Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Daufuskie Island, SC
Considering a move to Daufuskie Island, SC? With a small, close-knit population of around 530, this island community offers a tranquil lifestyle with a median home price of $480,000 and average rents near $1,850. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, beautiful weather with 63% sunny days, and access to scenic beaches. While education options are limited locally, nearby towns provide additional resources, and commutes often involve boat or ferry rides. If you're seeking peaceful coastal living with a unique Lowcountry charm, Daufuskie Island is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Demographics - Daufuskie Island, SC
Demographics - Daufuskie Island, SC
Daufuskie Island is home to about 530 residents, with a notably high median age of 58.4, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The population is predominantly White, with a small but significant Black community, and non-English speakers make up just over 3% of the population. Its low population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a peaceful, communal atmosphere.
Population:
532
Density:
79 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.4
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
15.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Daufuskie Island, SC?
The cost of living on Daufuskie Island is above the national average, with a median home value of $480,000 and median rent around $1,850. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, but housing costs are the primary driver of the higher cost index. Residents benefit from South Carolina’s variable state tax rates and manageable monthly expenses for essentials like electricity and insurance.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Daufuskie Island, SC a safe place to live?
Daufuskie Island boasts a very low violent crime rate, with only 85 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime is also infrequent. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,176, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Overall, the island offers a secure and peaceful living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
935
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in Daufuskie Island, SC year-round?
Residents of Daufuskie Island enjoy a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs reaching up to 89°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather 63% of the year. This weather is ideal for enjoying the island's beaches and outdoor activities nearly year-round.

Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F

Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household income is $62,000, with a per capita income of $39,400, and about 14% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public transportation is not in use, and the average commute time is 28 minutes, reflecting the island’s remote, rural character.
Median Income:
$37,800
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$74,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,400
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
28.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
35.5%
Education
How are the schools in Daufuskie Island, SC?
Education on Daufuskie Island includes a small elementary school with an excellent student-teacher ratio, serving just 55 students. For higher education, residents typically commute to nearby colleges in Bluffton and Beaufort, with both public and private options accessible within a short drive or ferry ride. Local schooling is intimate, while regional institutions provide broader academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Daufuskie Island Elementary School
Street:
284 Haig Point Rd
Phone:
843-342-4100
Students:
55
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.2

Colleges
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort
City:
Bluffton
State:
SC
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Though Daufuskie Island itself doesn’t host a hospital, residents have access to major medical centers like Hilton Head Hospital and Beaufort Memorial Hospital on the mainland, both offering emergency services. The area has a solid ratio of physicians (2.2 per 1,000 people) and 87.5% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible, though some travel is required for specialized care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hilton Head Hospital
Address:
25 Hospital Center Blvd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone:
(843) 681-6122
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Address:
955 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone:
(843) 522-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
81.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Daufuskie Island, SC?
Daufuskie Island’s housing market features a median home price of $480,000, with most residents owning their homes (owner-occupancy rate of 78.5%). Rental options are available at an average of $1,850 for a two-bedroom, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.2% over the past year. Foreclosure and vacancy rates remain low, indicating a stable and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Daufuskie Island handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service branch located in Blythewood. DMV services are accessible online and by phone, offering convenient options for both new and existing residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
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.