Taxes & Insurance in Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet carries a genuinely address-dependent sales-tax rate given its real Georgetown/Horry county split, South Carolina's current two-bracket income tax, and real, direct waterfront flood/insurance exposure.
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Learn moreSales tax genuinely depends on which county side of the line
Murrells Inlet straddles the Georgetown County/Horry County line -- the combined sales tax rate is a 7% minimum on the Georgetown County side versus an 8% minimum on the Horry County side. Confirm the specific address's county before budgeting.
Property tax: a real, favorable owner-occupied assessment ratio applies on both sides
South Carolina assesses owner-occupied primary residences at 4% of value versus 6% for non-owner-occupied property -- applies regardless of which county side a Murrells Inlet property sits in, though the two counties' specific millage rates differ (documented separately in this batch's georgetown-sc.js/pawleys-island-sc.js and myrtle-beach-sc.js companion records).
South Carolina's two-bracket income tax
Act 110 (signed March 30, 2026) set South Carolina's income tax at 1.99% on the first $30,000 of SC taxable income and 5.21% above that, effective tax year 2026. Social Security is fully exempt; the age-65 and retirement-income deductions are coordinated for a combined $15,000 maximum.
Real, direct waterfront flood and insurance exposure
Murrells Inlet carries a real, cited "High Flood Risk" score with a FEMA floodzone classification of D (possible but undetermined flood hazard) -- its location along saltwater marshes, creeks, and near the Waccamaw River creates real, direct exposure to storm surge, flooding, and wind damage. South Carolina's above-average statewide homeowners insurance costs apply on top of this real, geography-specific flood risk -- confirm current premiums and flood-zone status directly, especially for MarshWalk-adjacent or creek-front property.
Key takeaways
- Sales tax genuinely depends on the specific address's county: 7% minimum (Georgetown) vs. 8% minimum (Horry).
- South Carolina's 4% owner-occupied property assessment ratio applies on both sides of the county line.
- South Carolina's two-bracket income tax (2026): 1.99% under $30,000 taxable income, 5.21% above.
- Real, direct waterfront flood exposure applies (FEMA zone D, a "High Flood Risk" score) -- confirm current premiums and flood-zone status directly.
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