Bluffton, SC
Population 31,323 · South Carolina
About Bluffton, SC
Bluffton is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 31,323 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,463 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bluffton features a median home value of $444,500, which is 82% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bluffton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,187, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,335 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (9,245 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (2,055 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bluffton shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bluffton have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.9% of Bluffton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bluffton Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Bluffton, SC
Compared to national averages, Bluffton has a median household income of $105,463 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $444,500, which is 82% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,187 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Bluffton's income is 80% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 120% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,463, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 47.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $444,500. However, Bluffton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bluffton has a population of 31,323 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Bluffton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bluffton
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | Compare |
| Anderson | 29,563 | $44,321 | $199,600 | Compare |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | $127,537 | $457,000 | Compare |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | $70,647 | $298,700 | Compare |
| Conway | 26,082 | $54,841 | $236,300 | Compare |
| Mauldin | 25,985 | $81,027 | $242,100 | Compare |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Simpsonville | 25,125 | $79,233 | $267,500 | 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 Bluffton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bluffton
What is the population of Bluffton, SC?
The population of Bluffton, SC is 31,323 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 Bluffton?
The median household income in Bluffton, SC is $105,463 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bluffton?
The median home value in Bluffton, SC is $444,500, which is 82% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bluffton?
The median monthly rent in Bluffton, SC is $2,187, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bluffton?
The unemployment rate in Bluffton, SC is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bluffton, SC a good place to live?
Bluffton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 31,323 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bluffton, SC?
47.9% of residents in Bluffton 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 Bluffton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bluffton, SC: median home value is $444,500 (82% above national), median rent is $2,187/month, and median household income is $105,463. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bluffton?
The poverty rate in Bluffton, SC is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton's population is 5.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 9.3% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.