Laurens County
SC · Pop. 67,904 · Suburban County
Laurens County sits in South Carolina across 713 square miles, home to 67,904 people at 95.2 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, wheat. A median home price of $154,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.44% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 212-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F and average winter lows of 30.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.6 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Prisma Health - Upstate - Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital is 3.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 212-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.44% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $154,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Prisma Health - Upstate - Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Laurens County, SC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 77/100
- Median home price
- $154k
- Property tax
- 0.44%
- Growing season
- 212 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.6"
- Broadband
- 94.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Prisma Health - Upstate - Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, 3.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Laurens County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Laurens County?
- Laurens County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 212-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F, and average winter lows of 30.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $154,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.44%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Prisma Health - Upstate - Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital is 3.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital 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 Laurens 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.