Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Dorchester, SC effective property tax rate: 0.55%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the South Carolina state median of 0.66%.
Median Dorchester, SC home value: $240,274
Median annual Dorchester, SC tax bill: $1,256, $1,144 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Dorchester calculated?

Property taxes in Dorchester, SC are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Dorchester's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Dorchester, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.55%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,322

$1,226

Ownwell’s Dorchester Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Dorchester with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Dorchester’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Dorchester County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Local government entities set tax rates, and these can vary significantly within a state. Each county estimates its required budget annually to provide services, then divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. Although votes and laws influence the setting of tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell. In Dorchester, SC, the effective property tax rate is 0.55%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. When you compare Dorchester's rate to other cities in South Carolina and across the U.S., it becomes evident that property owners in Dorchester enjoy a favorable tax environment. This lower rate can result in significant savings for homeowners, contributing to the appeal of living in this area. Understanding these rates and their implications can help property owners make informed decisions and potentially save on their property tax bills.

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

0.51%

0.61%

0.72%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Dorchester Tax Rate

0.55%

Median Effective Dorchester County Tax Rate

0.67%

Median Effective South Carolina Tax Rate

0.66%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29437	0.19%	0.34%	0.55%	1.07%	2.07%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

When examining property taxes in Dorchester, SC, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Dorchester County Assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Dorchester County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Dorchester. For example, the median home price in Dorchester is $240,274, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 29437 has the highest median home price at $240,274.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$100,268

$420,150

$740,032

Median Dorchester Market Value

$240,274

Median Dorchester County Market Value

$335,504

Median South Carolina Market Value

$188,850

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29437	$60,000	$133,227	$240,274	$337,247	$471,351

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

In Dorchester, SC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by a percentage of the market value. The median home price in Dorchester is approximately $240,274. Homeowners in this region typically see a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $653 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,152. The highest median tax bill in the area is $1,256, found in the 29437 zip code. These figures can vary significantly, impacting homeowners' financial planning. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and a median bill of $2,400, Dorchester's tax landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for savings.

Ownwell assists homeowners by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. By analyzing your property’s assessed value and comparing it to similar properties, Ownwell identifies potential discrepancies and advocates for a fairer tax bill. This service can lead to substantial savings, ensuring homeowners pay only their fair share.

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$792

$2,966

$5,139

Median Dorchester Tax Bill

$1,256

Median Dorchester County Tax Bill

$2,309

Median South Carolina Tax Bill

$1,227

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Dorchester County, South Carolina

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
29437	$279	$653	$1,256	$2,152	$3,704

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates

Links
Dorchester Tax Assessor
Website	www.dorchestercountysc.gov