Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saint Helena Island, SC
Considering a move to Saint Helena Island, SC? This coastal community of 8,500 offers affordable living with median home prices around $257,000 and rents averaging $1,210. Residents enjoy mild winters, 65% sunny days, and a laid-back lifestyle steeped in Gullah heritage. Commute times average 29 minutes, crime rates are modest for the region, and local schools provide small class sizes. With proximity to Beaufort’s amenities, Saint Helena Island is ideal for those seeking tranquility and southern charm on the South Carolina coast.
Demographics - Saint Helena Island, SC
Demographics - Saint Helena Island, SC
Saint Helena Island is home to around 8,500 residents, with a diverse population where about 65% identify as Black and 31% as White. The median age is 48.2, suggesting a mature community, and the population density is low, offering a peaceful, spacious atmosphere.
Population:
8,500
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
30.8%
Black:
65.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saint Helena Island, SC?
Living on Saint Helena Island is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $257,000 and average rent of $1,210. The cost of living index is below the national average at 92.1, making everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare more budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$257,000
Gross Rent:
$1,210
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
80.4
Utilities:
107.2
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
88.6
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Saint Helena Island, SC a safe place to live?
Saint Helena Island experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with about 310 violent crimes and 1,750 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 323 chance of being a victim of violent crime, indicating a generally safe environment compared to urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Saint Helena Island, SC year-round?
The island enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 39°F to 61°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. With 65% of days being sunny and over 51 inches of rainfall annually, residents can expect pleasant weather conducive to outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $52,900, and most adults (84.7%) hold at least a high school diploma. Commute times average 29 minutes, and a relatively low unemployment rate of 5.6% underscores the area’s steady, community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$35,500
Household Income:
$52,900
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,700
Income Male:
$35,800
Income Female:
$29,600
Poverty Rate:
16.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,210
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
28.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Saint Helena Island, SC?
Saint Helena Island offers local public schools with small class sizes and access to private education options in nearby Beaufort. Higher education is within easy reach, with both Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina Beaufort located less than 12 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
St. Helena Elementary School
Street:
1025 Sea Island Pkwy
Phone:
843-838-0300
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Beaufort Middle School
Street:
2501 Mossy Oaks Rd, Beaufort
Phone:
843-322-5700
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Beaufort Academy
Street:
240 Sams Point Rd, Beaufort
Phone:
843-524-3393
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
University of South Carolina Beaufort
City:
Beaufort
State:
SC
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Saint Helena Island residents are served by Beaufort Memorial Hospital, a full-service facility with emergency care located nearby. The area has 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and about 86.5% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring good access to medical services.

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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saint Helena Island, SC?
The housing market offers stability with a median home price of $257,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% in the past year, and the rental market remains accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $1,210.
Median Home Price:
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,210
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Saint Helena Island residents are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest branch located in Sumter. Residents can access services and information online at the state DMV website or by phone.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
661 North Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150
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.