Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bluffton, SC
Thinking of moving to Bluffton, SC? With a population of 34,216 and a median home value around $415,000, Bluffton offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere with affordable living compared to national averages. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 65% sunny days, low crime rates (170 violent crimes per 100K), and great local schools. Fast commutes (24 min avg), access to healthcare, and plenty of outdoor recreation make Bluffton a top pick for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Bluffton, SC
Demographics - Bluffton, SC
Bluffton is home to about 34,216 residents, offering a balanced mix of ages with a median age of 37.2 years. The city is predominantly White (76.4%), with Black residents making up 13.3%, and a notable 11.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a welcoming, community-oriented environment.
Population:
34,216
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.4%
Black:
13.3%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
8.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bluffton, SC?
Living in Bluffton comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 108.5, largely due to higher housing prices, with median home values around $415,000 and typical rents near $1,625 per month. Utility and healthcare costs remain moderate, making the city relatively affordable for families and retirees. State income tax ranges from 0% to 7%, which can benefit a variety of household budgets.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,625
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
101.2
Housing:
119.0
Utilities:
105.3
Transportation:
99.1
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
98.9
Crime
Is Bluffton, SC a safe place to live?
Bluffton boasts a low crime rate, with violent crime at just 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,420 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 588 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the city’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live. This low crime environment is ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Bluffton, SC year-round?
Bluffton enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows averaging 39°F and summer highs reaching about 91°F. The area receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually and offers plenty of sunshine, with 65% of days being sunny. This pleasant weather encourages year-round outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Bluffton’s neighborhoods are marked by a median household income of $86,400 and a low poverty rate of 8.8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma (92.1%), and the typical commute is a manageable 24 minutes. The community is diverse and well-educated, making it attractive for professionals and families alike.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$86,400
Family Income:
$94,500
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$48,500
Income Female:
$41,250
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,625
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
38.4%
Education
How are the schools in Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton offers a robust education system with reputable public schools like Bluffton High School and access to higher education at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s local campus. With 38.4% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the city places a strong emphasis on learning. Families benefit from a variety of quality public and private school options for K-12 students.
Public Schools
Name:
Bluffton High School
Street:
12 H.E. McCracken Cir
Phone:
843-706-8800
Students:
1,270
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Bluffton Middle School
Street:
30 New Mustang Dr
Phone:
843-707-0700
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Cross Schools
Street:
495 Buckwalter Pkwy
Phone:
843-706-2000
Students:
580
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort - Bluffton Campus
City:
Bluffton
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major facilities like Hilton Head Hospital Bluffton Medical Campus and Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Primary Care nearby. The city boasts 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 90.3%. Comprehensive healthcare services are readily available, supporting a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hilton Head Hospital Bluffton Medical Campus
Address:
75 Baylor Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone:
(843) 836-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Primary Care
Address:
11 Arley Way, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone:
(843) 706-8690
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton’s housing market is strong, with a median home price of $415,000 and a 7.1% appreciation rate over the past year. Around 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is a manageable 6.2%. The area is attractive for both buyers and renters, with options ranging from new construction to established neighborhoods.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,625
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Bluffton residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office conveniently located at 15 Sheridan Park Circle. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and more, all accessible both in person and online. For assistance, the local DMV can be reached at 1-803-896-5000 or through their website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
15 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.