Oconee County, SC Property Tax: $856/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Oconee County is 0.39% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $217,200, that works out to about $847 per year, or $71 per month. Oconee County is located in northwestern South Carolina, and is home to approximately 79,566 residents.
About Oconee County
Oconee County covers approximately 626.6 square miles in South Carolina. The county is home to about 79,566 residents living in roughly 41,514 housing units, of which 61.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $60,193, and the median home was built in 1990.
Oconee County borders Franklin County, Habersham County, Hart County, Rabun County, Stephens 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 Oconee County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Oconee County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oconee County, SC | 0.39% | $217,200 | $847 |
| South Carolina state average | 0.54% | — | $1,173* |
| Franklin County | 0.77% | $160,600 | $1,231 |
| Habersham County | 0.63% | $212,000 | $1,330 |
| Hart County | 0.54% | $206,500 | $1,113 |
| Rabun County | 0.54% | $272,600 | $1,463 |
| Stephens County | 0.83% | $168,200 | $1,396 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Oconee County's median home value of $217,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Oconee County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Carolina?
At 0.39%, Oconee County is lower than the South Carolina state average of 0.54%. On a home at the county median of $217,200, that means about $847 per year — versus $1,173 at the state average rate, a difference of $326 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Oconee County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Oconee County?
For a home at the county median value of $217,200, the annual property tax in Oconee County is approximately $847 — or about $71 per month. For a home worth $325,800, expect around $1,271 per year. For a $434,400 home, approximately $1,694 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Oconee County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Oconee County are handled by the Oconee 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 Oconee 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 0.39% shown here. Contact the Oconee 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