If you are planning to buy a home near Myrtle Beach, one of the most important cost differences to understand is property taxes.

Buyers often assume taxes are similar across the Grand Strand, but there can be meaningful differences between Horry County and Georgetown County depending on where you purchase and whether the home will be your primary residence.

Understanding how property taxes work in coastal South Carolina can help you estimate your true monthly payment and choose the right location with confidence.

Why Property Taxes Matter When Buying Near Myrtle Beach

Property taxes directly affect your monthly housing cost and long-term affordability.

Even when two homes have similar purchase prices, the tax structure between counties can change your total ownership cost over time.

This is especially important for buyers comparing areas like:

Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach
Carolina Forest
Murrells Inlet
Pawleys Island
Georgetown

If you are still comparing overall affordability, review the cost of living in Myrtle Beach before narrowing down locations.

Where the County Line Changes Your Taxes

Horry County includes:

Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach
Carolina Forest
Little River
Aynor
Loris

Georgetown County includes:

Murrells Inlet (southern portion)
Pawleys Island
Georgetown

Homes located just minutes apart can fall into different tax structures depending on which county they are in.

How Property Taxes Work in South Carolina

South Carolina calculates property taxes differently than many other states.

Taxes are based on:

Assessment ratio
Millage rate
Property value

Primary residences qualify for a lower assessment ratio, which significantly reduces taxes compared to second homes or investment properties.

This is one reason many relocating buyers choose to make Myrtle Beach their full-time residence.

If you are planning a relocation, review the moving to Myrtle Beach SC guide for additional cost considerations.

Primary Residence vs Second Home Tax Rates

One of the biggest tax advantages in South Carolina applies to primary residences.

Primary residence assessment ratio: 4%

Second home or investment property assessment ratio: 6%

This difference can reduce annual taxes substantially for full-time homeowners.

Buyers purchasing vacation homes along the coast should plan for higher tax exposure.

Property Taxes in Horry County

Horry County is known for relatively low property taxes compared to many coastal markets in the Southeast.

Primary residence homeowners benefit from:

Lower assessment ratios
Competitive millage rates
Homestead exemptions for qualifying residents

Because of these factors, many buyers relocating from higher-tax states find ownership costs lower than expected.

Tax savings are one reason buyers continue relocating to areas like Carolina Forest and North Myrtle Beach.

If you are evaluating neighborhood options, review the best areas to live in Myrtle Beach.

Property Taxes in Georgetown County

Georgetown County includes several desirable coastal communities such as Pawleys Island and southern Murrells Inlet.

Property taxes here may differ slightly depending on location and municipal services, but the same statewide assessment rules apply.

Luxury coastal homes and waterfront properties in Georgetown County may carry higher tax bills simply because of higher property values.

However, many buyers still choose Pawleys Island for its quieter environment and lower-density development.

Example Property Tax Comparison

Consider two similarly priced homes valued at $450,000.

A primary residence in Horry County may have a lower annual tax bill than a comparable second home near Pawleys Island due to the difference in assessment classification.

This is why buyers should confirm how the property will be classified before closing.

How Property Taxes Affect Monthly Payments

Property taxes are included in most mortgage escrow payments.

Higher tax rates can increase:

Monthly payments
Required reserves at closing
Long-term ownership costs

Understanding tax structure early helps buyers compare homes more accurately.

This is especially important when evaluating whether now is a good time to buy in Myrtle Beach.

Are Property Taxes Higher Near the Coast?

Not necessarily.

Taxes depend more on classification and value than distance to the ocean.

However, higher-value waterfront homes often result in higher total tax bills even if rates remain similar.

Buyers considering marsh front or oceanfront homes should also review flood zone classifications before purchasing.

Tax Advantages for Retirees in South Carolina

South Carolina offers several tax benefits that make the Myrtle Beach area attractive for retirees.

These may include:

Retirement income deductions
Homestead exemptions
No tax on Social Security benefits

Because of these advantages, many retirees choose communities across both Horry and Georgetown counties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Taxes Near Myrtle Beach

Are property taxes lower in Horry County than Georgetown County?

Both counties follow South Carolina’s statewide assessment system, but individual tax bills vary depending on property classification and location.

Do primary residences receive lower property taxes?

Yes. Owner-occupied primary residences qualify for a 4 percent assessment ratio.

Are second homes taxed differently in Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Second homes and investment properties are taxed at a higher assessment ratio than primary residences.

Which county is better for lower taxes near Myrtle Beach?

The answer depends on property value, classification, and exemptions rather than county alone.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Horry and Georgetown County

Property taxes are one of the most important factors when choosing where to live near Myrtle Beach.

Understanding how classification affects your annual tax bill can help you compare homes more accurately and avoid surprises after closing.

Many buyers find that both counties offer strong long-term value depending on their lifestyle goals and whether the property will be used as a primary residence or second home.

If you are comparing areas across the Grand Strand and want help estimating ownership costs before making a decision, guidance from a local expert can make the process much easier.

Brian Staub is a real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping homeowners sell with clarity and confidence.

Brian Staub
Beach Properties Group Keller Williams
601 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 385-6630
https://beachpropertiesgroup.com/