These are the 10 poorest counties in SC, latest data shows. See if your county ranks
South Carolina has one of the fastest growing economies in the US, with some counties, such as Charleston and Beaufort, becoming the wealthiest in the state.
However, not every county is known for its riches.
The financial technology company SmartAsset calculated the 10 poorest counties in SC by using data from property values, investment income and median income. Data sources include IRS SOI tax statistics, Zillow, and the U.S. Census.
Below is a list of the 10 poorest counties in SC, and South Carolina overall for reference. You can view all 46 counties here.
10 poorest counties in SC
#1 Allendale County
- Median income - $31,603
- Investment income - $31,150
- Median home value - $64,157
Allendale County has a mix of outdoor attractions, primarily centered around its nature and region’s history.
The Allendale Farmers Market is a popular fixture that offers fresh product, plants, dairy and more. Special events are planned throughout the year. The Savannah River also flows through Allendale, where you can go fishing and boating.
#2 Marion County
- Median income - $34,501
- Investment income - $25,124
- Median home value - $89,048
Marion County has some relaxing and cool attractions to go and visit, such as the Marion FoxTrot Festival and the Marion County Museum.
#3 Marlboro County
- Median income - $36,293
- Investment income - $31,753
- Median home value - $125,264
Marlboro County is another historic area with a vibrant past. The Marlboro County Historical Museum showcases artifacts, photographs and exhibits that trace the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
You can also take a stroll through Bennettsville, where you can admire it’s beautifully preserved historic district.
#4 Union County
- Median income - $41,200
- Investment income - $21,860
- Median home value - $113,690
You can learn about Union County’s history by visiting the Union County Museum, which was once voted, “The Best Local Museum in South Carolina.” It’s filled with historical items ranging from local pottery to Civil War flags.
The Union County Farm and Craft Market is another popular place to visit, where you can buy local farm fresh items and unique homemade crafts.
#5 Williamsburg County
- Median income - $43,471
- Investment income - $23,499
- Median home value - $115,016
Williamsburg County is rich with history, featuring the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and County Courthouse in Kingstree. You can explore downtown Kingstree to get a glimpse of its southern charm.
#6 Dillon County
- Median income - $44,038
- Investment income - $21,146
- Median home value - $116,835
The famous Mexican-themed roadside attraction, South of the Border, is located in Dillon County, featuring a reptile lagoon, restaurants, amusement rides mini-golf and a motor inn.
The tranquil Little Pee Dee State Park is also in Dillon County, which has an 50-acre lake for fishing and boating, and a nature trail through a Carolina Bay ecosystem.
#7 Barnwell County
- Median income - $41,800
- Investment income - $24,303
- Median home value - $146,953
Barnwell County has multiple historic sites, such as the Barnwell County Museum and the Circle Theatre, the once courthouse where federal troops set on fire during the Civil War. There’s also plenty of outdoor recreation, like nature trails, multiple lakes to go fishing and playing disc golf at Fuller Park.
#8 Bamberg County
- Median income - $43,206
- Investment income - $43,563
- Median home value - $97,167
In Bamberg County, you can take a walking tour through the Bamberg Historic District, where you can take a step back in time to view what neighborhoods looked like in the late 19th century. Exploring the Edisto River is a popular pastime for visitors and residents, because it offers boating, fishing and nature watching.
#9 Hampton County
- Median income - $43,059
- Investment income - $35,813
- Median home value - $136,373
Hampton County has beautiful parks, such as the Lake Warren State Park, where you can fish, have a picnic and hike. Several scenes of Tom Hanks ‘Forrest Gump’ were shot in Hampton County. There’s the annual Watermelon Festival that brings in fruit lovers from all over the state.
#10 Orangeburg County
- Median income - $43,214
- Investment income - $45,216
- Median home value - $134,840
Orangeburg County is known for its outdoor recreation, particularly around Lake Marion and Santee State Park, and its southern charm. Multiple colleges are located here, most notably SC State University.
All SC counties
- Median income - $66,818
- Investment income - $36,515
- Median home value - $222,085