South Carolina
For Americans thinking of retiring to South Carolina from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in South Carolina run at 93.7 against a US average of 100, with housing at 80.5. We cover South Carolina's 46 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and 2 towns in depth: Pawleys Island (Georgetown County) and Seneca (Oconee County).
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
South Carolina is not compared with a town — compare the towns below instead. Why?
South Carolina, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
South Carolina's 46 counties
Every county in South Carolina on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 46 counties, with their figures
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Abbeville County
24,836 residents, 6,175 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,531 Lower than 92 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Abbeville County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Abbeville, Calhoun Falls, Due West (Census, 1 July 2024).
Abbeville County page → -
Aiken County
181,515 residents, 41,407 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,440 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 25 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Aiken, North Augusta, Burnettown (Census, 1 July 2024).
Aiken County page → -
Allendale County
7,355 residents, 2,031 aged 65 or older (27.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,073 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Allendale County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Allendale, Fairfax, Sycamore (Census, 1 July 2024).
Allendale County page → -
Anderson County
219,930 residents, 44,364 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,574 Lower than 92 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 41 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Anderson, Belton, Williamston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Anderson County page → -
Bamberg County
12,796 residents, 3,168 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,902 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bamberg County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Denmark, Bamberg, Ehrhardt (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bamberg County page → -
Barnwell County
20,653 residents, 4,505 aged 65 or older (21.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,559 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 27.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 5 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Barnwell, Williston, Blackville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Barnwell County page → -
Beaufort County
204,433 residents, 63,808 aged 65 or older (31.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.0 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,670 Lower than 90 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 43 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Port Royal (Census, 1 July 2024).
Beaufort County page → -
Berkeley County
274,666 residents, 44,495 aged 65 or older (16.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.0 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,579 Lower than 91 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 36 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Goose Creek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner (Census, 1 July 2024).
Berkeley County page → -
Calhoun County
14,188 residents, 3,872 aged 65 or older (27.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,432 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calhoun County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. Matthews, Cameron (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calhoun County page → -
Charleston County
436,200 residents, 85,144 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.0 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,360 Lower than 95 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 4 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 25 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Charleston County page → -
Cherokee County
58,275 residents, 11,441 aged 65 or older (19.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,513 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 31 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gaffney, Blacksburg, Chesnee (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cherokee County page → -
Chester County
33,001 residents, 6,977 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,968 Lower than 83 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 23.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 8 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chester, Great Falls, Fort Lawn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chester County page → -
Chesterfield County
44,740 residents, 9,284 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,467 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 14.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 21 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cheraw, Pageland, Chesterfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chesterfield County page → -
Clarendon County
31,043 residents, 8,662 aged 65 or older (27.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,956 Lower than 84 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 17.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 15 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Manning, Summerton, Turbeville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clarendon County page → -
Colleton County
39,382 residents, 9,348 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,938 Lower than 84 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 28.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 5 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Walterboro, Edisto Beach, Cottageville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Colleton County page → -
Darlington County
62,888 residents, 13,842 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.8 Cheaper than 70 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Florence, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,442 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 23.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 8 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hartsville, Darlington, Lamar (Census, 1 July 2024).
Darlington County page → -
Dillon County
27,458 residents, 5,561 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,852 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 47.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 1 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dillon, Latta, Lake View (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dillon County page → -
Dorchester County
178,397 residents, 30,715 aged 65 or older (17.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.0 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,967 Lower than 83 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 37 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Summerville, North Charleston, St. George (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dorchester County page → -
Edgefield County
29,808 residents, 6,453 aged 65 or older (21.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,511 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Edgefield County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Edgefield, Johnston, Trenton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Edgefield County page → -
Fairfield County
20,340 residents, 5,947 aged 65 or older (29.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,796 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 30.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 4 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Winnsboro, Ridgeway, Blythewood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fairfield County page → -
Florence County
138,504 residents, 28,227 aged 65 or older (20.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.8 Cheaper than 70 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Florence, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,487 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 16.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 18 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Florence, Lake City, Timmonsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Florence County page → -
Georgetown County
65,912 residents, 22,356 aged 65 or older (33.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,439 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 29 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Georgetown, Andrews, Pawleys Island (Census, 1 July 2024).
Georgetown County page → -
Greenville County
583,125 residents, 108,791 aged 65 or older (18.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,770 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 5 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 46 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Greenville, Greer, Mauldin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Greenville County page → -
Greenwood County
70,379 residents, 15,480 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,869 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 26 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Greenwood, Ninety Six, Ware Shoals (Census, 1 July 2024).
