Dorchester County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Dorchester County, South Carolina is seeing a significant rise in median home values, soaring from $168,000 in 2015 to $273,000 in 2022, which might far exceed both state and national growth rates. Real estate taxes have nearly doubled since 2012, currently hovering around $3,279.67, highlighting a dynamic market. The number of mortgages for principal residences hit a peak of 18,360 in 2021,... Read more
Dorchester County Market Trends
Dorchester County, South Carolina, experienced sharp increases in median home values, jumping from $168,000 in 2015 to $273,000 in 2022, far exceeding state and national growth rates. Residential energy tax credits also saw volatility, peaking at $3,777.46 in 2018, indicating a strong push for energy-efficient home improvements. Real estate taxes nearly doubled, rising from $1,781.11 in 2012 to... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Dorchester County, South Carolina Over the Last 8 Years
Dorchester County, South Carolina, saw a significant increase in median home values from $168,000 in 2015 to $273,000 in 2022, outpacing both state and national growth rates. South Carolina's median values rose from $139,900 to $216,200 over the same period, while the national figures increased from $125,500 to $179,400. The local market showing stronger appreciation trends could entice investors and prospective homeowners looking for faster equity growth compared to broader benchmarks.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 9 Years
Over the past nine years, the average residential energy tax credit per tax return in Dorchester County, South Carolina, has shown significant fluctuations. The credit climbed from around $356.49 in 2013 to a peak of approximately $3777.46 in 2018, indicating increased investments in energy-efficient improvements by homeowners. Although the credit has tapered since then, it still remains relatively high, hovering around $1933.33 by 2021. These shifts may suggest evolving priorities in energy conservation and could be an important factor for anyone looking to invest, build property, or move to the area, as energy efficiency translates to long-term savings and potential tax benefits.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 10 Years
Dorchester County, South Carolina, has experienced a noticeable rise in average real estate taxes per tax return over the past decade. Starting at approximately $1,781.11 in 2012, the average tax increased steadily each year, reaching $3,279.67 by 2021. This trend could signal a robust real estate market and rising property values, making the county a potentially lucrative spot for investors and developers. For appraisers and insurance agents, understanding this gradual tax hike is crucial for accurate valuations and policy adjustments. Real estate agents might also find the data useful when advising clients, either in negotiating deals or projecting future costs.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 10 Years
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, the percentage of farm tax returns over the last decade has seen a gradual decline from around 0.59% in 2012 to approximately 0.45% in 2021. Farm tax returns can be a useful indicator of the agricultural activity and economic health of the farming sector in the area. This downward trend might suggest a shift in the local economy away from agriculture, possibly due to urbanization or the development of other industries. For investors, developers, and prospective residents, this trend could imply a changing landscape in economic opportunities and lifestyle in Dorchester County.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 5 Years in Dorchester County
Dorchester County, South Carolina has seen noteworthy fluctuations in mortgage counts across various occupancy types over the last five years. Principal Residences consistently dominate the market, with numbers peaking in 2021 at 18,360. Investment Properties also show significant activity but are much lower in volume, indicating perhaps cautious investor sentiment or a focus on owner-occupied properties. The Second Residence category remains relatively modest across all years, with minimal variation. For potential investors, real estate agents, and insurance agents, these trends might suggest a robust demand for primary homes, hinting at a stable community with long-term resident ties while also potentially pointing to limited opportunities in the vacation or secondary home sectors. Additionally, appraisers and builders can glean insights on where to direct resources and efforts depending on occupancy type preferences observed.
Economic Outlook
Dorchester County, South Carolina has experienced a notable upward trend in average taxable income per tax return, climbing to $65,674.25 in 2021 from $50,384.30 in 2013, hinting at a possibly more affluent demographic that could boost property values and investor interest. The steady increase in average state and local income taxes, reaching approximately $7,548.19 in 2021, alongside a rising total tax liability, peaking at $8,863.64 in 2021, might indicate growing financial burdens but also... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Dorchester County, SC over the last 9 years
Dorchester County, South Carolina has seen a notable upward trend in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, reaching $65,674.25 in 2021 from $50,384.30 in 2013. This steady increase could signal a growing wage base and potentially a more affluent demographic, factors that may positively influence property values and investor interest in the area. This data might be instrumental for real estate agents, appraisers, and those considering relocating, as it hints toward economic growth and prosperity in the county.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 10 Years
Average state and local income taxes per tax return in Dorchester County, South Carolina have shown a consistent upward trend over the past decade, starting at around $5,019.49 in 2012 and rising to approximately $7,548.19 by 2021. This steady increase highlights an evolving tax landscape that could be significant for potential investors, real estate developers, and anyone considering a move to the county. The notable jump between 2017 and 2018, where taxes surged from $5,725.66 to $7,055.75, may particularly interest appraisers and insurance agents looking for insights into the local economic conditions and property valuation trends.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Dorchester County, South Carolina has seen a noticeable increase in average total tax liability per tax return. Starting at $6,601.51 in 2012, the liability grew steadily, peaking at $8,863.64 in 2021. This upward trend suggests a growing financial burden on residents, highlighting potential economic growth or increased taxable incomes in the area. For investors and real estate professionals, this might signal a rising affluence and property values. Meanwhile, insurance agents and appraisers may need to adjust their risk assessments and valuations accordingly.
