Beaufort County

South Carolina · SC

#41 in South Carolina
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Beaufort County, South Carolina

Beaufort rivals national averages

Beaufort County scores 64.5, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 29%, placing it in the solid middle tier of U.S. counties. Its strong income and health outcomes offset higher housing costs.

Below South Carolina state average

Beaufort's 64.5 score trails the state average of 68.2, positioning it below most other South Carolina counties in overall livability metrics.

Highest income and health scores

Beaufort leads with an income score of 38.7/100 backed by a median household income of $84,819, and the state's best health score at 75.9/100. Risk resilience is exceptional at 2.9/100, reflecting strong economic and environmental stability.

Housing costs are steep

The cost score of 60.0/100 reveals significant housing pressure, with median home values of $407,600 and rent at $1,484/month—among the highest in the state. This affordability gap limits entry for younger or middle-income families.

Best for affluent families seeking quality

Beaufort suits higher-income households ($80,000+) prioritizing excellent health care, low disaster risk, and coastal living over affordability. Its strong schools and amenities make it South Carolina's premier choice for retirees and professionals with substantial resources.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.3Cost60SafetyComing SoonHealth75.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.7Risk2.9WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
75.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
2.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Beaufort County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Beaufort County

via TaxByCounty

Beaufort taxes remain modest despite high values

At 0.496%, Beaufort's effective property tax rate ranks comfortably below the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. Residents pay $2,022 annually on a median home valued at $407,600—less than three-quarters of the national median property tax, despite much higher home values.

Beaufort below state average, strong values

Beaufort's 0.496% effective rate sits slightly below South Carolina's state average of 0.542%, making it a relatively light-tax county. However, the median property tax of $2,022 is the highest among all eight counties studied here, reflecting Beaufort's dramatically higher median home values of $407,600.

Lowest rate, highest property values

Beaufort's 0.496% rate beats all comparable counties measured and represents the state's coastal advantage. Its median home value of $407,600 far exceeds any regional peer, yet the low tax rate means Beaufort remains affordable for affluent buyers relative to national standards.

Beaufort's expensive homes, modest rates

On a median home value of $407,600, Beaufort residents pay $2,022 annually in property tax—approximately $169 per month. While this is the highest dollar amount among the counties studied, the effective rate of 0.496% is quite favorable given the property values.

High-value properties warrant review

For Beaufort homeowners with expensive properties, a property tax assessment appeal can yield substantial savings. Even a small percentage reduction in assessed value translates to meaningful annual tax relief on a $400,000+ home.

Cost of Living in Beaufort County

via CostByCounty

Beaufort commands coastal housing premiums

Beaufort County residents earn a strong median of $84,819—13% above the national average—yet spend 21.0% of income on rent, exceeding national norms. This reflects Beaufort's position as South Carolina's most expensive coastal market, where median rents of $1,484 and home values of $407,600 demand premium incomes.

South Carolina's priciest housing market

Beaufort's median rent of $1,484 runs 57% above the state average of $945, and its $407,600 home values dwarf most county medians by two to four times. While Beaufort's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio stays manageable due to high incomes, it remains one of South Carolina's costliest places to live.

Dramatically pricier than inland alternatives

Beaufort's $1,484 rent towers $453 above Aiken County and nearly $533 above Anderson County, reflecting coastal scarcity. Median home values of $407,600 run double Berkeley County's and triple Anderson's, pricing out all but the highest-earning households.

High income offsets steep housing costs

Beaufort households earning $84,819 allocate 21.0% to rent or roughly 19.6% to mortgage costs—steep burdens eased only by above-average incomes. Renters and homeowners alike must commit substantial earnings to housing, leaving less flexibility for other life goals.

Beaufort rewards high-income relocators

Relocating to Beaufort means paying for coastal access: $1,484 rent and $407,600 home values demand six-figure incomes for comfort. Compare these figures to inland counties like Anderson ($952 rent, $212,500 homes) to decide whether Beaufort's lifestyle premium justifies the cost.

