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USDA loans in South Carolina

Quick answer

USDA loans in South Carolina offer 0% down for moderate-income buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas, with a 1% upfront and 0.35% annual fee.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

USDA loan snapshot for South Carolina

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%
Minimum credit scoreTypically 640 for automated approval
Typical SC home value$236,700
3.5% down on typical home$8,285
20% down on typical home$47,340
Avg. effective property tax0.51%/yr (~$100/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$71,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which South Carolina programs pair with USDA loans?

  • Homebuyer Program: A fixed-rate first mortgage with down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
  • Palmetto Heroes: Lower-rate loans and assistance for teachers, first responders, nurses and veterans.

Details and current limits: SC Housing.

How do I know if a home is USDA eligible?

Use the USDA eligibility map on the Rural Development website. Areas outside major cities — including many fast-growing suburbs and small towns — often qualify. Eligibility is reviewed periodically, so check the specific address.

USDA income limits

Income limits are based on the county and household size, and they count income from all adult household members, not just borrowers. Many areas allow roughly $110,000–$150,000+ for a household of 1–4 people.

USDA loans in South Carolina cities

CharlestonColumbiaNorth CharlestonMount PleasantRock HillGreenvilleSummervilleGoose CreekSumterFlorenceGreerSpartanburgHilton Head IslandMyrtle BeachAikenBlufftonAndersonFort MillCarolina ForestConwayMauldinSimpsonvilleNorth AugustaSocasteeLexingtonEasleyTaylorsGreenwoodHanahanSt. AndrewsWade HamptonNorth Myrtle BeachFive ForksClemsonWest ColumbiaBereaRed HillLadsonSeven OaksDentsvilleLake WylieGanttPort RoyalMoncks CornerCayceBeaufortTega CayOrangeburgGaffneyBoiling SpringsParkerOak GroveIrmoJames IslandPowdersvilleFountain InnRed BankGarden CityNewberryForest AcresLittle RiverMurrells Inlet

Frequently asked questions

Only in USDA-eligible areas. Many rural and suburban parts of South Carolina qualify; check a specific address on the USDA eligibility map.

Often yes. SC Housing and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.