exceeds the state average of 70.75 by more than 11 points, placing it among the upper tier of South Carolina counties by disaster risk. Only a few counties statewide face comparable overall exposure.

Riskier than most neighboring counties

Williamsburg's 82.06 risk score significantly outpaces nearby communities, reflecting the county's unique vulnerability profile. The county's coastal-adjacent geography and wildfire exposure set it apart from inland upstate peers.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate Williamsburg hazards

Hurricane risk (95.16) is Williamsburg's top hazard—among the highest in the state—followed by earthquake risk (91.79) and wildfire risk (87.25). These three hazards alone account for the county's significantly elevated risk profile.

Williamsburg residents need comprehensive coverage

Hurricane and wind/hail insurance are essential in Williamsburg, where the county's 95.16 hurricane risk is among South Carolina's highest. Earthquake coverage and wildfire considerations should complement standard homeowners policies for complete protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Williamsburg County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Trigger Failing Grade

Williamsburg County holds a Water Quality Grade of F after recording 16 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 88.4 per 100,000 people is nearly four times the state average of 22.2.

Two-Thirds of Local Waterways Show Impairment

In the 2022 cycle, 66.7% of assessed water bodies in the county were found to be impaired. E. coli and pH levels are the top causes of these failures, exceeding the statewide average impairment of 42.6%.

Limited Monitoring Footprint Across County

Only 5 monitoring sites are active in the county, contributing 2,093 measurements over the last five years. While small, this footprint tracks essential physical, nutrient, and metal characteristics.

Black River Discharge Reaches Record Lows

The Black River at Kingstree is flowing at a critical low of 53 cfs, which is just 6% of its typical long-term mean. This extreme deficit can significantly impact the concentration of local pollutants.

Heightened Risks During Extreme Low Flows

With river flows at just 6% of normal and high E. coli levels, residents should exercise extreme caution with surface water contact. The failing drinking water grade also suggests a need for reliable point-of-use filtration.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Williamsburg County

via WeatherByCounty

Significantly hotter than national norms

Williamsburg County is much warmer than the national median with an annual average temperature of 63.9°F. This coastal plain climate is defined by long, humid summers and very mild winters.

Exceeding South Carolina’s heat and rain averages

The county is warmer than the state average of 62.8°F and receives a substantial 52.5 inches of annual rain. This makes it one of the wetter and warmer regions in the entire state.

Hotter and wetter than the Upstate

Williamsburg experiences 82 days of extreme heat, far outpacing northern neighbors like York and Union. Its 52.5 inches of precipitation also dwarfs the rainfall totals found in the state's interior counties.

A dominant and humid summer

Summer is the primary season here, featuring an 80.0°F average and nearly three months of days exceeding 90°F. Winters are exceptionally mild with a 47.7°F average and a negligible 1.6 inches of snow.

Plan for moisture and high heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling and moisture control to handle the 82 days of extreme heat and high rainfall. Outdoor activities are best reserved for the morning to avoid the peak humidity and sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Williamsburg County

via SoilByCounty

High acidity in the Lowcountry

Williamsburg County features very acidic soil with a pH of 5.04. This is significantly lower than both the state average of 5.27 and the national median of 6.5, indicating a highly specialized growing environment.

A very sandy soil profile

The soil composition is dominated by 74.4% sand, with 15.6% silt and only 10.0% clay. This creates a loose, gritty texture that allows for excellent aeration but offers very little natural resistance to water movement.

Strong organic matter despite low capacity

With 2.46% organic matter, the soil exceeds the state average of 2.05%. However, the sandy nature results in a low available water capacity of 0.101 in/in, meaning plants will likely need supplemental irrigation during dry periods.

Limited classification data for local soils

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented in the current primary dataset for this county. Given the 74.4% sand content, growers should expect rapid water infiltration and plan their nutrient applications to avoid leaching.

The perfect home for acid-loving crops

Williamsburg's zone 8b climate and acidic, sandy soil are ideal for blueberries and sweet potatoes. If you are starting a garden, focus on crops that naturally thrive in low-pH environments to take advantage of these local conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Williamsburg County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Lawn Conditions in Williamsburg

Williamsburg County faces significant challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 24.4, well below both the state and national averages. This Zone 8b region is one of the more difficult areas in South Carolina to keep a lawn green. Extreme heat and acidic soil combine to create a high-maintenance environment.

Heavy Rainfall and Punishing Summer Heat

The county endures 82 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 63 and putting immense stress on turf. Precipitation is also high at 52.5 inches, which can lead to nutrient leaching and soil saturation. These factors require a precise mowing and drainage strategy to prevent grass from drowning or burning.

Dealing with Highly Acidic Sand

With a pH of 5.04, Williamsburg has some of the most acidic soil in the region, requiring significant lime treatment to reach the 6.0 goal. The soil is 74.4% sand, meaning water and nutrients move through it very rapidly. While specific drainage class data is limited, the high sand content generally suggests fast-draining but nutrient-poor conditions.

Severe Drought Hits Most of the County

Williamsburg has faced 24 weeks of drought this year, with 77.2% of the county currently in severe drought. Every part of the county is at least abnormally dry, making supplemental irrigation critical despite the high annual rainfall. Managing turf during these 82 heat days requires careful moisture monitoring.

Capitalize on a Long Growing Season

The frost-free season begins after March 29, allowing for a long period of growth. Heat-tolerant grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede are the best choices for the 8b hardiness zone and the local heat index. Given the 5.04 pH, make soil amendments your very first step this spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Williamsburg County's county score?
Williamsburg County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Williamsburg County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Williamsburg County ranks #36 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 Williamsburg County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Williamsburg County is $630, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Williamsburg County a tax score of 67.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Williamsburg County?
The median household income in Williamsburg County, South Carolina is $43,471 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Williamsburg County earns an income score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Williamsburg County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Williamsburg County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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