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Lexington County

SC · Pop. 300,370 · Mixed County

47/100Homestead Score

Lexington County, South Carolina covers 699 square miles with a population of 300,370 and a density of 429.7 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, cotton, corn. The median home price is $218,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.52%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.5°F and average winter lows of 31.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center is 10.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.52%
Growing Season: 195 days
Broadband: 98.2%
Density: 429.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 195-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.52% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center, with an emergency room, is just 10.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.

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.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Lexington County, SC is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
47/100
Median home price
$218k
Property tax
0.52%
Growing season
195 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
50.3"
Broadband
98.2%
Nearest hospital
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center, 10.3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.52%
Median Household Income$75,014
Poverty Rate11.4%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$218K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season195 days
Annual Rainfall50.3 inches
Avg Summer High88.5°F
Avg Winter Low31.8°F
Top CropsHay, Cotton, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought7/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado10/10
Flood10/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalSouth Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center (10.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities3

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.2%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.8%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Lexington County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Lexington County?
Lexington County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.5°F, and average winter lows of 31.8°F. The established crops are hay, cotton, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $218,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.52%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center is 10.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.

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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.