Horry County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Horry County, South Carolina
Horry County buyers get some of the friendliest SC Housing rules in the state, and the $10,000 forgivable DPA is open now even with Palmetto Heroes closed.
- County seat
- Conway
- Residents
- 427,551
- Income ceiling, 3+
- $134,120
- Highest price
- $450,000
About buying in Horry County
Horry County is one of SC Housing's targeted counties. That means the first-time buyer rule is simply that you don't own a home on closing day, so someone who sold a place last year in Myrtle Beach or Conway can still qualify.
The county is also named in the County First Initiative, which offers forgivable DPA and special fixed-rate FHA, USDA or VA financing for first-time and move-up buyers. Ask a lender whether it beats the standard Homebuyer Program for your purchase in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach or Loris.
Horry County Schools educators, Horry County Police, the sheriff's office, Myrtle Beach Police and Horry County Fire Rescue crews all matched 2026 Palmetto Heroes roles.
Limits that apply in Horry County
| Households of one or two | Households of three or more | Highest purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| $114,960 | $134,120 | $450,000 |
Horry County isn't listed separately on SC Housing's chart, so it uses the statewide default of $114,960 for 1-2 people and $134,120 for 3+, with a $450,000 price limit. You may also consult the statewide table or work out a comfortable price.
Further assistance offered in Horry County
Our research turned up no program run only for Horry County at present. The statewide choices remain open to you; you will find them in the complete list for South Carolina.
Homebuyer classes near Horry County
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Horry County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
| Agency | Location | Miles away | Offered | Languages | How it is taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Florence | Florence | 50 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
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 Horry County:
- Horry County Schools
- Horry County Police Department
- Horry County Sheriff's Office
- Myrtle Beach Police Department
- Horry County Fire Rescue
Educators with Horry County Schools and staff at these police, sheriff and fire rescue agencies fit the 2026 Heroes list. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Horry County
Can a repeat buyer use SC Housing help in Horry County?
Yes, as long as you won't own a home when you close. Horry is a targeted county without the 3-year lookback.
What is County First?
An SC Housing initiative in 31 rural counties, including Horry, with forgivable DPA and special fixed-rate FHA, USDA or VA loans. It uses the same income and price limits.
When does Palmetto Heroes reopen?
SC Housing hasn't announced it. The 2026 round closed April 13, 2026.
