Property Taxes in Horry County vs Georgetown County, SC: What Home Buyers Should Know
Property taxes are one of the most important cost factors buyers consider when purchasing real estate in the Myrtle Beach area. Many buyers relocating from higher-tax states are surprised by how South Carolina structures property taxes and how those taxes differ between Horry County and Georgetown County.
Understanding these differences can help you estimate long-term ownership costs more accurately before choosing where to buy.
Brian Staub and Beach Properties Group have helped buyers across both counties for more than 20 years and continue to rank among the top-performing agents and teams in the Grand Strand based on both transaction volume and total sales production. Brian’s additional 17 years of experience as a home improvement contractor and new construction specialist also helps buyers evaluate long-term ownership costs beyond just the purchase price.
If you are still comparing overall affordability across the Grand Strand, start here:
👉 LINK HERE: Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach
If you'd like help estimating taxes on a specific property before making an offer, schedule a consultation here:
https://booking.beachpropertiesgroup.com/schedule
How Property Taxes Work in South Carolina
South Carolina calculates property taxes differently than many Northeast and Midwest states.
Primary residences are taxed at a 4% assessment ratio, while second homes and investment properties are taxed at a 6% assessment ratio.
Local millage rates are then applied by the county and municipality.
Because of this structure, buyers who plan to use a home as their primary residence often see significantly lower annual tax costs than buyers purchasing vacation or rental property.
Property Taxes in Horry County
Horry County includes Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Carolina Forest, Little River, and Aynor.
For primary residences, effective property tax rates typically fall between approximately 0.5% and 0.8% of market value, depending on municipality and exemptions.
For example:
A $400,000 primary residence in Horry County may have estimated annual taxes between $1,600 and $3,200 per year
Second homes and investment properties in Horry County are taxed at the higher 6% assessment ratio and may fall closer to:
$3,000 to $5,500 annually on a similarly priced property
These differences are especially important for buyers purchasing vacation homes or short-term rental properties.
Because Beach Properties Group remains one of the top-producing teams in the Myrtle Beach area, relocating buyers benefit from accurate property-level tax estimates before closing.
Property Taxes in Georgetown County
Georgetown County includes Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, and surrounding coastal communities south of Myrtle Beach.
Primary residence effective tax rates are often slightly lower than Horry County depending on location and exemptions.
For example:
A $400,000 primary residence in Georgetown County may have estimated annual taxes between $1,400 and $2,800 per year
Second homes in Georgetown County typically range between:
$2,800 and $5,000 annually
These lower rates are one reason many retirement buyers explore Pawleys Island and Litchfield communities.
Primary Residence vs Second Home Tax Differences
One of the most important tax distinctions in South Carolina depends on how the property will be used.
Primary residences qualify for:
4% assessment ratio
homestead exemption eligibility
school operating tax exemption
Second homes and investment properties are taxed at:
6% assessment ratio
no homestead exemption
higher annual ownership costs
Understanding this distinction is especially important for buyers purchasing vacation property near the coast.
Additional Property Tax Benefits for Buyers Age 65+
South Carolina offers additional tax relief programs for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older.
These may include exemptions on a portion of the home's assessed value for primary residences.
Many retirement buyers explore these opportunities when relocating to the Grand Strand.
Brian Staub’s experience helping retirees relocate to coastal South Carolina allows buyers to evaluate how these exemptions may affect long-term ownership costs before purchasing.
Why County Selection Matters for Long-Term Ownership Costs
Choosing between Horry County and Georgetown County often depends on lifestyle preferences, commute access, insurance exposure, and long-term housing goals.
Buyers comparing both counties typically consider
distance from the beach
insurance differences
property tax structure
HOA communities
future resale flexibility
Understanding these differences helps buyers select locations aligned with their long-term plans.
Because Brian has both construction and new development experience in addition to over 20 years of local market knowledge, buyers receive deeper insight into how location affects ownership costs beyond just taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Taxes in the Myrtle Beach Area
Are property taxes lower in South Carolina than northern states?
Yes. Many buyers relocating from states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio see significantly lower annual property taxes.
Are taxes lower in Georgetown County than Horry County?
In many cases they are slightly lower, though the difference depends on municipality and exemptions.
Do primary residences receive tax benefits in South Carolina?
Yes. Owner-occupied homes qualify for the 4% assessment ratio and additional exemptions.
Are second homes taxed differently?
Yes. Second homes and investment properties are taxed at the higher 6% assessment ratio.
Want Help Estimating Property Taxes Before You Buy?
If you're comparing homes in Horry County and Georgetown County and want help estimating annual property taxes before making a purchase decision, the best next step is a strategy consultation.
Schedule your consultation here:
https://booking.beachpropertiesgroup.com/schedule
Brian Staub and Beach Properties Group continue to rank among the top-performing teams in the Grand Strand based on both transaction count and sales volume and help buyers make confident decisions across both counties.
Contact
Brian Staub is a real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping buyers and sellers make confident real estate decisions throughout the Grand Strand. Brian and Beach Properties Group are consistently recognized among the top-performing agents and teams in the area based on transaction volume and total sales production.
With more than 20 years of experience in the Myrtle Beach market and 17 years of general home improvement contractor and new construction expertise, Brian provides deeper insight when evaluating homes, estimating ownership costs, and identifying long-term investment value.
Whether you're purchasing a primary residence, second home, retirement property, or investment property along the Grand Strand, Brian and Beach Properties Group provide practical guidance backed by decades of local experience.
Brian Staub
Beach Properties Group Keller Williams
601 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 385-6630
https://beachpropertiesgroup.com/
