Surfside Beach, SC
Population 4,217 · South Carolina
About Surfside Beach, SC
Surfside Beach is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 4,217 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,202 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.4 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 Surfside Beach features a median home value of $412,100, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. This places Surfside Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,274, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,272 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,296 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (698 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Surfside Beach shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Surfside Beach have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.4% of Surfside 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 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Surfside Beach, SC
Compared to national averages, Surfside Beach has a median household income of $74,202 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $412,100, which is 68% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,274 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Surfside Beach's income is 26% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 104% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Surfside Beach, SC?
Surfside Beach offers a well-educated community where 40.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,202) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $412,100. However, Surfside Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Surfside Beach has a population of 4,217 with a median age of 55.4 years. Compare Surfside Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Surfside Beach
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Camden | 4,210 | $53,234 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Duncan | 4,175 | $51,596 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Capitol View | 4,161 | $47,054 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,142 | $107,143 | $310,300 | Compare |
| Saxon | 4,139 | $28,394 | $68,900 | Compare |
| Walhalla | 4,121 | $42,696 | $176,500 | Compare |
| Williamston | 4,116 | $62,500 | $156,700 | Compare |
| Woodruff | 4,337 | $64,292 | $188,500 | 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 Surfside Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Surfside Beach
What is the population of Surfside Beach, SC?
The population of Surfside Beach, SC is 4,217 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Surfside Beach?
The median household income in Surfside Beach, SC is $74,202 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Surfside Beach?
The median home value in Surfside Beach, SC is $412,100, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Surfside Beach?
The median monthly rent in Surfside Beach, SC is $1,274, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Surfside Beach?
The unemployment rate in Surfside Beach, SC is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Surfside Beach, SC a good place to live?
Surfside Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,217 and a median age of 55.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Surfside Beach, SC?
40.4% of residents in Surfside 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 Surfside Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Surfside Beach, SC: median home value is $412,100 (68% above national), median rent is $1,274/month, and median household income is $74,202. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Surfside Beach?
The poverty rate in Surfside Beach, SC is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Surfside Beach, SC?
Surfside Beach's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.