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Overall Rating: 85/100 · 370,000 veterans (7.2% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against South Carolina veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Full exemption on all military retirement income (effective 2022). Previously only $3,000 exempt ($10,000 for 65+).
0.53% average effective rate
Full exemption
100% T&P service-connected (TDIU at 100% counts): full exemption on home + up to 5 acres. Surviving spouse may claim retroactively. Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗Vehicle sales tax (IMF) exemption up to 2 vehicles for 100% P&T disabled veterans (5% capped at $500 per vehicle). Free license plates and registration for 100% disabled. Free metered parking statewide.
$129,000
VA Medical Center
109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-5011
Full medical center with primary care, specialty care, mental health, surgery, inpatient services, emergency care, spinal cord injury unit, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, audiology, optometry, prosthetics
State Tuition Waiver
Children (up to age 26) of 100% P&T disabled SC veterans, deceased veterans killed during service or from service-connected disabilities, POW/MIA, or Medal of Honor recipients. Both student and veteran must be SC residents 12+ months.
4-year value: $60,000
Median Home
$300,000
1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL Index
98
Unemployment
2.8%
Major employers: Coastal Carolina University, Tidelands Health, Grand Strand Medical Center, hospitality/tourism, retail, Horry County Schools
Pros: Named best city for veterans 2025 (Veterans United), affordable coastal living, 28,000+ veterans (8% of population), beach lifestyle, zero military retirement tax, full property tax exemption for 100% disabled
Cons: Tourist crowds, hurricane risk, lower average salaries (service economy), schools average (6/10), 90 min to Charleston VA Medical Center for specialty care
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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South Carolina requires state agencies to interview at least one qualified veteran for each full-time position; veterans with a service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, and certain family members receive additional preference. Veterans must meet the minimum training and experience requirements.
Official source ↗South Carolina resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating and eligible for compensation may obtain a discounted 3-year Disability Combination License (freshwater/saltwater fishing, hunting, with base deer tags) from SCDNR with current VA certification.
Official source ↗South Carolina resident veterans who are permanently and totally service-connected disabled may enter any state park at a reduced rate (or receive a free lifetime pass) with supporting disability documentation.
Official source ↗The SCDMV offers a veteran designation on driver's licenses/IDs and a range of military and veteran license plates; applications for military plates are processed by mail at SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood.
Official source ↗Veterans classified as totally and permanently service-connected disabled (or with qualifying loss of limbs/vision) may obtain a Disabled Veteran plate, which exempts the vehicle from municipal parking meter fees; a county VSO must certify the application.
Official source ↗The SCDVA oversees state veterans nursing homes in Anderson, Columbia, Walterboro, Florence, Gaffney, and Sumter. Admission is limited to veterans separated under general or honorable conditions who have been South Carolina residents for the previous 12 months and need skilled or intermediate nursing care.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was rated 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled may claim the full property tax exemption on the home (and a vehicle exemption), regardless of whether the veteran had applied for it; apply through SCDOR's MyDORWAY.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.