South Carolina Mortgage Calculator
South Carolina has a low property tax rate (~0.57%) — among the lowest in the country — but coastal insurance premiums run higher.
South Carolina's effective property-tax rate runs around 0.57%, among the lowest in the country. Median home values near $290,000 keep tax bills modest. Hurricane risk on the coast drives slightly elevated insurance premiums, but inland markets remain competitive. Charleston and Greenville buyers often use conventional conforming or FHA; VA is common near Charleston AFB, Fort Jackson, and Shaw AFB.
Mortgage Calculator
How Mortgage Calculations Work
Loan Amount
We calculate the principal by subtracting your down payment from the home price.
Monthly Payment
Using the loan amount, interest rate, and term, we calculate your fixed monthly payment.
Amortization
Each payment is split between principal and interest, with early payments going more toward interest.
What factors affect your mortgage payment?
- Home Price: The total purchase price of your property
- Down Payment: Large down payments reduce your loan amount and monthly payment
- Interest Rate: Higher rates mean higher monthly payments and more total interest
- Loan Term: Longer terms have lower monthly payments but more total interest
South Carolina Mortgage: Median-Priced Home Example
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $290,000 | Zillow ZHVI Q2 2026 |
| Loan (80% LTV) | $232,000 | 20% down avoids PMI |
| P&I (6.5% / 30yr) | $1,466/mo | 2026 baseline conforming rate |
| Property tax | $138/mo | 0.57% effective rate |
| Homeowners insurance | $142/mo | $1,700/yr (Hurricane risk on coast; moderate inland.) |
| Total PITI | $1,746/mo | All-in monthly housing cost |
| Conforming loan limit | $832,750 | FHFA 2026 baseline |
Numbers are illustrative. Your rate, taxes, and insurance vary by county, credit score, and exact property. Use the calculator above to model your scenario.
South Carolina Sources & References
- South Carolina Department of Revenue / Tax Foundation: effective residential property-tax rate of 0.57%. taxfoundation.org
- Insurance Information Institute (III): average annual homeowners-insurance premium of $1,700 in South Carolina. iii.org
- Zillow ZHVI Q2 2026: South Carolina median home value $290,000.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 2026 conforming loan limit of $832,750 for South Carolina. fhfa.gov
- FEMA National Risk Index: hurricane risk on coast; moderate inland. hazards.fema.gov
Frequently asked questions about South Carolina state mortgage
What is the current property tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina has an effective residential property tax rate of 0.57%. Property taxes in South Carolina are assessed at the county level and fund local services including schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.
What is the median home value in South Carolina?
The median home value in South Carolina is $290,000 as of Q2 2026 (Zillow ZHVI). This is the baseline used in the calculator above.
What is the conforming loan limit in South Carolina?
The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit in South Carolina is $832,750 per the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). High-cost counties may have higher limits (up to $1,249,125).
How much is homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
Average annual homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,700 (Insurance Information Institute). Factors include hurricane risk on coast; moderate inland., crime rates, and replacement cost.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina lenders require a minimum FICO of 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, and 740+ for the best rates. The calculator above assumes a 6.5% rate for a qualified borrower.
Related mortgage searches for South Carolina
These are common South Carolina-specific mortgage questions answered by the calculator above. Use it to model your scenario.
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Every CalcCentral calculator is authored by a credentialed subject-matter expert and independently reviewed before publication. Our editorial policy follows the same E-E-A-T guidelines used by Google to evaluate YMYL (your-money-or-your-life) pages.
Author
Maya Chen, CFA
Chartered Financial Analyst
Independently reviewed
Dr. Aaron Pak, PhD
Doctor of Kinesiology & Public Health
Last reviewed: August 12, 2026 · Next scheduled review: quarterly
Verified accuracy
Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACSM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.
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Estimates only. Calculator results are for educational and planning purposes — not professional advice. For binding decisions on taxes, investments, health, or legal matters, consult a qualified professional.
Mortgage calculators for other states
Every state has unique property-tax rates, insurance costs, and conforming loan limits. See how your state compares: