Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Edisto Island, SC
Considering a move to Edisto Island, SC? With a close-knit population of around 2,100, this charming island offers peaceful coastal living, a mild climate with 64% sunny days, and a median home price of $545,000. While the cost of living is moderately high due to housing, rental options average $1,350 per month. Commute times average 32 minutes, and crime rates are low for violent offenses. You'll enjoy easy access to nature, small class sizes at local schools, and proximity to Charleston for shopping, healthcare, and higher education.
Demographics - Edisto Island, SC
Demographics - Edisto Island, SC
Edisto Island is a quiet coastal community of about 2,100 residents, featuring a median age of 58.3 and a population density of just 45 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White (72.5%) with a significant Black community (24.1%), and most residents speak English as their primary language. Its older population and relaxed pace make it ideal for retirees or those seeking a serene lifestyle.
Population:
2,100
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Black:
24.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Edisto Island, SC?
Living on Edisto Island comes with a moderately high cost of living, driven mainly by a median home value of $545,000 and a cost of living index of 114. While groceries and utilities are only slightly above the national average, housing is notably more expensive, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,350 per month. State income taxes range from 0% to 7%, impacting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$545,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
136.5
Utilities:
117.9
Transportation:
104.9
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Edisto Island, SC a safe place to live?
Edisto Island enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate, with only 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 476 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is higher, with a 1 in 56 chance, but overall the island is considered a safe place to live compared to many urban areas. These low crime rates contribute to its appeal as a tranquil and secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,780
Crime Index:
1,990
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Edisto Island, SC year-round?
Residents experience a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The area receives about 47.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 64% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The comfortable weather supports year-round recreation and a relaxed island lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The typical household on Edisto Island has an income of $62,100, while the per capita income is $40,800 and the poverty rate stands at 13.1%. Most residents commute about 32 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is well-educated, with 89% holding a high school diploma or higher, and 40.5% having a bachelor's degree or beyond.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$62,100
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$40,800
Income Male:
$45,300
Income Female:
$36,900
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
40.5%
Education
How are the schools in Edisto Island, SC?
Edisto Island offers small class sizes at Jane Edwards Elementary School, with about 115 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.2. While there are no private schools on the island, higher education options are accessible in nearby Charleston, including the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College. This provides families and students with both close-knit learning environments and convenient access to major colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Jane Edwards Elementary School
Street:
1960 Jane Edwards Rd
Phone:
843-869-2561
Students:
115
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
43 miles
Students:
11,800
Name:
Trident Technical College
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Edisto Island residents have access to nearby primary care and emergency services, including MUSC Health - Sea Islands Medical Pavilion and Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital. The area boasts 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare quality is solid, with a healthcare index of 72.5.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health - Sea Islands Medical Pavilion
Address:
1884 Seabrook Island Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone:
(843) 609-7920
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital
Address:
100 Callen Blvd, Summerville, SC 29486
Phone:
(854) 529-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
72.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Edisto Island, SC?
The local housing market is characterized by a median home price of $545,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75.4%. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% over the past year, while the rental vacancy rate remains moderate at 8.1%. The area sees limited new construction, maintaining a stable and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$545,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Edisto Island residents are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Blythewood. Services such as licensing, registration, and information updates can be accessed online or by calling 1-803-896-5000. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all driver and vehicle needs in the state.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd., Blythewood, SC 29016
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.