South Carolina Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment with South Carolina property tax rates pre-loaded.
Mortgage Details
$80,000
Extra Payments — optional, reduces interest & payoff time
Home Prices in South Carolina
South Carolina offers some of the most affordable home prices in the Southeast. Charleston and Greenville have seen significant price appreciation, while Columbia and smaller markets remain highly accessible for first-time buyers.
Major markets include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach. Monthly P&I estimates at 7%, 30-year fixed with 20% down:
| Home Price | Loan Amount | Est. Monthly P&I |
|---|---|---|
| $232,000 | $185,600 | ~$1,235 |
| $290,000 | $232,000 | ~$1,544 |
| $362,500 | $290,000 | ~$1,929 |
Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed at 7%, P&I only. Add taxes and insurance for full payment.
Property Taxes in South Carolina
South Carolina has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country at 0.57% average effective rate, significantly below the national average of 1.1%.
On a $290,000 home at 0.57%, that's roughly $138/month in property taxes, collected in escrow by your lender. At the national average of 1.1%, the same home would cost $266/month — a meaningful difference over the life of the loan.
The calculator above uses 0.57% as a starting point. Update it with your specific county rate for a more accurate estimate. Your lender will verify the exact rate during underwriting.
Reading Your SC Mortgage Payment Breakdown
The calculator breaks your total monthly payment into four components:
- Principal & Interest — the base loan payment, calculated using the standard amortization formula.
- Property Tax — at South Carolina's 0.57% average, collected monthly in escrow by your lender.
- Home Insurance — estimated at $1,600/year ($133/month) for South Carolina. Your actual cost depends on location, coverage, and your insurer.
- PMI — required if your down payment is under 20%. Typically 0.5–1.5% of the loan per year, cancellable once you reach 20% equity.
Scroll below the payment summary to see the full amortization schedule — every monthly payment shown with principal, interest, and remaining balance.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in South Carolina
South Carolina offers first-time homebuyer support through the SC Housing Home Advantage. This program typically provides:
- Competitive fixed-rate mortgage financing
- Down payment assistance for eligible buyers
- Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans (varies by program)
- Income and purchase price limits apply
For current eligibility requirements, income limits, and participating lenders, visit schousing.com.
Use the calculator above to estimate your full monthly payment before applying. Knowing your number makes it easier to compare programs and evaluate affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in South Carolina?
The average effective property tax rate in South Carolina is approximately 0.57% of assessed home value per year. South Carolina has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country at 0.57% average effective rate, significantly below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the average home price in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers some of the most affordable home prices in the Southeast. Charleston and Greenville have seen significant price appreciation, while Columbia and smaller markets remain highly accessible for first-time buyers.
Does South Carolina have good mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates in South Carolina are generally in line with national averages since they're primarily driven by federal monetary policy and secondary mortgage markets. Borrowers with strong credit (740+) and a 20% down payment typically qualify for rates at or near the national average. Shopping multiple lenders — including local credit unions and regional banks — can result in meaningfully lower rates.
What first-time homebuyer programs are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers homebuyer support through the SC Housing Home Advantage. Income and purchase price limits apply. Visit schousing.com for current program details.
How is a mortgage payment calculated in South Carolina?
A South Carolina mortgage payment includes principal and interest (via the standard amortization formula), property tax escrowed monthly at roughly 0.57% of home value annually, homeowner's insurance, and PMI if your down payment is below 20%. The calculator above has SC-specific defaults pre-loaded.
Related Calculators & Guides
- Mortgage Calculator — standard mortgage calculator with full amortization
- Biweekly Mortgage Calculator — see how biweekly payments cut your loan term
- How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early — 7 Proven Strategies
- North Carolina Mortgage Calculator — NC tax rates pre-loaded (0.77%)
- Georgia Mortgage Calculator — GA tax rates pre-loaded (0.92%)
- Florida Mortgage Calculator — FL tax rates pre-loaded (0.89%)
- Texas Mortgage Calculator — TX tax rates pre-loaded (1.6%)
- Virginia Mortgage Calculator — VA tax rates pre-loaded (0.82%)
Results are estimates based on the information you enter. Property tax rates and home prices are approximate and may not reflect current local conditions. FinWiser uses standard amortization formulas. This is not financial advice.