Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Surfside Beach, SC
Thinking of moving to Surfside Beach, SC? With a friendly population of 4,653, this coastal community offers moderate housing prices at a median of $390,000 and average rents around $1,450. Enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle with short 19-minute commutes, low violent crime rates, and warm, sunny weather most of the year. Surfside Beach is known for its relaxed pace, great schools, and easy access to healthcare—making it a welcoming spot for families, retirees, and beach lovers alike.
Demographics - Surfside Beach, SC
Demographics - Surfside Beach, SC
Surfside Beach is a close-knit coastal town with a population of 4,653 and a high population density, reflecting its small-town charm. The community is predominantly White and has a mature median age of 54, making it appealing for retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle. A modest percentage of residents speak languages other than English, contributing to the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
4,653
Density:
2,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.3%
Black:
3.3%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Surfside Beach, SC?
Living in Surfside Beach offers a cost of living near the national average, with a median home value of $390,000 and average rent around $1,450. Monthly utilities and insurance costs are moderate, and state income taxes range from 0% to 7%. Overall, residents enjoy a balanced mix of affordability and comfort in daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$148
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,825
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
99.5
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
101.5
Utilities:
107.2
Transportation:
95.3
Health Care:
99.1
Miscellaneous:
98.8
Crime
Is Surfside Beach, SC a safe place to live?
Surfside Beach experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 145 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is more prevalent, but the overall crime index remains manageable for a small beach community. Residents generally benefit from a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,230
Crime Index:
2,375
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 689
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Surfside Beach, SC year-round?
The local climate features mild winters with lows near 37°F and warm summers peaking at 89°F, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Surfside Beach enjoys about 61% sunny days each year and receives an average of 52 inches of rainfall, ensuring lush landscapes. The pleasant weather complements the area's laid-back, coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Surfside Beach have a median income of $49,200, with family incomes averaging around $80,700, reflecting a stable and comfortable community. The area boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.7% and a short average commute of about 19 minutes, making daily life convenient. High educational attainment and a modest poverty rate highlight the town’s overall quality of life.
Median Income:
$49,200
Household Income:
$66,800
Family Income:
$80,700
Per Capita Income:
$37,500
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$35,200
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.3%
Bachelors or More:
37.8%
Education
How are the schools in Surfside Beach, SC?
Surfside Beach offers strong educational opportunities with well-rated public schools like Lakewood Elementary and St. James Middle, both featuring reasonable student-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schooling and are within a short drive of major colleges, including Coastal Carolina University. This variety ensures quality education options for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Lakewood Elementary School
Street:
1675 Highway 396
Phone:
843-650-6768
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
St. James Middle School
Street:
9775 St. James Rd
Phone:
843-650-5543
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael Catholic School
Street:
542 Cypress Ave
Phone:
843-651-6795
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina University
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,100
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Grand Strand Medical Center and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. Surfside Beach maintains a strong physician-to-population ratio and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance. The town’s healthcare infrastructure supports a healthy and secure lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Grand Strand Medical Center
Address:
809 82nd Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone:
(843) 692-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital
Address:
4070 Hwy 17 Bypass South, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone:
(843) 652-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Surfside Beach, SC?
The housing market in Surfside Beach is stable, with a median home price of $390,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,450 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%. Home values continue to appreciate modestly, making it an attractive spot for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Myrtle Beach. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services either in person or online through the state DMV website. This ensures smooth and efficient handling of all vehicle-related needs.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1330 Howard Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
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.