Dorchester County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Dorchester County shares the top SC Housing income limits with Berkeley County, and repeat buyers can qualify here.
- County seat
- St. George
- Residents
- 178,397
- Income ceiling, 3+
- $164,500
- Highest price
- $450,000
About buying in Dorchester County
Summerville is the county's biggest town, and the Dorchester side of North Charleston, St. George and Ridgeville all use the same numbers: $141,000 for a 1-2 person household and $164,500 for 3 or more.
As a targeted county, Dorchester only asks that you not own a home at closing. That's a real difference from Charleston County, where the 3-year rule applies and limits are lower.
Educators in Dorchester School Districts Two and Four, plus the sheriff's office, Summerville Police, Dorchester County Fire Rescue and county EMS, matched the 2026 Heroes list. The county seat is St. George.
Limits that apply in Dorchester County
| Households of one or two | Households of three or more | Highest purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| $141,000 | $164,500 | $450,000 |
Dorchester County's limits are $141,000 for 1-2 people and $164,500 for 3+, with the $450,000 price limit. You may also consult the statewide table or work out a comfortable price.
Further assistance offered in Dorchester County
Our research turned up no program run only for Dorchester County at present. The statewide choices remain open to you; you will find them in the complete list for South Carolina.
Homebuyer classes near Dorchester County
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Dorchester County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
| Agency | Location | Miles away | Offered | Languages | How it is taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Sc | North Charleston | 23 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc. | Charleston | 31 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Southeastern Housing & Community Development Fka Southeastern Housing Foundation | Orangeburg | 39 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Phone |
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Local employers whose staff may qualify
Among the eligible employers in and around Dorchester County:
- Dorchester School District Two
- Dorchester School District Four
- Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
- Summerville Police Department
- Dorchester County Fire Rescue
- Dorchester County EMS
Teachers in Dorchester Two and Four and staff at the county's police, fire rescue and EMS agencies fit 2026 roles. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Dorchester County
Is all of Summerville in Dorchester County?
No, part is in Berkeley County. Both counties use $141,000 / $164,500 and the same first-time rule.
Is North Charleston covered by Dorchester limits?
Only the part inside Dorchester County. The Charleston County side uses lower limits.
Can I use SC Housing help if I sold a house last year?
Yes, in Dorchester, as long as you don't own a home when you close.
