What is the Property Tax Rate in Horry County?
Based on HomeLight’s analysis of publicly available data, the average effective property tax rate for a primary residence in Horry County is approximately 0.35% of its estimated value. This is lower than the national average of 0.90%.
For example, with a 0.35% effective tax rate, a homeowner with a $330,000 home might pay around $1,154 in annual property taxes.
Note: HomeLight’s Horry County property tax calculator provides a ballpark estimate for a primary residence using average property tax rates. Your tax can vary based on location and the specific taxing districts (e.g., schools, fire districts, and libraries) that apply to your parcel. For a more accurate number for your property, contact the Horry County Treasurer.
Step One: Consult with a Trusted Buyer's Agent
Tell us a little bit about your plans (where you’re looking to buy and when you want to make a purchase), and we’ll connect you with top-rated buyer’s agents in your area. It takes only a few minutes, and it’s free.
Are There Property Tax Exemptions in Horry County?
Homeowners in Horry County may qualify for several possible property tax exemptions. These are offered through the Horry County Treasurer, depending on your location. Common exemptions include:
- Legal Residence (4% Assessment Ratio): This lowers the property tax assessment rate for owner-occupied homes to 4% (from 6%).
- Homestead Exemption: Offers a deduction of up to $50,000 from the fair market value of your home if you’re 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind. Also requires state residency for at least the previous year and the 4% legal residence eligibility.
- Agricultural Use Assessment (Special Use Value): If you use your primary-residence property (or part of it) for qualifying agricultural purposes, you may qualify for agricultural-use valuation, potentially lowering taxes.
When Are Horry County Property Taxes Due?
Property taxes in Horry County are billed annually:
- October 1: tax notices are mailed
- January 15: due date for the full amount
What Do Property Taxes Pay For in Horry County?
Local property taxes in Horry County pay for important local services, including:
- Public schools
- Police, fire, and EMS services
- Roads, streets, and traffic signals
- Parks, libraries, and community centers
- City and county government operations
- Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
- Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)
Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?
Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.
What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Horry County?
How Much House Can You Afford?
Affordability in Horry County depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $63,623 in South Carolina, a buyer might afford a home in the $200,000–$250,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with the Horry County median home price exceeding $330,000, many buyers need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.
Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.
What Down Payment Will You Need in Horry County?
According to Nerdwallet, the average down payment on a house in Horry County is 15%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. While 20% used to be the expected standard, many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans.
For a $330,000 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:
- 3% down = $9,900
- 5% down = $16,500
- 10% down = $33,000
- 15% down = $49,500
- 20% down = $66,000
Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.
How Much Are Closing Costs in Horry County?
Buyers in Horry County can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:
- Loan origination and underwriting fees
- Title insurance and escrow fees
- Appraisal and inspection costs
- Prepaid property taxes and homeowners’ insurance
- Filing and recording fees
For a $330,000 home, that means estimated closing costs of $6,600 to $16,500. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your expected Horry County home purchase price.
How To Find a Trusted Horry County Real Estate Agent
An experienced Horry County agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with top Horry County agents based on real performance, not paid ads.
Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched today with no obligation.
Additional resources when searching for a trusted buyer’s agent in Horry County:
Buying and Selling? Consider “Buy Before You Sell”
If you’re buying a new home in Horry County but need to sell your current property first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program can simplify the entire process. This modern solution helps you unlock equity from your current home so you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home — and only move once. Watch the short video below to see how it works.