Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC
Thinking of moving to Myrtle Beach, SC? With a population of 38,226, this coastal city offers affordable living with median home prices around $292,000 and average rents at $1,390. Enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and 67% sunny days, plus short commute times of just under 19 minutes. While property crime rates are higher than average, Myrtle Beach features quality healthcare, proximity to beaches, and access to both public and private schools, making it a popular choice for retirees and families alike.
Demographics - Myrtle Beach, SC
Demographics - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is home to about 38,226 residents, with a median age of 47.5, making it a community that appeals to both retirees and families. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with a notable Black population (13.5%) and a small percentage of non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density, contributing to a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Population:
38,226
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
13.5%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is below the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.4. Housing is especially affordable, as the median home value is $292,000 and average rent is $1,390 per month, while utility and transportation costs remain reasonable. State income tax ranges from 0% to 7%, helping to keep overall expenses manageable for residents.
Median House Value:
$292,000
Gross Rent:
$1,390
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,640
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
84.7
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a safe place to live?
While Myrtle Beach offers many amenities, it does have a higher-than-average crime rate, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 18 and violent crime at 1 in 140. Prospective residents should be aware of these statistics and consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live. The city is actively working on community safety and awareness programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
712
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,430
Crime Index:
6,142
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 140
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 18
Weather
What is the weather like in Myrtle Beach, SC year-round?
Residents of Myrtle Beach enjoy a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 38°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The area receives about 54.6 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 67% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach lovers. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable living year-round.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of $50,160, with a per capita income of $31,650 and a poverty rate of 16.5%. About 88.4% of residents hold at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 19 minutes, reflecting a convenient and accessible city layout. Public transport usage is low, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$50,160
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,650
Income Male:
$35,300
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.7%
Rent:
$1,390
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.4%
Bachelors or More:
25.2%
Education
How are the schools in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Myrtle Beach High and Middle School, as well as private institutions such as St. Andrew Catholic School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College located within 14 miles. The city’s schools and nearby colleges support both academic growth and community involvement.

Public Schools
Name:
Myrtle Beach High School
Street:
3302 Grissom Pkwy
Phone:
843-448-7149
Students:
1,480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9
Name:
Myrtle Beach Middle School
Street:
3101 Panther Pkwy
Phone:
843-448-3932
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew Catholic School
Street:
3601 N Kings Hwy
Phone:
843-448-6062
Students:
245

Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina University
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Myrtle Beach provides accessible healthcare through major hospitals like Grand Strand Medical Center and Tidelands Health, both offering emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 85% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from a solid healthcare network. The city’s healthcare index of 71.3 indicates reliable medical services for families and retirees alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Grand Strand Medical Center
Address:
809 82nd Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone:
(843) 692-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Tidelands Health Myrtle Beach
Address:
2400 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone:
(843) 848-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The Myrtle Beach housing market is affordable and active, with a median home price of $292,000 and a 4.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Around 57% of residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is 13.5%, providing a range of options for buyers and renters. The market remains attractive for newcomers seeking value and coastal living.
Median Home Price:
$292,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,390
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Myrtle Beach residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, located conveniently at 1330 Howard Parkway. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and more, with information available at the state DMV website or by phone. The office ensures residents’ driving and registration needs are efficiently met.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1330 Howard Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
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.