Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Okatie, SC
Considering a move to Okatie, SC? This growing community of 14,000 offers a relaxed lifestyle with mild winters, 63% sunny days, and an easy 27-minute average commute. Homes are moderately priced at a $385,000 median, with rents averaging $1,450. You'll find low crime rates, highly rated schools, and excellent access to healthcare. Okatie's friendly neighborhoods, strong owner-occupied housing, and scenic Lowcountry setting make it an inviting choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Okatie, SC
Demographics - Okatie, SC
Okatie is home to around 14,000 residents, with a median age of 53.4, reflecting a community popular among retirees and mature families. The population is predominantly White (78%), with a modest mix of Black, Asian, and other groups, and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
14,000
Density:
250 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.0%
Black:
16.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Okatie, SC?
Living in Okatie comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 102.5, mainly due to higher housing costs, as the median home value is $385,000 and average rent is $1,450. Utilities and groceries are fairly affordable, and state taxes range from 0% to 7%, making budgeting manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,460
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$565
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
115.0
Utilities:
108.6
Transportation:
99.4
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
97.8
Crime
Is Okatie, SC a safe place to live?
Okatie boasts a low crime rate, with only 190 violent crimes and 1,360 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 526, offering peace of mind for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,360
Crime Index:
1,550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Okatie, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with winter lows averaging 39°F and summer highs reaching 91°F, complemented by 63% sunny days each year. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for those who appreciate warm, pleasant weather.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F

Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Okatie’s neighborhoods are characterized by strong community ties and economic stability, with a median household income of $71,200 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.6%. Most residents hold at least a high school diploma, and commute times average about 27 minutes, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$71,200
Family Income:
$79,900
Per Capita Income:
$37,400
Income Male:
$44,500
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
32.5%
Education
How are the schools in Okatie, SC?
Okatie features quality public and private schools, including Okatie Elementary and River Ridge Academy, plus access to higher education at the nearby University of South Carolina Beaufort. Families benefit from favorable student-teacher ratios and a strong educational environment for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Okatie Elementary School
Street:
53 Cherry Point Rd
Phone:
843-322-7700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
River Ridge Academy
Street:
3050 River Ridge Dr
Phone:
843-836-4600
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Cross Schools
Street:
495 Buckwalter Pkwy
Phone:
843-706-2000
Students:
550

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort
City:
Bluffton
State:
SC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Okatie offers convenient access to quality healthcare, including Coastal Carolina Hospital and Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, with 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Coastal Carolina Hospital
Address:
1000 Medical Center Dr, Hardeeville, SC 29927
Phone:
(843) 784-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion
Address:
122 Okatie Center Blvd N, Okatie, SC 29909
Phone:
(843) 707-8000
Type:
Outpatient & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Okatie, SC?
The housing market in Okatie is robust, with a median home price of $385,000 and an impressive 80% owner-occupancy rate. Homes appreciate at a healthy 6.7% annually, making it a sound investment for buyers, while rental options remain accessible for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest major branch located in Columbia and comprehensive services available online. The DMV provides essential support for licensing, registration, and vehicle services for Okatie locals.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3050 River Dr, Columbia, SC 29201
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.