Folly Beach, SC
Population 958 · South Carolina
About Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach is a small community located in South Carolina with a population of 958 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,813 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Folly Beach features a median home value of $951,200, which is 288% above the national median of $244,900. This places Folly Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,930, 66% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,066 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (461 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (43 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Folly Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Folly Beach have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
60.5% of Folly Beach 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Folly Beach Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Folly Beach, SC
Compared to national averages, Folly Beach has a median household income of $97,813 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $951,200, which is 288% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,930 is 66% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Folly Beach's income is 67% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 370% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Folly Beach, SC?
Folly Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,813, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 60.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $951,200. However, Folly Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Folly Beach has a population of 958 with a median age of 62.7 years. Compare Folly Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Folly Beach
What is the population of Folly Beach, SC?
The population of Folly Beach, SC is 958 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Folly Beach?
The median household income in Folly Beach, SC is $97,813 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Folly Beach?
The median home value in Folly Beach, SC is $951,200, which is 288% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Folly Beach?
The median monthly rent in Folly Beach, SC is $1,930, which is 66% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Folly Beach?
The unemployment rate in Folly Beach, SC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Folly Beach, SC a good place to live?
Folly Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 958 and a median age of 62.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Folly Beach, SC?
60.5% of residents in Folly Beach 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 Folly Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Folly Beach, SC: median home value is $951,200 (288% above national), median rent is $1,930/month, and median household income is $97,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Folly Beach?
The poverty rate in Folly Beach, SC is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Folly Beach, SC?
Folly Beach's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.