Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Royal, SC
Considering a move to Port Royal, SC? This vibrant coastal town of 15,383 boasts a sunny climate with 64% sunny days annually and affordable living—median home prices are $326,000 and average rents around $1,360. With a quick average commute of just under 20 minutes and a relaxed, small-town feel, Port Royal offers a mix of public and private schools nearby, along with convenient access to healthcare. While property crime rates are somewhat above average, the town’s youthful population and proximity to historic Beaufort make it popular for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Port Royal, SC
Demographics - Port Royal, SC
Port Royal is home to about 15,400 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is diverse, with more than a quarter identifying as Black and nearly 8% speaking a language other than English at home, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
15,383
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
64.1%
Black:
25.3%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Royal, SC?
Living in Port Royal is relatively affordable, with median home values at $326,000 and average rents around $1,360 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without high expenses.
Median House Value:
$326,000
Gross Rent:
$1,360
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$515
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.4
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
103.7
Transportation:
91.3
Health Care:
95.9
Miscellaneous:
97.4
Crime
Is Port Royal, SC a safe place to live?
Port Royal experiences a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 335 chance of being affected by violent crime and 1 in 45 for property crime. While property crime rates are a bit higher than average, the town remains a generally safe place to live for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
298
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,508
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 335
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Royal, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs near 90°F. The area sees about 48 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 64% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The typical household earns about $60,100 per year, with a poverty rate of 14.5% and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering a well-educated and community-oriented atmosphere.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$60,100
Family Income:
$69,300
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.6%
Rent:
$1,360
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
29.7%
Education
How are the schools in Port Royal, SC?
Port Royal offers a range of educational options, including well-rated public schools like Port Royal Elementary and Mossy Oaks Elementary, as well as private choices such as Beaufort Academy. Higher education is easily accessible with two colleges just a few miles away in Beaufort.

Public Schools
Name:
Port Royal Elementary School
Street:
1214 Paris Ave
Phone:
843-322-5920
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Mossy Oaks Elementary School
Street:
2510 Mossy Oaks Rd
Phone:
843-322-2900
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Beaufort Academy
Street:
240 Sams Point Rd
Phone:
843-524-3393
Students:
315

Colleges
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Port Royal residents benefit from easy access to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and a strong physician presence, with 2.2 doctors per 1,000 people. Nearly 89% of residents have health insurance, ensuring quality care is readily available.

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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Royal, SC?
The housing market in Port Royal is stable, with a median home price of $326,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,360. Over half the homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by about 6% in the past year, reflecting a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$326,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,360
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in nearby Bluffton. Residents have convenient access to licensing and registration services both in person and online.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
15 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910
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.