Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Folly Beach, SC
Considering a move to Folly Beach, SC? With a small coastal population of about 2,200, this laid-back beach town offers high educational attainment, balmy weather with 66% sunny days, and quick commutes averaging 26.5 minutes. While the median home price is a steep $920,000 and average rents are $2,100, residents enjoy excellent access to Charleston’s services, good schools, and a relaxed oceanfront lifestyle. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the cost of living index is higher than average, but the natural beauty and vibrant community make Folly Beach a truly unique place to call home.
Demographics - Folly Beach, SC
Demographics - Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach is a small, close-knit community of about 2,200 residents with a median age of 53, reflecting a mature and relaxed population. The city is predominantly White (96.2%) and has a balanced gender ratio, while a modest 3.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
2,200
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Folly Beach, SC?
The cost of living in Folly Beach is notably high, with a median home value of $920,000 and average rents around $2,100, reflecting the area’s desirability and coastal location. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are all above the national average, making this an upscale seaside destination.
Median House Value:
$920,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,670
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
145.0
Grocery:
107.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Folly Beach, SC a safe place to live?
Folly Beach experiences moderate crime for the region, with a property crime rate of about 2,480 incidents per 100,000 residents and a low violent crime rate. Residents have a 1 in 40 chance of being affected by property crime, making safety a key consideration for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,480
Crime Index:
2,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Folly Beach, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate with warm summers averaging highs of 88°F and pleasant winters with lows around 42°F. The city boasts 66% sunny days and receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor and beach activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Folly Beach has a generally affluent community with a median household income of $98,100 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Most residents enjoy short 26.5-minute commutes, a high level of educational attainment, and a relaxed, neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$56,600
Household Income:
$98,100
Family Income:
$125,000
Per Capita Income:
$61,800
Income Male:
$68,000
Income Female:
$52,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.7%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
58.1%
Education
How are the schools in Folly Beach, SC?
Families in Folly Beach benefit from access to reputable public schools like James Island Elementary and James Island Charter High, as well as private options such as Nativity School. Higher education is easily accessible with the College of Charleston and The Citadel just a short drive away in Charleston.
Public Schools
Name:
James Island Elementary School
Street:
1872 Grimball Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Phone:
843-762-8240
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
James Island Charter High School
Street:
1000 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Phone:
843-762-2754
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Nativity School
Street:
1125 Pittsford Cir, Charleston, SC 29412
Phone:
843-795-3975
Students:
270
Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
10,900
Name:
The Citadel
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Folly Beach is supported by major hospitals nearby in Charleston, such as MUSC Health University Medical Center and Roper Hospital, both offering comprehensive and emergency services. The area has 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, ensuring good local access to care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health University Medical Center
Address:
171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
Phone:
(843) 792-2300
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:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Folly Beach, SC?
Folly Beach’s housing market is competitive and expensive, with a median home price of $920,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. Home values have been appreciating at 6.2% annually, and rental vacancies remain relatively low, underscoring ongoing demand for coastal property.
Median Home Price:
$920,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Blythewood and comprehensive services available online. The DMV provides easy access to essential driving and vehicle services for Folly Beach locals.
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.