Beaufort, SC
Population 13,660 · South Carolina
About Beaufort, SC
Beaufort is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 13,660 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,454 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Beaufort features a median home value of $310,400, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Beaufort in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,061, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,539 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,211 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,255 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Beaufort shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Beaufort have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.1% of Beaufort residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Beaufort Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Beaufort, SC
Compared to national averages, Beaufort has a median household income of $59,454 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $310,400, which is 27% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,061 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Beaufort's income is 1% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 54% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Beaufort, SC?
Beaufort offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,061/month, and a well-educated community where 38.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,454) that falls below the national average. However, Beaufort’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beaufort has a population of 13,660 with a median age of 31.5 years. Compare Beaufort with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Beaufort
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayce | 13,718 | $58,095 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Tega Cay | 13,267 | $141,037 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Orangeburg | 13,189 | $33,066 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Moncks Corner | 14,362 | $91,516 | $312,800 | Compare |
| Gaffney | 12,612 | $41,214 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | $79,798 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Parker | 12,564 | $38,607 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Port Royal | 15,047 | $70,330 | $298,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Beaufort With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beaufort
What is the population of Beaufort, SC?
The population of Beaufort, SC is 13,660 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Beaufort?
The median household income in Beaufort, SC is $59,454 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beaufort?
The median home value in Beaufort, SC is $310,400, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Beaufort?
The median monthly rent in Beaufort, SC is $1,061, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beaufort?
The unemployment rate in Beaufort, SC is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Beaufort, SC a good place to live?
Beaufort offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,660 and a median age of 31.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Beaufort, SC?
38.1% of residents in Beaufort aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Beaufort?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beaufort, SC: median home value is $310,400 (27% above national), median rent is $1,061/month, and median household income is $59,454. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Beaufort?
The poverty rate in Beaufort, SC is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Beaufort, SC?
Beaufort's population is 2.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 27.5% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.