Charleston County, SC Property Tax: $1,864/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Charleston County is 0.41% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $450,800, that works out to about $1,848 per year, or $154 per month. Charleston County is located in southeastern South Carolina, and is home to approximately 414,711 residents.
About Charleston County
Charleston County covers approximately 918.2 square miles in South Carolina. The county is home to about 414,711 residents living in roughly 206,299 housing units, of which 54.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $84,320, and the median home was built in 1991.
Charleston County borders Berkeley County, Colleton County, Dorchester County, Georgetown 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 Charleston County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Charleston County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston County, SC | 0.41% | $450,800 | $1,848 |
| South Carolina state average | 0.54% | — | $2,434* |
| Berkeley County | 0.48% | $280,300 | $1,343 |
| Colleton County | 0.61% | $145,900 | $883 |
| Dorchester County | 0.58% | $294,400 | $1,710 |
| Georgetown County | 0.43% | $262,300 | $1,117 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Charleston County's median home value of $450,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Charleston County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Carolina?
At 0.41%, Charleston County is lower than the South Carolina state average of 0.54%. On a home at the county median of $450,800, that means about $1,848 per year — versus $2,434 at the state average rate, a difference of $586 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Charleston County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Charleston County?
For a home at the county median value of $450,800, the annual property tax in Charleston County is approximately $1,848 — or about $154 per month. For a home worth $676,200, expect around $2,772 per year. For a $901,600 home, approximately $3,697 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Charleston County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Charleston County are handled by the Charleston 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 Charleston 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 0.41% shown here. Contact the Charleston 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