Income & Jobs in Beaufort County

via IncomeByCounty

Beaufort surpasses national average

Beaufort County's median household income of $84,819 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $10,064—a 13% advantage. This places Beaufort among America's more prosperous counties, driven by military employment, tourism, and coastal real estate growth.

Beaufort leads South Carolina

At $84,819, Beaufort's median household income tops South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by nearly $28,000. Beaufort consistently ranks as one of the state's wealthiest counties, reflecting its position as a regional economic and cultural center.

Beaufort dominates region

Beaufort's $84,819 income significantly outpaces Berkeley County ($82,327) and dwarfs low-country neighbors like Allendale ($31,603). This disparity highlights Beaufort's unique strength as a military and retirement destination.

Housing costs rising with values

Despite strong incomes, Beaufort's rent-to-income ratio of 21% shows housing costs are climbing as the county attracts new residents. The median home value of $407,600 requires substantial household income to afford, creating affordability pressures even in this wealthy county.

Advanced wealth strategies work here

Beaufort's per capita income of $51,657 enables residents to pursue sophisticated wealth-building: diversified investment portfolios, real estate investment beyond primary residences, and estate planning. Consult a financial advisor about tax-efficient strategies for building generational wealth in a high-appreciation market.

Health in Beaufort County

via HealthByCounty

Beaufort's health outcomes rival national leaders

At 80.5 years, Beaufort County residents live 4.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—an exceptional outcome that places Beaufort among the nation's healthiest counties. Just 13.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate in this eight-county profile.

Beaufort dominates South Carolina health rankings

Beaufort's 80.5-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.5 years by 8 full years, making it by far the healthiest county profiled here. At 11.0% uninsured—below the state average of 11.6%—Beaufort combines strong access with outstanding health outcomes.

Beaufort stands alone as regional health leader

Beaufort's 80.5-year life expectancy towers over neighboring counties like Berkeley (76.7), Anderson (73.2), and Allendale (69.5), representing a dramatically different health reality. With 69 primary care and 199 mental health providers per 100K, Beaufort has invested in robust healthcare infrastructure that drives superior outcomes.

Strong infrastructure supports healthiest outcomes

Beaufort's 69 primary care providers and 199 mental health providers per 100K create an ecosystem of accessible care, with only 11.0% uninsured. This combination of high provider density and low uninsured rates translates directly to the county's exceptional 80.5-year life expectancy and lowest poor/fair health rate.

Maintain your health advantage

If you're among Beaufort's 11% uninsured, closing that coverage gap ensures you can maintain the county's high health standards. Healthcare.gov and South Carolina Medicaid make enrollment simple—keep your advantage today.

Disaster Risk in Beaufort County

via RiskByCounty

Beaufort ranks among nation's highest-risk

Beaufort County scores 97.11 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively High rating, placing it among the most hazardous counties in America. The county faces substantial combined exposure to nearly every category of natural disaster.

South Carolina's highest-risk county

At 97.11, Beaufort's composite score dramatically exceeds South Carolina's state average of 70.75, making it the state's single most disaster-prone county. The county's elevated risk spans every major hazard category.

Riskiest county on the coast

Beaufort's 97.11 score substantially exceeds neighboring Berkeley County (94.82), making it the most hazardous in its immediate region. Only Beaufort itself approaches this level of comprehensive natural disaster risk in South Carolina.

Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes most severe

Hurricane risk dominates at a near-maximum 99.46, reflecting Beaufort's coastal location and exposure to Atlantic storms. Flood risk (94.20) and earthquake risk (93.61) compound the threat profile, with wildfire risk (90.30) also registering dangerously high.

Comprehensive protection is non-negotiable

Secure flood insurance immediately—Beaufort's 94.20 flood risk demands coverage that standard homeowners policies exclude, and it's the single greatest hazard you face. Purchase a separate earthquake policy and ensure your hurricane wind coverage is maximal, as the county's 99.46 hurricane score represents some of the nation's highest coastal exposure.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.