Fairfield County
SC · Pop. 20,741 · Suburban County
Fairfield County, South Carolina covers 686 square miles with a population of 20,741 and a density of 30.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, hemp. The median home price is $129,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.53%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 229-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.8°F and average winter lows of 33.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. MUSC Health Chester Medical Center is 20.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 229-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.53% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $129,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Annual rainfall of 43.9 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, MUSC Health Chester Medical Center, is 20.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Fairfield County, SC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 77/100
- Median home price
- $129k
- Property tax
- 0.53%
- Growing season
- 229 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.9"
- Broadband
- 89.7%
- Nearest hospital
- MUSC Health Chester Medical Center, 20.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Fairfield County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Fairfield County?
- Fairfield County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 229-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.8°F, and average winter lows of 33.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, hemp.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $129,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.53%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- MUSC Health Chester Medical Center is 20.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore South Carolina Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in South Carolina
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The closest counties to Fairfield 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.
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