South CarolinaPop. 33,157Small cities
Is Bluffton a Good Place to Live? Bluffton, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bluffton ranks #235 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.3%, #18 of 208) and low violent crime (62 per 100,000, #18 of 174), and trails on high rents ($2,256/mo, #199 of 208) and long commutes (28.3 min, #186 of 208).
Bluffton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bluffton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bluffton?
Bluffton's cost of living index is 98, 2% below the US level of 100 and #582 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,256/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $500,379, 63% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Bluffton | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 98#582 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $500,379#813 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,127/mo#767 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $492,100#971 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $2,256/mo#1186 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.3%#924 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bluffton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bluffton is in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Bluffton safe?
Bluffton recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 84% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #51 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bluffton Police Department. Property crime runs 708 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bluffton | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 62#51 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 708#94 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bluffton?
The median household in Bluffton earns $111,281, 34% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bluffton | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $111,281#227 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4.3%#63 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 of 1,132 | +1.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bluffton?
The median resident of Bluffton is 42.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 51.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #230 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bluffton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 42.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 51.9%#230 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 83.4% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bluffton's schools and health?
Bluffton's 9 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $17,232 spent per pupil. 29.2% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bluffton | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,232#390 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.2%#350 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.1%#669 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,010 students are enrolled in Bluffton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bluffton?
The average commute in Bluffton is 28.3 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0% of workers take transit and 15.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bluffton scores 6.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1265 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 52.6°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bluffton | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 28.3 min#1018 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.5% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15.5% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.7#1265 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61.4 | 40 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 65.1 | 42.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 71.4 | 48.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 78.2 | 55.2 | 3.4 |
| May | 84.7 | 63.4 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 89.6 | 70.7 | 6.7 |
| Jul | 92.3 | 73.7 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 73.3 | 5.5 |
| Sep | 86.4 | 69 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 79 | 58.6 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 70.2 | 48 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 63.7 | 42.6 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Savannah International Airport.
| Measure | Bluffton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 67.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 52.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 48.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Savannah International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bluffton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Bluffton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Beaufort County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.56% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Bluffton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.56%#1307 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Beaufort County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Beaufort County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.42% | 100% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.019% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 82% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 71% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0031% | 29% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.042% | 6% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bluffton compare with similar-size cities?
Bluffton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #44 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,157.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #395 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 | 26.1 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #374 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 | 23.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bluffton compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Bluffton ranks #3 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 63.6 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 54% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 63% above the typical South Carolina home.
| City | Rank in SC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #1 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #2 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #3 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #4 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #5 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #6 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #7 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #8 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #9 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #10 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #11 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #12 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #13 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #14 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #15 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #16 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #17 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #18 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #19 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #20 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 |
All 20 South Carolina cities we track, by overall score. South Carolina statewide: median income $72,350, violent crime 387.6 per 100,000.
How is Bluffton's score calculated?
Bluffton scores 63.6 out of 100, #235 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bluffton. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bluffton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
97.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bluffton. Similar-size median 52.2.
70.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bluffton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bluffton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
50.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bluffton. Similar-size median 46.7.
80.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bluffton. Similar-size median 44.2.
54.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bluffton. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bluffton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.0 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
1.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bluffton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bluffton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bluffton
Is Bluffton, SC a good place to live?
Bluffton ranks #235 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.3%, #18 of 208) and low violent crime (62 per 100,000, #18 of 174), and trails on high rents ($2,256/mo, #199 of 208) and long commutes (28.3 min, #186 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Bluffton?
Bluffton's cost of living index is 98, 2% below the US level of 100 and #582 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,256/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $500,379, 63% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Bluffton?
Bluffton recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 84% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #51 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bluffton Police Department. Property crime runs 708 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bluffton?
The median household in Bluffton earns $111,281, 34% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bluffton?
Median rent in Bluffton is $2,256/mo (Census), #1186 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,127/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bluffton?
The typical home value in Bluffton is $500,379, down 0.6% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $492,100.
How are the public schools in Bluffton?
Bluffton's 9 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $17,232 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bluffton?
The average commute is 28.3 minutes, #1018 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bluffton?
Bluffton averages 67.5°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 52.6°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bluffton walkable?
Bluffton scores 6.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1265 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bluffton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Beaufort County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.56% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Bluffton?
Bluffton has 33,157 residents. The median resident of Bluffton is 42.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 51.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #230 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bluffton compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Bluffton ranks #3 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 63.6 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 54% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 63% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Bluffton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bluffton's population of 33,157 are Gillette, WY (#379 overall), Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall), Rochester, NH (#395 overall), Bethany, OR (#9 overall), and Sherwood, AR (#743 overall). Bluffton is #235.