Montana vs South Carolina Property Tax Comparison (2024)
South Carolina has the lower average effective property tax rate at 0.49%, compared with 0.61% in Montana. On a $400,000 home, that works out to an estimated $480/year difference. The statewide average is useful for a quick screen, but the county lists below show where the real spread appears inside each state.
This page is also useful for the reverse search: South Carolina vs Montana property tax comparison, including rates, rankings, annual bills, and county-level highs and lows.
Montana Avg Rate
0.61%
rank #35
South Carolina Avg Rate
0.49%
rank #46
Annual Difference
$480
on $400,000
Monthly Difference
$40
escrow estimate
Side-by-Side State Comparison
A state-level comparison is best for narrowing your search before reviewing county-level rates and home prices.
| Metric | Montana | South Carolina | Lower / Better |
|---|---|---|---|
Average effective rate | 0.61% | 0.49% | South Carolina |
Average annual property tax | $1,896 | $997 | South Carolina |
Estimated tax on a $400,000 home | $2,440 | $1,960 | South Carolina |
Average median home value | $276,877 | $199,733 | South Carolina |
National tax burden rank | #35 of 50 | #46 of 50 | South Carolina |
5 Lowest Property Tax Counties in Each State
These are the lowest effective-rate counties in Montana and South Carolina.
5 lowest counties in Montana
5 Highest Property Tax Counties in Each State
These counties show the upper end of the property tax range in Montana and South Carolina.
5 highest counties in Montana
Median Home Value Comparison by County
Home value matters because a low tax rate on an expensive home can still mean a high annual bill.
5 lowest median home values in Montana
5 highest median home values in Montana
Estimated Property Tax by Home Value
The table below applies each state average rate to common home prices. Actual taxes depend on the county, assessment rules, and exemptions.
| Home Value | Montana | South Carolina | Annual Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,525 | $1,225 | $300 |
| $400,000 | $2,440 | $1,960 | $480 |
| $600,000 | $3,660 | $2,940 | $720 |
| $800,000 | $4,880 | $3,920 | $960 |
| $1,000,000 | $6,100 | $4,900 | $1,200 |
What This Comparison Means for Homebuyers
The average effective property tax rate in Montana is 0.61%, while South Carolina averages 0.49%. That makes South Carolina the lower-rate option on a same-priced home, but the better housing market depends on county choice, home price, and local exemptions.
The lowest and highest county tables are important because statewide averages can hide local variation. A buyer comparing two metro areas should look at the exact county pages after using this state comparison as a first pass.
Median home value adds another layer. A state with higher home prices can produce a bigger tax bill even with a moderate effective rate, while a lower-priced county can reduce total ownership cost even if its tax rate is not the lowest.
Montana vs South Carolina Property Tax FAQs
Is this also a South Carolina vs Montana property tax comparison?v
Yes. This page uses Montana vs South Carolina as the canonical title and URL, but the data also answers the reverse search: South Carolina vs Montana property tax rates, annual bills, home values, county highs and lows, and tax burden rankings.
Which state has lower property taxes: Montana or South Carolina?v
South Carolina has the lower average effective property tax rate at 0.49%, compared with 0.61% in Montana. The gap is 0.12 percentage points, which can become meaningful on higher-value homes.
How much would property taxes differ on a $400,000 home?v
Using each state's average effective rate, a $400,000 home would owe about $2,440 per year in Montana and $1,960 per year in South Carolina. That is a difference of roughly $480 per year, or $40 per month.
Do state averages tell me what I will actually pay?v
No. State averages are a starting point. Property tax bills are local, so county rates, city levies, school districts, exemptions, and assessed value rules can move your actual bill above or below the state average.
Why compare the five lowest and five highest tax counties?v
The five-county lists show how wide the range can be inside each state. A state may look affordable on average but still contain expensive counties, and a higher-tax state can still have pockets with lower effective rates.
Should I compare median home values too?v
Yes. A lower tax rate does not always mean a lower housing cost if home prices are much higher. Looking at both median home value and effective tax rate gives a better picture of ownership cost.
Which is more important: state tax rank or county tax rate?v
For relocation research, use the state rank to narrow your search. Before buying, compare county-level rates because the county and local taxing districts determine the practical tax burden on a specific home.
Can exemptions change the comparison between Montana and South Carolina?v
Yes. Homestead, senior, veteran, disability, agricultural, and local relief programs can reduce taxable value. Two states with similar effective rates may feel different for homeowners who qualify for different exemptions.
Data source: Tax Foundation / U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Effective rate = median property tax paid divided by median home value. State and county medians are useful for comparison but may not match a specific property.