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Most affordable counties in South Carolina

Ranking of counties in South Carolina by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

South Carolina AMI (4-person)
$90,500
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
46
of 46 total
30%+ cost burdened
35.8%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
16.8%

South Carolina vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Marlboro County
    $979/mo
  2. 2.Lee County
    $1,001/mo
  3. 3.Union County
    $1,009/mo
  4. 4.Marion County
    $1,042/mo
  5. 5.Allendale County
    $1,049/mo
  6. 6.Cherokee County
    $1,060/mo
  7. 7.Chesterfield County
    $1,061/mo
  8. 8.Williamsburg County
    $1,076/mo
  9. 9.Chester County
    $1,077/mo
  10. 10.Hampton County
    $1,128/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
0 affordable

No counties in South Carolina fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
40 affordable
  • Marlboro County$979/mo
  • Lee County$1,001/mo
  • Union County$1,009/mo
  • Marion County$1,042/mo
  • Allendale County$1,049/mo
  • Cherokee County$1,060/mo
  • Chesterfield County$1,061/mo
  • Williamsburg County$1,076/mo
Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
46 affordable
  • Marlboro County$979/mo
  • Lee County$1,001/mo
  • Union County$1,009/mo
  • Marion County$1,042/mo
  • Allendale County$1,049/mo
  • Cherokee County$1,060/mo
  • Chesterfield County$1,061/mo
  • Williamsburg County$1,076/mo
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
46 affordable
  • Marlboro County$979/mo
  • Lee County$1,001/mo
  • Union County$1,009/mo
  • Marion County$1,042/mo
  • Allendale County$1,049/mo
  • Cherokee County$1,060/mo
  • Chesterfield County$1,061/mo
  • Williamsburg County$1,076/mo
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
46 affordable
  • Marlboro County$979/mo
  • Lee County$1,001/mo
  • Union County$1,009/mo
  • Marion County$1,042/mo
  • Allendale County$1,049/mo
  • Cherokee County$1,060/mo
  • Chesterfield County$1,061/mo
  • Williamsburg County$1,076/mo
Median owner cost statewide
$1,270
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$54,682
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in South Carolina are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 40 out of 46 South Carolina counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of South Carolina households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 35.8% of South Carolina households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 16.8% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in South Carolina?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in South Carolina is $90,500 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $72,400; 50% AMI: $45,250.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.