Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pawleys Island, SC
Thinking of moving to Pawleys Island, SC? With a population of just 110, this relaxed coastal town offers beautiful beaches, a mild climate with 63% sunny days, and a median home price around $705,000. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates and short 22-minute commutes. Excellent local schools, a high rate of college graduates, and convenient access to quality healthcare make Pawleys Island a charming, peaceful choice for relocation.
Demographics - Pawleys Island, SC
Demographics - Pawleys Island, SC
Pawleys Island is a small, close-knit community of just 110 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 62. Most residents are English speakers, and the gender ratio is nearly balanced, making it an appealing spot for retirees seeking a tranquil, neighborly environment.
Population:
110
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
62.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pawleys Island, SC?
The cost of living in Pawleys Island is above the national average, with a median home value of $705,000 and typical rents around $1,475. While housing costs are high, other expenses such as groceries and healthcare remain close to average for South Carolina.
Median House Value:
$705,000
Gross Rent:
$1,475
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$760
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
111.0
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
135.5
Utilities:
108.4
Transportation:
96.7
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Pawleys Island, SC a safe place to live?
Pawleys Island boasts a low violent crime rate, with odds of experiencing violent crime at just 1 in 800 and property crime at 1 in 90. Its peaceful atmosphere is one of the reasons residents feel safe and secure in this coastal town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
125
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,225
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Pawleys Island, SC year-round?
Enjoy a mild coastal climate in Pawleys Island, with summer highs near 89°F and winter lows around 37°F. The area receives about 52.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 63% of the year, ideal for outdoor activities and beach living.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of Pawleys Island typically enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $81,600 and a low poverty rate of 8.3%. The community is well-educated, as 55% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and commute times average just over 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$43,500
Household Income:
$81,600
Family Income:
$95,700
Per Capita Income:
$48,900
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$46,000
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,475
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
55.0%
Education
How are the schools in Pawleys Island, SC?
Pawleys Island is served by well-rated public and private schools, including Waccamaw Intermediate and High School, and is near Coastal Carolina University, which is just 28 miles away. The area’s strong educational options make it attractive for families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Waccamaw Intermediate School
Street:
320 Wildcat Way
Phone:
843-237-4233
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
Waccamaw High School
Street:
2412 Kings River Rd
Phone:
843-237-9899
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Lowcountry Preparatory School
Street:
300 Blue Stem Dr
Phone:
843-237-4147
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina University
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
10,300
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Pawleys Island, with two major hospitals nearby and 92% of residents having health insurance. The area offers a good ratio of physicians and reliable emergency services, supporting the well-being of locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital
Address:
606 Black River Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone:
(843) 527-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital
Address:
4070 Hwy 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone:
(843) 652-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pawleys Island, SC?
The housing market in Pawleys Island is robust, featuring a median home price of $705,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 84%. Home values have appreciated by 6.5% over the past year, reflecting steady demand in this desirable coastal locale.
Median Home Price:
$705,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,475
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Pawleys Island residents are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently accessible online or at the Blythewood office. The DMV offers comprehensive resources for new residents and drivers.
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.