Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laurel Bay, SC
Considering a move to Laurel Bay, SC? This family-friendly community of around 5,600 residents features affordable housing with a median home price of $255,000 and average rents near $1,540. Enjoy a mild climate with 63% sunny days, short 20-minute commutes, and local schools serving both military and civilian families. While crime rates are moderate, Laurel Bay offers convenient access to healthcare and the scenic Lowcountry, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Demographics - Laurel Bay, SC
Demographics - Laurel Bay, SC
Laurel Bay is home to about 5,600 residents, with a youthful median age of 25.4 and a slightly higher proportion of males. The community is predominantly White, with a blend of Black, Asian, and other backgrounds, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English.
Population:
5,600
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.4
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
22.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laurel Bay, SC?
Living in Laurel Bay is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and a median home value of $255,000. Monthly expenses like rent and utilities are moderate, and state income tax rates range from 0% to 7%.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.5
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
87.5
Utilities:
108.1
Transportation:
85.4
Health Care:
95.9
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Laurel Bay, SC a safe place to live?
Laurel Bay experiences moderate crime, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. Most residents find the area safe for families, though it's wise to take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
280
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 357
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Laurel Bay, SC year-round?
The city enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs near 91°F and winter lows around 39°F. Residents benefit from 63% sunny days each year and approximately 48 inches of annual rainfall, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Laurel Bay average $62,300, and the community has a high rate of high school graduates at 94.6%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes, and public transport use is low, reflecting the area's suburban character.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$62,300
Family Income:
$64,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
24.1%
Education
How are the schools in Laurel Bay, SC?
Laurel Bay offers public and private school options, including local DoDEA schools and access to nearby colleges such as the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a strong educational environment for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Laurel Bay Schools (DoDEA)
Street:
Laurel Bay, Beaufort, SC 29906
Phone:
(843) 228-6130
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Robert Smalls International Academy
Street:
43 W K Alston Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906
Phone:
(843) 322-2500
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
Beaufort Academy
Street:
240 Sams Point Rd, Beaufort, SC 29907
Phone:
(843) 524-3393
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to local healthcare, including Beaufort Memorial Hospital with emergency services nearby. Health insurance coverage is high at 89.2%, and the area offers a moderate ratio of physicians to population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Address:
955 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone:
(843) 522-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laurel Bay, SC?
Laurel Bay's housing market is stable, featuring a median home price of $255,000 and average rents at $1,540 for a two-bedroom. Around 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with information and online services available through the state DMV website. The nearest full-service branch is located in Blythewood, SC.
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.