CountyScore

York County

South Carolina · SC

#37 in South Carolina
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About York County, South Carolina

York ranks above the U.S. livability median

York County's composite score of 66.1 places it at the 32nd percentile nationally, above the median of 50.0. This reflects particular strength in income and health dimensions that offset higher housing costs.

Just below South Carolina's state average

With a composite score of 66.1 versus the South Carolina state average of 68.2, York ranks near the middle of the state's county distribution. It remains a respectable choice among South Carolina's counties, particularly for income-focused families.

High incomes and strong health outcomes shine

York leads these six counties with an Income Score of 37.6 and median household income of $83,060, reflecting professional employment and economic opportunity. A Health Score of 73.2—the highest among all counties surveyed—signals exceptional wellness outcomes and healthcare quality.

Housing costs rising faster than incomes

Despite strong incomes, York's Cost Score of 65.1 is the lowest among these six counties, with a median home value of $322,700 and rent at $1,304/month. Housing affordability has become stretched relative to household earnings, creating pressure for middle-income families.

Best for professionals seeking quality of life

York County suits established professionals and dual-income families who value high incomes, excellent health outcomes, and quality services over maximum housing affordability. It's the region's strongest choice for career-focused individuals willing to pay premium housing costs for premium health and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.3Cost65.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.6Risk11.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.3
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 York County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Ada County
Idaho
66.1
Median income: $88,907
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
66.1
Median income: $92,266

Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in York County

via TaxByCounty

York has South Carolina's lowest tax rate

York County's 0.496% effective rate is the lowest among all six counties and ranks it in the bottom 25% nationally, well below the national median of 0.86%. The median property tax of $1,602 remains 60% below the national median of $2,690.

Notably below South Carolina average

At 0.496%, York's rate runs 9% lower than the state average of 0.542%, making it one of South Carolina's most tax-friendly counties. Despite collecting a higher median tax ($1,602 vs. state median of $939), the rate advantage is striking.

Clear winner in the six-county comparison

York's 0.496% rate beats all peers—Sumter (0.539%), Union (0.558%), Saluda (0.568%), Spartanburg (0.563%), and Williamsburg (0.662%). The advantage stems from both a favorable rate and higher median property values.

York homeowners pay $1,602 median annually

With the region's highest median home value of $322,700, York residents pay approximately $1,602 annually in property taxes—about $134 per month. Including mortgage escrow, the typical bill reaches $1,809 per year.

Even at low rates, appeal if overassessed

York County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee your specific property isn't overvalued. Review your assessment against comparable sales and request a free appeal if you believe your home is assessed above market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in York County

via CostByCounty

York County offers above-average affordability

York County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, with renters paying $1,304 monthly on a median household income of $83,060. The county's strong median income makes even higher rents feel manageable compared to national norms.

York ranks among SC's most affordable counties

At 18.8%, York's rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. Its median rent of $1,304 runs significantly above the state average of $945, yet York's income premium of $83,060 easily supports it.

York leads region in income and affordability

York County's $1,304 median rent is the highest in this cluster, yet its median household income of $83,060 vastly outpaces all neighbors—Spartanburg ($64,195), Saluda ($52,957), and Union ($41,200). This income advantage makes York's higher rents proportionally most affordable.

York households manage housing with ease

York renters pay $1,304 monthly while homeowners spend $1,277, both supported by a median household income of $83,060. At roughly 19% of household income, housing costs leave substantial room for savings, investment, and quality of life improvements.

York County: premium location, smart value

If you're relocating with above-average income, York County delivers the region's strongest affordability, with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio and robust job market. Its $1,304 median rent and $322,700 median home value reflect a thriving county where higher incomes easily support higher housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in York County

via IncomeByCounty

York exceeds national income median

York County's median household income of $83,060 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 11%, the only county among these six to top the national benchmark. The county ranks as a genuine economic bright spot in South Carolina.

South Carolina's highest earner here

York County's $83,060 median household income leads all South Carolina counties examined, exceeding the state average of $57,006 by 46%. The county's per capita income of $43,442 also dominates the state average of $32,382.

York vastly outpaces regional peers

York's $83,060 median income substantially exceeds every neighboring county—Spartanburg ($64,195) to the north, Union ($41,200) to the west, and Chester to the south. The county's economic advantage is pronounced and consistent.

Strong affordability and wealth building

York's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, providing financial breathing room for households. The median home value of $322,700 reflects both higher property values and stronger purchasing power among residents.

York: Maximizing above-average income

York households enjoy incomes above the national average, positioning them well for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments. Maximize 401(k) contributions, explore additional investment accounts, and consider real estate or small business ventures to compound financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in York County

via HealthByCounty

York leads with exceptional health outcomes

York County's life expectancy of 76.3 years surpasses the U.S. average of 68.4 years by 7.9 years, placing it among the healthiest communities nationally. Its 15.2% poor or fair health rate ranks well below the national average of 21%, indicating a robust population health profile. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 202 mental health providers per 100,000, York has excellent healthcare infrastructure.

South Carolina's health champion

York County's 76.3-year life expectancy outpaces South Carolina's 72.5-year average by 3.8 years—the highest advantage among the six counties studied. Its 8.9% uninsured rate is significantly better than the state average of 11.6%, the second-best in the region. York ranks decisively at the top of South Carolina's health performance.

Outpacing the entire region

York's 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds every other county examined, surpassing Union by 7.3 years and Williamsburg by 5.9 years. Its 48 primary care providers per 100,000 rank solidly, and its 202 mental health providers per 100,000 lead the entire region. York's 8.9% uninsured rate is the lowest among all six counties, ensuring broad coverage.

Healthcare access as regional model

York County's 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 202 mental health providers per 100,000 create exceptional access to both routine and behavioral health care. The 8.9% uninsured rate—the region's lowest—means most residents have coverage and can readily access care. York residents enjoy short wait times, convenient appointments, and a strong safety net of services.

Maintain your competitive advantage

York County's low uninsured rate of 8.9% reflects strong coverage, but that last 9% shouldn't be left behind. If you're uninsured or thinking about coverage options, visit HealthCare.gov to ensure you're locked into the best plan for your family. Keeping coverage current helps you maintain access to the excellent providers and services available in York County.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in York County

via RiskByCounty

York faces above-average natural disaster risks

York County's composite risk score of 88.68 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average for disaster exposure. The county's vulnerability spans multiple hazard types, from tornadoes to floods.

Among South Carolina's highest-risk counties

York's 88.68 score ranks 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 counties statewide face comparably elevated disaster risks.

Riskier than Union, comparable to Spartanburg

York's 88.68 risk score exceeds Union County (58.21) by 30 points while matching the elevated risk profile of neighboring Spartanburg County (90.65). The county's upstate location and terrain expose it to significant tornado and flood hazards.

Tornadoes and floods top York's hazard list

Tornado risk (96.91) is York's most significant hazard—the highest among these six counties—followed by flood risk (90.17) and earthquake risk (85.18). Together, these three hazards create a multi-faceted vulnerability picture for county residents.

York homeowners need multi-hazard insurance strategy

Given York's exceptionally high tornado risk (96.91), robust wind/hail coverage is non-negotiable; flood insurance is equally essential given the county's 90.17 flood risk. Earthquake coverage should round out comprehensive protection for York residents facing the state's most active tornado environment.

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.