Horry County vs Georgetown County Property Taxes

The Grand Strand spans two counties. Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Surfside Beach are in Horry County. Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown are in Georgetown County. This Homes Myrtle guide compares how property taxes work in each.

Both counties follow the same South Carolina rules, but the offices, deadlines, and millage differ. We explain the mechanism and do not give tax advice, so confirm details with each county assessor. Information is as of October 2026.

What Is the Same in Both Counties

South Carolina sets the assessment ratios statewide. Per SC DOR, an owner-occupied legal residence is assessed at 4% of fair market value. Second homes and rentals are assessed at 6%. The Homestead Exemption removes the first $50,000 of value for owners who are 65+, totally disabled, or legally blind. Vehicles are taxed yearly at 6%. In both counties, you must apply for the 4% ratio; it is not automatic.

Applying for the 4% Rate in Horry County

In Horry County, apply to the Assessor before the first penalty date for the tax year. The county's Guide to Assessment gives this example: for tax year 2024, apply between January 1, 2024 and January 15, 2025. The guide also notes that a 4% legal residence is exempt from school operating millage. If you do not file, the property is assessed at 6%. Assessor: 843-915-5040.

Applying for the 4% Rate in Georgetown County

In Georgetown County, the Assessor's FAQ says to apply by January 15 of the year following your purchase. The county's application form warns that a bill "may be over 300% higher" if you qualify but do not apply. The Georgetown County Assessor is at 129 Screven St. in Georgetown (843-545-3017). Its Special Assessments page explains the legal residence ratio. Georgetown County reassesses every five years, per the Assessor.

Georgetown County Millage for Tax Year 2025

The Georgetown County Auditor certified these total millage rates for tax year 2025 (dated October 17, 2025):

• Tax Districts 1, 2, 3: 253.3 mills
• Tax Districts 4 and 42: 233.9 mills
• Tax District 41 (includes the Murrells Inlet–Garden City fire district): 248.8 mills
• Tax District 5 (City of Georgetown): 347.2 mills
• Tax District 6 (Town of Andrews): 358.7 mills

These totals include school millage of 146.0 (120.0 operating and 26.0 bonds). An owner-occupied legal residence does not pay the school operating portion, so the effective rate for a primary home is lower than the totals shown. The Auditor's office (843-545-3021) can confirm which district a parcel is in.

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Horry County Millage

We could not confirm Horry County's current certified levy from an official county document for this guide, so we do not list it. The Horry County Auditor publishes the levy each year. Ask for the total for your specific tax district, including any city millage if the home is inside Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, or another town. Because of this gap, we do not rank one county as cheaper overall.

Choosing Between the Two Counties

Taxes are only one part of the decision. The two counties also differ in schools, flood exposure, insurance, and lifestyle. Compare our guides to Pros and Cons of Living in Murrells Inlet, Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island, Pros and Cons of Living in Georgetown, and Pros and Cons of Living in Myrtle Beach. Our Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach guide covers the rest of the budget.

How We Can Help

We can pull the tax record and confirm which county and district a home is in before you make an offer. For questions about your eligibility or bill, talk to the county assessor.

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