South Carolina is one of the oldest states in the country as one of the original 13 colonies. The age can be seen in the architecture of the older cities such as Charleston. The state has a few large cities such as Columbia and Charleston but neither has a population over 150,000. The state is divided into three geological areas. The coastal plains that reach to the Atlantic ocean, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge mountains. Across the state there are many large lakes but they are all man made in an effort to produce energy and lake front property. Due to the weather effects from the Atlantic and the gulf stream, and the mountains on the other side of the state, the state has very differing temperatures as you travel across it. Much of the state sees summer temperatures average into the 90s during the day and the 70s at night. During the winter the coastal regions average lows are only in the 40s while the farther inland areas get down into the teens. The Southern areas are also prone to hurricanes that turn north away from Florida.
People looking to buy in South Carolina benefit from average property values less than the national average by almost $60k. The average property value in South Carolina is around $190k. The property tax on your new land is also likely cheaper than other states with an average rate of 0.57%, almost half of the national average. Millage rate changes by county but are calculated at an assessed rate of 4-6% of your market value. Cost of living is more than 10% less than the national average. The only aspects of living where prices are more than the county’s average are in healthcare and utilities. The largest industries in the state are manufacturing and healthcare.
Buying hunting land in South Carolina can take you back in history. The state has a large selection of tracts well over 1000 acres that will make you feel like you’re on a plantation from back in the day, often with large homes and remnants of other buildings. Species commonly found in the state are ducks dove turkey and whitetail deer. The state has 4 large management sections so it’s important to check the rules in the place you are looking to buy. If your hunting property is going to become a residence or weekend getaway, the state also offers great fishing, boating, and hiking in the mountains.
South Carolina has a large agricultural industry thanks to the plentiful rainfall and long growing season. The state has a growing season over 200 days long and receives between 40 and 80 inches of rainfall depending on your location. When the country was first settled this was important as you couldn't tell when the first cold front would hit or have mechanically powered irrigation systems. Today agriculture affects the South Carolina economy by almost 42 billion dollars per year. The most popular crops include tobacco, soybeans, hay, and rice. Among the livestock you’ll find chickens, cows, and pigs with dairy products being a large export. If you are looking to buy property in the state, you’ll find the average price per acre is a few hundred dollars less than the national average $2830 per acre.
Throughout South Carolina there are reasons to love the land and that would make the land valuable, whether is the land's fertility, the views from the mountains, or the nearby ocean. In general the price of land for the state is in the mid $300s but the farther north you travel, the average drops down into the $200s. When shopping for land deals and wanting to get the most for your money, it is important to remember that land that has economic value or is easily developable has a higher value. Look for rural land for sale by owner and you will likely receive the best deal.
