Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dewees Island, SC
Considering a move to Dewees Island, SC? This exclusive, eco-focused barrier island has a tiny population of about 20 and features a median home price of $1.2 million, reflecting its luxury, low-density lifestyle. There’s virtually no crime, but everyday conveniences involve a ferry commute to nearby Charleston or Isle of Palms, so plan for longer travel times. Residents enjoy mild weather, pristine beaches, and a peaceful, nature-oriented environment, with top-rated schools and healthcare accessible on the mainland. Perfect for those seeking privacy, natural beauty, and a close-knit community.
Demographics - Dewees Island, SC
Demographics - Dewees Island, SC
Dewees Island is home to an extremely small population of about 20 residents, most of whom are older adults with a median age of 55. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a very low percentage of non-English speakers. Its low population density and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy and exclusivity.
Population:
20
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
55
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dewees Island, SC?
Living on Dewees Island comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.2 million and a cost of living index well above the national average. Monthly expenses, such as rent and utilities, tend to be on the higher side, and state taxes range from 0% to 7%. The island’s premium prices mirror its luxury amenities, seclusion, and unique lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,200,000
Gross Rent:
$3,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,850
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
170
Grocery:
110
Housing:
230
Utilities:
105
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
104
Miscellaneous:
112
Crime
Is Dewees Island, SC a safe place to live?
Dewees Island boasts an exceptionally safe environment, with no reported violent or property crimes and a crime index of zero. Residents enjoy peace of mind and a strong sense of security in this close-knit community. The extremely low crime risk is a major draw for those seeking a safe haven.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely Low
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely Low
Weather
What is the weather like in Dewees Island, SC year-round?
Dewees Island enjoys a mild, coastal climate with warm summers peaking near 89°F and gentle winters averaging lows around 42°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 67% of the year. This pleasant weather supports an outdoor, beach-oriented lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of Dewees Island tend to be well-educated, with nearly 70% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and a median household income of $120,000. The poverty rate is virtually nonexistent, and unemployment is low at 2.5%. Most neighbors commute via ferry to Charleston or Isle of Palms, resulting in longer travel times but reinforcing the community’s secluded feel.
Median Income:
$58,000
Household Income:
$120,000
Family Income:
$145,000
Per Capita Income:
$75,000
Income Male:
$80,000
Income Female:
$70,000
Poverty Rate:
0.0%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$3,500
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
60+ minutes (by ferry to Charleston or Isle of Palms)
Education
High School or Higher:
99.0%
Bachelors or More:
68.0%
Education
How are the schools in Dewees Island, SC?
Families on Dewees Island have access to quality educational options on the mainland, including top-rated public and private schools like Sullivans Island Elementary and Palmetto Christian Academy. Higher education is also easily reachable, with the College of Charleston and The Citadel located about 14–15 miles away via ferry and car. The community’s proximity to strong educational institutions supports families seeking excellent schooling opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Sullivans Island Elementary School
Street:
2015 I'on Ave, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Phone:
843-883-3118
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
15
Private Schools
Name:
Palmetto Christian Academy
Street:
361 Egypt Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone:
843-881-9967
Students:
750
Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
14 miles (via ferry/car)
Students:
10,500
Name:
The Citadel
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
15 miles (via ferry/car)
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
While Dewees Island itself does not have hospitals, residents have access to major healthcare facilities like East Cooper Medical Center and Roper Hospital in nearby Charleston. The area maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of over 92% and offers about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Quality healthcare is accessible, though it requires a short commute off the island.
Major Hospitals
Name:
East Cooper Medical Center
Address:
2000 Hospital Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone:
(843) 881-0100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Roper Hospital
Address:
316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone:
(843) 724-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
79.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dewees Island, SC?
The housing market on Dewees Island is characterized by luxury homes, with a median home price of $1.2 million and an owner-occupied rate of 97%. Rental options are limited but premium, averaging $3,500 for a two-bedroom, while home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year. The market caters to buyers seeking exclusivity and long-term investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$1,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
97.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
15.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Dewees Island are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Blythewood. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration can be accessed online or via a short trip to the mainland. The DMV provides comprehensive assistance for all motor vehicle needs.
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.