Myrtle Beach, SC
Population 37,214 · South Carolina
About Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 37,214 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,679 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Myrtle Beach features a median home value of $347,700, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Myrtle Beach in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,132, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,467 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (10,569 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (6,681 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Myrtle Beach shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Myrtle Beach have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.1% of Myrtle Beach 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 5.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 11.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Myrtle Beach Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach, SC
Compared to national averages, Myrtle Beach has a median household income of $53,679 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $347,700, which is 42% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,132 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Myrtle Beach's income is 9% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 72% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,132/month, and a well-educated community where 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,679) that falls below the national average. However, Myrtle Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Myrtle Beach has a population of 37,214 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Myrtle Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Myrtle Beach
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | $96,715 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Anderson | 29,563 | $44,321 | $199,600 | 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 Myrtle Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Myrtle Beach
What is the population of Myrtle Beach, SC?
The population of Myrtle Beach, SC is 37,214 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 Myrtle Beach?
The median household income in Myrtle Beach, SC is $53,679 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Myrtle Beach?
The median home value in Myrtle Beach, SC is $347,700, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Myrtle Beach?
The median monthly rent in Myrtle Beach, SC is $1,132, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Myrtle Beach?
The unemployment rate in Myrtle Beach, SC is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a good place to live?
Myrtle Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 37,214 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Myrtle Beach, SC?
34.1% of residents in Myrtle 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 Myrtle Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Myrtle Beach, SC: median home value is $347,700 (42% above national), median rent is $1,132/month, and median household income is $53,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Myrtle Beach?
The poverty rate in Myrtle Beach, SC is 16.9%, 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 Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach's population is 5.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 14.3% two or more races. 11.9% of residents are foreign-born.