SC has 2 of the most affordable counties in the US for homebuyers, report says. Here’s where

Purchasing a house is a goal many Americans strive to achieve, but with incredibly high mortgage rates and a tight housing supply, an increasing number of people are choosing to rent instead.

This is especially true in the nation’s cities, where average monthly mortgage payments are far more expensive than a month’s rent. The majority of Americans still own a house, around 66%, but ownership rates in urban areas drop to almost 50%.

As of early 2026, the national median monthly mortgage payment, including property taxes, is 20% higher than the median rent, according to a report from Construction Coverage, a construction management company.

It wasn’t always like this. Since the start of 2021, mortgage rates have more than doubled, and home prices remain approximately 33% higher, flipping the affordability gap between rent and mortgage payments, the report said.

However, housing costs in rural areas are generally more affordable for homeowners, as monthly mortgage payments are cheaper than rent in less populated areas.

Around 81% of the nation’s rural residents own a house. In comparison, 73% of South Carolinians own a house, which is still remarkably higher than the national average.

In SC, two counties have average monthly housing costs that are significantly cheaper than the average cost of rent. As a result, they ranked among the 15 cheapest counties for homeowners in the nation.

Cheapest counties for homeowners in SC

#10. Orangeburg County

The average monthly mortgage payment in Orangeburg County is 30.9% cheaper than a month of rent.

#11. Darlington County

In Darlington County, the average monthly mortgage payment is 30.6% less expensive than a month of rent.

These are the top five cheapest counties for homeowners in the nation:

Top 5 cheapest counties for homeowners in the U.S.

#1. Pike County, KY

Pike County, Kentucky, is the most affordable place in the U.S. for homeowners, according to the report. The average monthly mortgage payment is 65.1% cheaper than rent.

#2. Halifax County, NC

In Halifax County, North Carolina, the average monthly mortgage payment is 45.7% cheaper than rent.

#3. Hinds County, MS

The average monthly mortgage payment in Hinds County, Mississippi, is 40.8% cheaper than rent.

#4. Halifax County, VA

The average monthly mortgage payment in Halifax County, Virginia, is 36.6% cheaper than rent.

#5. Walker County, AL

In Walker County, Alabama, the average monthly mortgage payment is 36.4% cheaper than rent.

This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC has 2 of the most affordable counties in the US for homebuyers, report says. Here’s where."