Cost of Living in Dorchester County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,772 | $1,552 | $1,792 | $1,250 | $1,510 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,772 | $1,268 | $1,369 | $1,250 | $1,652 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,772 | $1,268 | $1,556 | $1,250 | $1,241 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,772 | $1,035 | $1,133 | $1,250 | $1,401 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,425 | $1,038 | $1,319 | $1,127 | $999 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,425 | $775 | $896 | $1,127 | $1,053 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,425 | $820 | $1,082 | $730 | $975 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,425 | $530 | $659 | $730 | $896 |
| 2 adults | $1,261 | $659 | $846 | $0 | $831 |
| 1 adult | $1,234 | $360 | $423 | $0 | $764 |
Safety trends & Data
Property crime trends in Dorchester County, South Carolina reveal that larceny-theft has been the most reported crime over the past five years, with incidents ranging from 260.00 to 392.00 annually. Burglary cases have fluctuated, peaking at 55.00 in 2019 and dropping to 36.00 in 2020, while motor vehicle thefts have doubled from 8.00 in 2019 to 15.00 in 2020. Vandalism incidents are generally trending upwards, possibly indicating issues with property maintenance and community safety.... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Dorchester County, SC Over the Last 5 Years
Property crime trends in Dorchester County, South Carolina reveal that larceny-theft has consistently been the most reported crime over the past five years, with numbers ranging from 260.0 to 392.0 incidents annually. Burglary cases have fluctuated, peaking at 55.0 in 2019 and dropping to 36.0 in 2020. There has been a noticeable increase in motor vehicle thefts, doubling from 8.0 in 2019 to 15.0 in 2020, before stabilizing. Vandalism incidents have generally trended upwards, suggesting potential issues with property maintenance and community safety. For those considering investment or relocation, these trends might imply a need for enhanced security measures to mitigate risks.
Demographics
Dorchester County, South Carolina reveals a slightly higher female adult population compared to males. Educational attainment showcases a dominant high school graduate segment, with somewhat robust numbers for those attaining some college education but no degree. Age distribution data hints at a balanced spread across various age groups, yet it seems the 35 to 44 years cohort holds a slight edge. Racially, the region is predominantly White with a substantial Black or African American community,... Read more
Race Distribution in Dorchester County, South Carolina (2022)
Educational Attainment in Dorchester County, South Carolina (2022)
Age Distribution in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Citizen Population in Dorchester County, South Carolina (2022)
Political Trends & Data
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election results might highlight a Republican preference, with roughly 54.2% of votes favoring the GOP, while Democrats received around 43.8%. Minor parties like the Libertarian and Green captured minimal support—around 1.6% and 0.3%, respectively—suggesting that third-party interest might be limited, reinforcing the dominance of the two-party system. These voting trends could reflect larger state or possibly regional... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, the voting patterns from the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election possibly illustrate a Republican lean, with approximately 54.2% of votes going to the GOP. Democrats garnered around 43.8%, potentially showing substantial support but trailing behind. Other parties like the Libertarian and Green saw minimal support, at about 1.6% and 0.3%, respectively, possibly indicating a strong two-party system with minor interest in third-party candidates. This data could be indicative of broader state or regional political trends.
54.24% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
43.77% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.58% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.31% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.11% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, the student-to-teacher ratio has averaged around 15 students per teacher over the past decade, usually just above the national average of 14. This slightly higher ratio may affect class sizes and the quality of individual student attention, which could influence property values and marketability. Families considering moving to the area should be aware of this trend as school quality is a major factor in real estate... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Dorchester County, South Carolina over the last 10 years
Over the last ten years, the student-to-teacher ratio in Dorchester County, South Carolina has exhibited some fluctuations, averaging around 15 students per teacher. While briefly dipping below the national average of 14 students per teacher in 2021, the ratio generally remains slightly higher. This higher ratio could imply larger class sizes, potentially affecting the quality of education and individual student attention. For those considering moving to or investing in the area, understanding this subtle yet significant trend provides crucial context for evaluating local school systems. Real estate agents and appraisers may also find this information valuable when assessing property values and marketability, as school quality is often a key factor for families and long-term residents.
