HORRY COUNTY, SC
LIVING IN HORRY COUNTY
Last updated November 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry County is on the northeast coast of South Carolina, home to Myrtle Beach and most of the Grand Strand. It is the largest county in South Carolina by land area, its county seat is Conway and it had about 413,000 residents in recent estimates.
Horry County is where many of my buyers start their search, whether they want the beach, a golf community or land out west. I have been in real estate since 1995, and I work out of our North Myrtle Beach office. These are the questions people ask me most about Horry County, along with the latest market numbers by zip code.
Where is Horry County SC located?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry County is in the northeast corner of South Carolina, along the Atlantic coast and the North Carolina state line. It includes Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway and most of the Grand Strand.
The county stretches from the beach inland past Conway to rural farm country near Aynor, Loris and Green Sea. Coastal areas and inland areas have very different home prices and lifestyles.
How do you pronounce Horry County?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry is pronounced "OR-ee." The H is silent.
The county is named for Peter Horry, an officer in the American Revolution. Locals will know right away if you say the H, so now you are ahead of most visitors.
What cities and towns are in Horry County?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry County has eight incorporated cities and towns: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Loris, Surfside Beach, Aynor, Atlantic Beach and Briarcliffe Acres.
Many well-known areas are unincorporated parts of the county, including Carolina Forest, Socastee, Forestbrook, Little River, Longs, Green Sea and part of Garden City. Homes there pay county taxes and use county services.
What is the largest city in Horry County SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Myrtle Beach is the largest city in Horry County, with about 40,500 residents in recent estimates. Conway, the county seat, is second with about 29,700.
Population numbers only count residents inside city limits. Many more people live just outside with a Myrtle Beach mailing address.
What counties border Horry County SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry County borders Georgetown, Marion and Dillon counties in South Carolina, and Columbus and Brunswick counties in North Carolina.
Brunswick County NC, just across the state line, is home to Calabash, Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. Many buyers compare the two counties before they decide.
Is it expensive to live in Horry County SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
It depends on where you buy. In September 2026, median sold prices for single-family homes ranged from about $279,000 in parts of Conway to about $778,000 in north Myrtle Beach zip code 29572.
| Area | Zip code | Median sold price, single-family (MLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Conway | 29527 | $278,730 |
| Loris | 29569 | $280,000 |
| Conway | 29526 | $333,945 |
| Longs | 29568 | $338,780 |
| Little River | 29566 | $365,100 |
| Aynor | 29511 | $372,995 |
| Socastee | 29588 | $382,500 |
| Surfside Beach / Myrtle Beach | 29575 | $458,000 |
| Myrtle Beach | 29577 | $485,000 |
| Carolina Forest | 29579 | $485,000 |
| Murrells Inlet / Garden City | 29576 | $535,000 |
| North Myrtle Beach | 29582 | $582,500 |
| Myrtle Beach (north) | 29572 | $778,500 |
Inland areas like Conway, Loris and Aynor cost less, while homes closer to the ocean cost more. Insurance, HOA fees and flood zones also affect your monthly cost, so look at the full payment, not just the price.
When are Horry County SC property taxes due?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Horry County real estate taxes are due by January 15 each year. Bills usually go out in the fall.
A home you live in is taxed at a 4% assessment ratio, while second homes and rentals are taxed at 6%. Apply for the 4% legal residence rate with the Horry County Assessor right after you close. It can save you a lot each year.
Is Horry County one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Yes. Horry County has been one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina, growing from about 351,000 residents in 2020 to about 413,000 in recent estimates.
Growth brings new neighborhoods, new roads and more traffic. It also means new construction options in many price ranges. See my guide to new construction in Horry County.
What is the biggest risk of living in Horry County?
THE SHORT ANSWER
For most homeowners, the biggest risks are hurricanes and flooding. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and some areas near rivers and the coast flood during big storms.
Check the flood zone and flood history of any home before you buy, and get insurance quotes early. I often send clients to Keith Gore with Brightlight Insurance (910-207-7662). He is worth a call even if you already have a quote.
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Market data: Realtors Property Resource (RPR), MLS and public records, September 2026; estimated values as of October 2026. Drive times are approximate. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®
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Danielle King, REALTOR®
Licensed in NC (#363826) and SC (#145618) | Realty ONE Group Dockside
Danielle helps sellers, buyers and investors in Brunswick County NC, Tabor City NC and Horry County SC. Her real estate roots go back to 1995. She writes about the local market here on her blog.