South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax in South Carolina. The SC state sales tax rate is 6%. Add local rates for your total sales tax. Free calculator with instant results.
South Carolina at a Glance
$290,000
Median Home Price
0.57%
Property Tax Rate
$2,400
Avg Home Insurance
$472,030
FHA Loan Limit
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Reviewed & Methodology
Every calculator is built using industry-standard formulas, validated against authoritative sources, and reviewed by a credentialed financial professional. State-specific data is sourced from official government publications.
Sales Tax Calculator in South Carolina
The median home price in South Carolina is $290,000, which is 31% below the national average of $420,000. South Carolina's effective property tax rate of 0.57% is 0.53 percentage points lower than the national average of 1.1%.
| Metric | South Carolina (SC) | National Avg | vs National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $290,000 | $420,000 | -31% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.57% | 1.1% | -0.53% |
| Home Insurance (Annual) | $2,400 | $2,300 | +4% |
| State Sales Tax | 6% | 5% | +1.0% |
| FHA Loan Limit | $472,030 | $472,030 | Standard |
| Conforming Loan Limit | $766,550 | $766,550 | Standard |
South Carolina offers a homestead exemption of $50,000, which reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. The state uses an assessment ratio of 4% to determine the assessed value for property tax purposes.
Homeownership in South Carolina
South Carolina has one of the most favorable property tax structures for primary homeowners in the country -- the owner-occupied assessment ratio of just 4% of market value means that even with a relatively normal mill rate, annual tax bills are very low. The statewide median around $290,000 is below average, though the Charleston metro and Myrtle Beach coastal market are substantially higher. Significant domestic migration from northeastern states has supported strong price growth in coastal counties.
Tips for South Carolina Homebuyers and Homeowners
- South Carolina's 4% assessment ratio for owner-occupied primary residences is one of the lowest in the nation -- on a $290,000 home, the taxable base is just $11,600, and taxes are typically $500-$800 per year.
- The Homestead Exemption for residents 65+ exempts the first $50,000 of assessed value from property taxes -- on the already-low 4% assessment, this effectively eliminates tax liability for many senior homeowners.
- Non-primary-residence property (vacation homes, rentals) is assessed at 6% in South Carolina -- nearly 50% more than owner-occupied homes -- meaning short-term rental investors face a significantly different cost structure.
- Hurricane and wind insurance in coastal counties (Beaufort, Horry, Berkeley, Charleston) is expensive and sometimes difficult to obtain -- budget $3,000-$6,000 per year for wind policies in exposed coastal locations.
South Carolina Programs and Assistance
- SC Housing Homeownership Program -- provides competitive 30-year fixed rate mortgages with down payment assistance up to 3-5% of the purchase price.
- SC Housing Forgivable Down Payment Assistance -- a forgivable second loan providing 5% of the purchase price, forgiven after the buyer remains in the home for 20 years.
- Palmetto Heroes Program -- additional assistance specifically for SC teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and healthcare workers purchasing a primary residence.
Did you know? South Carolina's 4% owner-occupied property tax assessment ratio is the lowest residential assessment rate in the country -- resulting in annual property tax bills that are among the lowest in the nation relative to home values.