Greenwood County page → -
Hampton County
18,174 residents, 4,035 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,803 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hampton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hampton, Estill, Varnville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hampton County page → -
Horry County
427,551 residents, 128,019 aged 65 or older (29.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.6 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,148 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 54 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Horry County page → -
Jasper County
38,533 residents, 10,775 aged 65 or older (28.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.0 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,991 Lower than 83 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 16.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 17 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hardeeville, Ridgeland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jasper County page → -
Kershaw County
73,166 residents, 14,892 aged 65 or older (20.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,633 Lower than 90 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 26 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Camden, Elgin, Bethune (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kershaw County page → -
Lancaster County
114,296 residents, 25,891 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,758 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 47 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lancaster, Kershaw, Van Wyck (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lancaster County page → -
Laurens County
71,848 residents, 15,022 aged 65 or older (20.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,432 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 29 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Laurens, Clinton, Fountain Inn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Laurens County page → -
Lee County
15,730 residents, 3,961 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,004 Lower than 82 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 30.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 4 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.47 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 40 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bishopville, Lynchburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lee County page → -
Lexington County
317,588 residents, 61,136 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,718 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 60 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lexington County page → -
McCormick County
10,215 residents, 4,611 aged 65 or older (45.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,967 Lower than 83 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McCormick County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: McCormick, Parksville, Plum Branch (Census, 1 July 2024).
McCormick County page → -
Marion County
28,242 residents, 7,002 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,637 Lower than 90 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 27.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 6 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.80 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marion, Mullins, Nichols (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marion County page → -
Marlboro County
25,488 residents, 5,412 aged 65 or older (21.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,117 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 20.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 11 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.56 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bennettsville, McColl, Clio (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marlboro County page → -
Newberry County
39,561 residents, 9,166 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,331 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Newberry County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Newberry, Whitmire, Prosperity (Census, 1 July 2024).
Newberry County page → -
Oconee County
83,775 residents, 22,751 aged 65 or older (27.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,327 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 57 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster (Census, 1 July 2024).
Oconee County page → -
Orangeburg County
83,177 residents, 18,980 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,264 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 23.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 9 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Orangeburg, Holly Hill, Branchville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Orangeburg County page → -
Pickens County
139,198 residents, 26,668 aged 65 or older (19.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,307 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 75 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Easley, Clemson, Central (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pickens County page → -
Richland County
434,956 residents, 72,777 aged 65 or older (16.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,360 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 14.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 21 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Columbia, Forest Acres, Irmo (Census, 1 July 2024).
Richland County page → -
Saluda County
19,680 residents, 4,729 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Columbia, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,785 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Saluda County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Saluda, Ridge Spring, Batesburg-Leesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Saluda County page → -
Spartanburg County
380,857 residents, 66,619 aged 65 or older (17.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.1 Cheaper than 38 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Spartanburg, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,911 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 45 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spartanburg, Greer, Lyman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Spartanburg County page → -
Sumter County
105,067 residents, 21,297 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.0 Cheaper than 56 % of the other 3,142 US counties Sumter, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,865 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 17.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 15 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sumter, Mayesville, Pinewood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sumter County page → -
Union County
26,799 residents, 6,444 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.1 Cheaper than 38 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Spartanburg, SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,956 Lower than 84 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Union County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 84 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Union, Jonesville, Lockhart (Census, 1 July 2024).
Union County page → -
Williamsburg County
29,662 residents, 7,729 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.2 Cheaper than 75 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. South Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,301 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 16.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 18 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kingstree, Hemingway, Lane (Census, 1 July 2024).
Williamsburg County page → -
York County
306,887 residents, 53,290 aged 65 or older (17.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,686 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 59 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,074 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay (Census, 1 July 2024).
York County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where South Carolina stands, on the six criteria
South Carolina's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 6 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of South Carolina, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
93.7 Cheaper than 64% of the other 50 · housing 80.5 · goods 96.3 · utilities 88.3 · other services 98.3
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $1,691 (90% margin USD $1,678–$1,704) Lower than 92% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 54% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
11.1 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 10.7–11.5) Lower than 12% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
5.3 months a year More than 90% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in South Carolina
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in South Carolina, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $22,170 in a bad year (from USD $16,670), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 29 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $6,074 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 8 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of South Carolina's 46 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
South Carolina adds no Medigap enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. South Carolina's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in South Carolina: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-800-868-9095 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to South Carolina: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to South Carolina, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Taxes on a retired couple: lower than 92% of the other 50 (USD $1,691). Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household
- Climate: more than 90% of the other 50 (5.3 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
Cons
- Safety: higher than 88% of the other 50 (11.1 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
- Natural-hazard risk: higher than 90% of the other 50 (USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Also shown, not scored
South Carolina's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of South Carolina — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
5,570,274 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
1,173,259 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
23.9 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in South Carolina
We apply South Carolina's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
South Carolina's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 6 % South Carolina Department of Revenue, 2025 SC1040 Tax Tables · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security subtracted (SC1040 line o): 100 % of it South Carolina Department of Revenue, 2025 SC1040 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Retirement and age-65 deductions together: USD $15,000 each from 65: USD $15,000 per person, from age 65 South Carolina Department of Revenue, 2025 SC1040 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Federal standard deduction under the Internal Revenue Code as of 31 December 2024: USD $30,000 IRS, Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (2025 inflation adjustments) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Federal additional standard deduction, 65 or older (USD $1,600 each): USD $1,600 per person, from age 65 IRS, Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (2025 inflation adjustments) · checked Oct 26, 2026
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