Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sullivans Island, SC
Considering a move to Sullivans Island, SC? This charming beachside town has a population of just 2,100 and offers a tranquil, upscale lifestyle with a median home price around $2.2 million and average rents of $3,800. Residents enjoy very low crime rates, short 23-minute commutes, and outstanding educational attainment—over 75% have a bachelor's degree or higher. With beautiful weather featuring 64% sunny days and quick access to Charleston’s amenities, Sullivans Island is ideal for those seeking coastal luxury and community.
Demographics - Sullivans Island, SC
Demographics - Sullivans Island, SC
Sullivans Island is a small, close-knit community of around 2,100 residents, with a high median age of 54 and a population density of 1,300 per square mile. The town is predominantly White (97%), and a large majority of residents speak English at home, reflecting a traditional and stable demographic makeup.
Population:
2,100
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
1.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sullivans Island, SC?
Living in Sullivans Island comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $2.2 million and typical rents at $3,800 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses, while utilities and groceries remain relatively moderate.
Median House Value:
$2,200,000
Gross Rent:
$3,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$156
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
175.0
Grocery:
107.2
Housing:
281.5
Utilities:
99.3
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
103.4
Miscellaneous:
104.1
Crime
Is Sullivans Island, SC a safe place to live?
Sullivans Island is known for its very low crime, with only 74 violent crimes and 740 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with the chance of violent crime at just 1 in 1,350.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
740
Crime Index:
814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 135
Weather
What is the weather like in Sullivans Island, SC year-round?
Residents experience a pleasant coastal climate, with mild winters averaging lows of 44°F and warm summers reaching highs of 88°F. The area enjoys abundant sunshine—about 64% of days are sunny—alongside nearly 49 inches of annual rainfall.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F

Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The community is affluent and well-educated, with a median household income of $181,250 and over 75% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. Low poverty (2.1%) and unemployment rates contribute to a stable, prosperous neighborhood with short average commute times of 23.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$79,000
Household Income:
$181,250
Family Income:
$210,000
Per Capita Income:
$112,000
Income Male:
$123,000
Income Female:
$89,000
Poverty Rate:
2.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$3,800
Unemployment Rate:
1.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
99.2%
Bachelors or More:
75.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sullivans Island, SC?
Families benefit from excellent educational opportunities, including Sullivans Island Elementary with a favorable student-teacher ratio and access to reputable private schools. Higher education options such as the College of Charleston and The Citadel are just a short drive away in nearby Charleston.

Public Schools
Name:
Sullivans Island Elementary School
Street:
2015 I'on Ave
Phone:
843-883-3118
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
Christ Our King-Stella Maris School
Street:
1183 Russell Dr, Mt Pleasant
Phone:
843-884-4721
Students:
650

Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
The Citadel
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Sullivans Island offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital and East Cooper Medical Center nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage (95%). Residents benefit from a strong ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital
Address:
3500 N Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Phone:
(843) 606-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
East Cooper Medical Center
Address:
2000 Hospital Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone:
(843) 881-0100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sullivans Island, SC?
The housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $2.2 million and most properties owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, and the low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect strong market stability.
Median Home Price:
$2,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with services available at the Blythewood office or online. The DMV provides convenient access for all vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
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.