Fairfield County, SC Property Tax: $683/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Fairfield County is 0.53% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $129,100, that works out to about $684 per year, or $57 per month. Fairfield County is located in central South Carolina, and is home to approximately 20,741 residents.
About Fairfield County
Fairfield County covers approximately 686.3 square miles in South Carolina. The county is home to about 20,741 residents living in roughly 10,957 housing units, of which 60.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $46,972, and the median home was built in 1982.
Fairfield County borders Chester County, Kershaw County, Lancaster County, Newberry County, Richland 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 Fairfield County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Fairfield County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield County, SC | 0.53% | $129,100 | $684 |
| South Carolina state average | 0.54% | — | $697* |
| Chester County | 0.59% | $143,800 | $846 |
| Kershaw County | 0.49% | $191,900 | $937 |
| Lancaster County | 0.50% | $298,100 | $1,487 |
| Newberry County | 0.69% | $158,200 | $1,090 |
| Richland County | 0.70% | $224,200 | $1,569 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Fairfield County's median home value of $129,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Fairfield County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Carolina?
At 0.53%, Fairfield County is lower than the South Carolina state average of 0.54%. On a home at the county median of $129,100, that means about $684 per year — versus $697 at the state average rate, a difference of $13 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Fairfield County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Fairfield County?
For a home at the county median value of $129,100, the annual property tax in Fairfield County is approximately $684 — or about $57 per month. For a home worth $193,650, expect around $1,026 per year. For a $258,200 home, approximately $1,368 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Fairfield County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Fairfield County are handled by the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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 0.53% shown here. Contact the Fairfield 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