Clarendon County
SC · Pop. 31,037 · Suburban County
Clarendon County, South Carolina covers 607 square miles with a population of 31,037 and a density of 51.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, wheat. The median home price is $147,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.58%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 229-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F and average winter lows of 35.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Mcleod Health Clarendon is 1.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 229-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.58% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $147,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Mcleod Health Clarendon, with an emergency room, is just 1.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 18.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Clarendon County, SC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 85/100
- Median home price
- $147k
- Property tax
- 0.58%
- Growing season
- 229 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.1"
- Broadband
- 98.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Mcleod Health Clarendon, 1.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Clarendon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Clarendon County?
- Clarendon County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 229-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F, and average winter lows of 35.8°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $147,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.58%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mcleod Health Clarendon is 1.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore South Carolina Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in South Carolina
All South Carolina countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Clarendon County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.