South Carolina Down Payment Calculator 2026 — How Much to Save
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: Zillow, Freddie Mac, Tax Foundation
Quick Answer
For the South Carolina median home price of $310,000, you need: $9,300 for a 3% conventional loan, $10,850 for FHA (3.5%), $31,000 for 10% down (lower PMI), or $62,000 for 20% (no PMI). VA and USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers.
South Carolina Housing & Mortgage Data
| Median Home Price | $310,000 |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.88%(State average, Apr 2026) |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.57%(Effective rate) |
| Avg HO Insurance | $2,200/yr ($183/mo) |
| Typical Down Payment | 10% ($31,000) |
| Median Household Income | $58,000/yr |
Key Facts for South Carolina
- ✓South Carolina median home price is $310,000 as of 2026
- ✓30-year fixed mortgage rates in South Carolina average 6.88%
- ✓Property taxes in South Carolina are 0.57% — below the national average of 1.10%
- ✓Homeowners insurance averages $2,200/year in South Carolina
- ✓A household earning $77,500/year can typically afford the median South Carolina home
More South Carolina Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions — Down Payment Calculator in South Carolina
- Are there down payment assistance programs in South Carolina?
- Yes. South Carolina offers state-level down payment assistance (DPA) programs through its Housing Finance Agency. Programs typically offer 2–5% of the purchase price as a forgivable grant or low-interest second loan for first-time buyers who meet income and purchase price limits. Search "South Carolina Housing Finance Agency" for current programs.
- Is a 20% down payment required to buy a home in South Carolina?
- No. The 20% down payment is a myth. Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA loans at 3.5% down, and VA/USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers. The tradeoff: anything below 20% requires PMI on a conventional loan. On a $310,000 home, 20% down is $62,000 vs $9,300 for 3% down.
- What is the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?
- The average monthly mortgage payment (principal + interest) in South Carolina is approximately $1,834 for a $279,000 loan at 6.88% over 30 years. Adding property tax ($147/mo) and homeowners insurance ($183/mo) brings total PITI to about $2,165/month.
- What credit score do I need for a mortgage in South Carolina?
- Most South Carolina lenders require a minimum 620 credit score for conventional loans and 580 for FHA loans (with 3.5% down). For the best rates in South Carolina, aim for 740+. A higher score can reduce your rate by 0.5–1.0%, saving $41,850 over the life of a 30-year loan.
- How much down payment is required to buy a home in South Carolina?
- You can buy a home in South Carolina with as little as 0% down (VA, USDA loans for eligible buyers), 3% down (conventional), or 3.5% down (FHA). On the South Carolina median home price of $310,000, a 20% down payment is $62,000 and lets you avoid PMI. South Carolina also has state-level down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
- What are current mortgage rates in South Carolina?
- Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in South Carolina average 6.88% as of April 2026. 15-year fixed rates are typically 0.5–0.75% lower. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and loan-to-value ratio. Compare at least 3–5 lenders to ensure you get the best South Carolina mortgage rate.
- What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?
- South Carolina's effective property tax rate is 0.57%. On the South Carolina median home value of $310,000, annual property taxes are approximately $1,767 ($147/month). Property taxes in South Carolina are typically escrowed in your monthly mortgage payment.