Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carolina Forest, SC
Considering a move to Carolina Forest, SC? This fast-growing suburb of Myrtle Beach offers around 24,500 residents a balance of affordable living—median home prices are $317,000 and average rents $1,525—with access to top-rated schools and major hospitals nearby. Crime rates are below national averages for violent crime, and commutes are quick, averaging just 23 minutes. Enjoy a mild, sunny climate with over 63% sunny days, making it a great spot for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Carolina Forest, SC
Demographics - Carolina Forest, SC
Carolina Forest is home to about 24,500 residents, with a median age of 39.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (84.5%), but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and around 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a moderate population density, the area offers a suburban atmosphere attractive to families and professionals.
Population:
24,500
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
7.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carolina Forest, SC?
Carolina Forest offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $317,000 and average monthly rent at $1,525. Utilities and transportation costs are in line with national figures, while overall affordability makes it an appealing choice for homebuyers and renters. State income tax ranges from 0% to 7%, providing some flexibility for residents.
Median House Value:
$317,000
Gross Rent:
$1,525
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,375
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.5
Grocery:
96.8
Housing:
91.2
Utilities:
104.6
Transportation:
97.8
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Carolina Forest, SC a safe place to live?
The area experiences a relatively low rate of violent crime, with just 191 incidents per 100,000 people, well below national averages. Property crime is more common, but the overall crime index suggests a safe environment for families. Residents enjoy a 1 in 523 chance of being affected by violent crime, contributing to the community’s appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
191
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,220
Crime Index:
2,411
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 523
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Carolina Forest, SC year-round?
Carolina Forest enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows around 37°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The area receives about 53.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 63% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes are gentle, providing comfortable living throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of Carolina Forest benefit from a median household income of $77,800 and a relatively low poverty rate of 10.8%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 93% having at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 23 minutes. This creates a stable, family-friendly community atmosphere.
Median Income:
$44,200
Household Income:
$77,800
Family Income:
$85,700
Per Capita Income:
$35,300
Income Male:
$46,800
Income Female:
$38,900
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,525
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
34.5%
Education
How are the schools in Carolina Forest, SC?
Families in Carolina Forest have access to quality public schools like Carolina Forest High School and Ocean Bay Middle School, noted for favorable student-teacher ratios and strong enrollment. Private school and higher education options are also nearby, with Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College just a short drive away. This wide range of educational resources supports learners of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Carolina Forest High School
Street:
700 Gardner Lacy Rd
Phone:
843-236-7997
Students:
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Ocean Bay Middle School
Street:
905 International Dr
Phone:
843-903-8420
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School
Street:
1300 Carolina Forest Blvd
Phone:
843-903-8064
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina University
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
10,400
Name:
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Carolina Forest is served by major hospitals such as Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care nearby. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is reliable and convenient. The local healthcare index indicates good overall service quality for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Grand Strand Medical Center
Address:
809 82nd Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone:
(843) 692-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Conway Medical Center
Address:
300 Singleton Ridge Rd, Conway, SC 29526
Phone:
(843) 347-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carolina Forest, SC?
The housing market in Carolina Forest is robust, with a median home price of $317,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 68%. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% over the past year, reflecting steady demand, while rental and vacancy rates offer options for both buyers and renters. New construction remains active, contributing to a dynamic real estate landscape.
Median Home Price:
$317,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,525
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Carolina Forest residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office at 1330 Howard Pkwy in Myrtle Beach. The DMV provides full motor vehicle services, including licensing and registration, and can be reached at 1-803-896-5000 or through their website. Convenient access ensures a smooth experience for new and existing residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1330 Howard Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
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.