Beaufort County

As of the 2020 Census, Beaufort County, SC, has a population of approximately 187,117. The racial composition is predominantly White (70.2%), followed by African American (18.4%), Hispanic or Latino (12.6%), Asian (1.5%), and other races. The median age is 45.4 years. The county boasts a high median household income of $68,958 and a relatively low poverty rate of about 11.2%. Notably, Beaufort County includes the city of Beaufort and the resort town of Hilton Head Island, contributing to its diverse demographic profile.

As of 2023, Beaufort County, SC has a median home value of around $350,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400 per month. Home appreciation over the past year has been about 7.3%. The county has a diverse housing market, consisting of single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses. Homeownership rate is about 70%, while the vacancy rate hovers around 12%. The county’s population is growing, impacting housing demand and prices.

Beaufort County, SC, conducts local, state, and federal elections overseen by the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. As of the latest election cycle, key positions include County Council seats, School Board members, and various municipal offices.

For the 2022 General Election:

• Voter turnout: approximately 69%
• County Council races: 5 seats contested
• School Board races: 6 seats contested

Candidates often come from both the Democratic and Republican parties, alongside independent candidates. Specific candidate information for each race can be accessed via the county’s official election website or through sample ballots.

For detailed candidate lists and updated election results, residents can visit https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/vote. The site provides comprehensive resources, including registration details, polling locations, and absentee voting instructions.

For real-time updates and current information on active candidates and elections, contacting the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections directly is recommended.

As of the latest data, Beaufort County, SC, showcases a relatively high level of educational attainment. Approximately 89.6% of adults ages 25 and older hold a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88.5% and the South Carolina state average of 86.8%. Furthermore, about 38.8% of adults in Beaufort County possess a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing both the national average of approximately 33.1% and the state average of 28.1%. These figures reflect Beaufort County's strong educational standing relative to broader state and national metrics.

As of recent data, Beaufort County, SC has an employment rate of 61.5%. Key industries include tourism, healthcare, education, and retail trade. The leisure and hospitality sector employs around 16% of the workforce, driven by destinations like Hilton Head Island. Healthcare and social assistance account for approximately 13%, while retail trade employs about 12%.

Compared to the national average, where the leisure and hospitality sector employs about 10% and healthcare just over 14%, Beaufort County has a notably higher reliance on tourism. Within South Carolina, Beaufort's employment in leisure and hospitality is higher than the state average of around 11%.

Overall, Beaufort County's job market is heavily influenced by its tourism-driven economy, contrasting with both state and national trends, which have a more diversified employment distribution across various sectors.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Beaufort County, SC is approximately $70,000. This figure is higher than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the state median household income for South Carolina, which is roughly $54,864.

Below is a comparison table:

Beaufort County's income level indicates a relatively higher standard of living compared to both state and national averages, reflecting its status as a region with valuable real estate and a desirable coastal location.

As of the latest data collection, Beaufort County, SC, has been experiencing relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Below are the approximate figures per 100,000 residents:

These values are from the most recent crime reports available. Beaufort County’s efforts in community policing and preventive measures have contributed to keeping crime rates lower than state and national averages.