Dorchester County Property Taxes

Dorchester County, South Carolina

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

82.1% above state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$143/mo escrow

#33 of 46 counties in South Carolina

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

0.58%

vs. South Carolina Avg82.1% above
vs. National Avg36.4% below

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$294,400

State avg $181,398

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$1,882

$157/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$1,274

$106/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#33

of 46 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in Dorchester County, South Carolina

Dorchester taxes below national median

Dorchester's 0.581% effective rate is substantially lower than the national median of 0.87%, placing the county in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. At $1,710 annually, the median property tax bill remains well below the national median of $2,690, despite median homes valued near the national average.

Slight edge above South Carolina average

Dorchester's 0.581% effective rate edges slightly above the state average of 0.542%, but its median property tax of $1,710 significantly exceeds South Carolina's median of $939. The higher median home value of $294,400 drives the larger tax bills.

Among the region's higher rates

Dorchester's 0.581% rate is the second-highest in the region, topped only by Greenwood County at 0.585%, and well above neighbors like Georgetown (0.426%) and Florence (0.438%). The county's median home value of $294,400 is among the region's highest, reflecting growing suburban demand.

Growing county, growing tax bills

A typical Dorchester home valued at $294,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,710. With a mortgage, residents report paying $1,882; without, the figure is $1,274.

Appeal potential in fast-growing areas

In rapidly appreciating counties like Dorchester, assessments often lag behind or overshoot actual market values. A professional assessment review could reveal overvaluation—a common issue in high-growth areas where records update less frequently than property markets.

How Dorchester County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

Dorchester County$1,710
South Carolina State Average$939
National Average$1,924

Dorchester County

0.58%

Effective rate

South Carolina Avg

0.52%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Dorchester County, South Carolina?
The effective property tax rate in Dorchester County, South Carolina is 0.58%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in Dorchester County?
The median annual property tax payment in Dorchester County is $1,710. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $1,882, while those without a mortgage pay $1,274.
How does Dorchester County compare to the South Carolina average?
Dorchester County's effective tax rate of 0.58% is higher than the South Carolina state average of 0.52%. The median annual property tax in Dorchester County is $1,710, compared to the state average of $939.
What is the median home value in Dorchester County, South Carolina?
The median home value in Dorchester County, South Carolina is $294,400, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is Dorchester County property tax rate higher than the South Carolina average?
Dorchester County's effective property tax rate of 0.58% is higher than the South Carolina average of 0.52%. This difference of 0.06% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does Dorchester County rank for property taxes in South Carolina?
Dorchester County ranks #33 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 0.58% and median annual tax of $1,710, it falls in the upper third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in South Carolina

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.