RANK #687 / 996 · POP 189,071 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Beaufort County, South Carolina, is distinguished by its historic town of Beaufort, the second oldest city in the state, known for its preserved antebellum architecture and oak-lined streets. Situated on Port Royal Island, the county is surrounded by tidal rivers, creeks, and salt marshes, offering extensive natural beauty. It lies midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Commute options include local public transit, the Palmetto Breeze, which offers fixed routes and on-demand services, primarily within Beaufort County. The area provides abundant outdoor recreation, including beaches at Hunting Island State Park, kayaking, fishing, and numerous parks with trails.
Life in Beaufort County attracts both young professionals and retirees, many of whom own their homes. The public school system is highly rated, with various elementary, middle, and high schools across the county. The economy is significantly driven by tourism and the strong military presence, including the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Recent economic developments focus on diversifying business sectors and attracting new companies, with efforts to expand commercial and residential spaces, and foster growth in areas like cybersecurity.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential Development (3,100 units along Robert Smalls Parkway/Battery Creek)
Various Developers (e.g., Tri Pointe Homes)
|
$930M | Planned/Under Construction |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Seabrook, Yemassee, Trask East)
Dominion Energy Inc., Southern Current
|
$94M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Beaufort County has a Boom Town Index score of 31/100, ranking #687 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $81,260, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Beaufort County is $377,900 with median rent at $1,435/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.215, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +0.5% in the past 12 months.