Is Longs SC a Town? What Unincorporated Living Means for Taxes, Zoning, and Services

Last updated October 2026

I have worked in real estate since 1995. I started in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, and today I am a REALTOR® licensed in both North and South Carolina. One of the first things I check on any Horry County home is whether it sits inside a city limit or out in the county. That one answer changes who you call for almost everything.

Is Longs SC an incorporated town?

No, Longs is not an incorporated municipality. The South Carolina Secretary of State keeps a list of every city and town in the state. For Horry County, it shows eight: Atlantic Beach, Aynor, Briarcliffe Acres, Conway, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach. Longs is not on the list.

So why does your mailing address say “Longs, SC 29568”? That is a postal name. It does not mean a city limit. Always confirm the exact parcel. Your closing attorney and the county records can tell you if a lot sits inside any city.

How are property taxes different in unincorporated Longs?

You pay county taxes, but there is no city tax line. Horry County’s tax FAQ walks through a sample bill for a home in the unincorporated area. It lists four millage lines: County, School, Fire, and Waste Management. The county notes that bills inside a city or special district can carry extra charges from those agencies.

Here is what else matters on a Longs tax bill:

• 4% assessment. An owner-occupied home that qualifies as your legal residence is assessed at 4% of its value. You have to apply for it.
• 6% assessment. The county assesses all other property at 6%. That includes second homes and rentals.
• School credit. The county’s sample bill for a legal residence shows a school operations credit that lowers the amount due.

Do not guess at taxes from the listing. Ask the Horry County Assessor’s Office at 843-915-5040 about the exact parcel, and file for the 4% rate as soon as you close if the home will be your primary residence.

Who handles zoning in Longs?

Horry County Planning and Zoning does. The county says the entire county has been zoned since April 17, 2001. That means your lot in Longs has a zoning district, even if it feels rural.

The county also says zoning can only be confirmed with your tax map number. That is a 10-digit parcel ID on the tax bill. Call Planning and Zoning at 843-915-5340 with that number before you buy.

Zoning answers questions like these:

• Can I add a detached garage or workshop?
• Can I run a small business from home?
• Can I keep animals on this lot?
• Can I split the land later?

If the home is in a subdivision, read the HOA covenants too. Those rules sit on top of county zoning and can be stricter.

Who provides fire, police, and emergency services in Longs?

County agencies cover Longs. Here is how it breaks down:

• Fire. Horry County Fire Rescue is a combined career and volunteer department. It provides fire protection to the unincorporated areas of the county. Station 13 sits at 801 Highway 9 West in Longs.
• Police. The Horry County Police Department calls itself the primary county law enforcement agency. The county is split into five precincts.
• Sheriff. Many buyers expect the sheriff to patrol. In Horry County, the Sheriff’s Office oversees court security, civil process, and the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

For any emergency, call 911. For insurance, ask your agent how the distance to the nearest fire station and hydrant affects your quote.

How do trash, water, and sewer work in Longs?

Trash is often up to you, and water and sewer depend on the address.

The Horry County Solid Waste Authority lists 25 Recycling and Convenience Centers around the county. Two have Longs addresses:

• Longs center (#13): 797 Hwy 9 West, closed Tuesdays
• Red Bluff center (#11): 7554 Hwy 905, closed Tuesdays

Centers are open 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 pm to 6 pm on Sunday, except on closed days. A county ordinance says only residents of unincorporated Horry County may use them, up to 4 cubic yards per day. If you want curbside pickup, the Solid Waste Authority posts a list of commercial haulers. Some subdivisions handle this through the HOA, so ask.

For water and sewer, the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority runs a wastewater plant that serves the Longs area. It also offers rural water and sewer service in unincorporated areas. Some properties still use a private well or septic tank. Call GSWSA at 843-443-8200 with the address to check service before you make an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Longs SC have a mayor or town council?

No. Longs is unincorporated, so Horry County government handles local services and rules there.

Who do I call about zoning for a Longs property?

Call Horry County Planning and Zoning at 843-915-5340. Have the 10-digit tax map number ready.

Can I use the county convenience centers if I live in Longs?

Yes, if your home is in unincorporated Horry County. The county ordinance limits use to residents of unincorporated areas, up to 4 cubic yards per day.

Who provides fire protection in Longs?

Horry County Fire Rescue. Station 13 is at 801 Highway 9 West in Longs.

Related Reading

Longs SC Homes for Sale and Area Guide
Moving to Horry County, SC: New Resident Guide
Loris SC Homes for Sale
Little River SC Homes for Sale
North Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale
The Villages at Longs Neighborhood Guide

This post is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rates, rules, and service areas change. Confirm details for your exact parcel with Horry County, the service provider, or your attorney.

DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®

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