Aiken County, SC Property Tax: $862/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Aiken County is 0.43% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $199,500, that works out to about $858 per year, or $72 per month. Aiken County is located in western South Carolina, and is home to approximately 171,949 residents.
About Aiken County
Aiken County covers approximately 1,070.7 square miles in South Carolina. The county is home to about 171,949 residents living in roughly 78,715 housing units, of which 66.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $67,940, and the median home was built in 1988.
Aiken County borders Burke County, Richmond County, Barnwell County, Edgefield County, Lexington County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in South Carolina
Property taxes in South Carolina are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in South Carolina offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Aiken County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Aiken County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken County, SC | 0.43% | $199,500 | $858 |
| South Carolina state average | 0.54% | — | $1,077* |
| Burke County | 0.91% | $107,800 | $978 |
| Richmond County | 0.88% | $163,300 | $1,440 |
| Barnwell County | 0.74% | $97,200 | $717 |
| Edgefield County | 0.45% | $194,300 | $877 |
| Lexington County | 0.52% | $217,700 | $1,136 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Aiken County's median home value of $199,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aiken County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Carolina?
At 0.43%, Aiken County is lower than the South Carolina state average of 0.54%. On a home at the county median of $199,500, that means about $858 per year — versus $1,077 at the state average rate, a difference of $219 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Aiken County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Aiken County?
For a home at the county median value of $199,500, the annual property tax in Aiken County is approximately $858 — or about $72 per month. For a home worth $299,250, expect around $1,287 per year. For a $399,000 home, approximately $1,716 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Aiken County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Aiken County are handled by the Aiken County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Aiken County?
South Carolina counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.43% shown here. Contact the Aiken County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File