South CarolinaPop. 37,911Small cities
Is Hilton Head Island a Good Place to Live? Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hilton Head Island ranks #647 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($94,657, #52 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($687,400, #193 of 208) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
Hilton Head Island by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hilton Head Island's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Hilton Head Island: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Hilton Head Island safe?
What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island'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 $1,479/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $782,931, 2.6 times the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | 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 | $782,931#1043 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 | $2,774/mo#985 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $687,400#1141 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,479/mo#706 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 7.3x#1173 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.7%#310 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.
Hilton Head Island 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. Hilton Head Island is in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Hilton Head Island safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Hilton Head Island alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Hilton Head Island crime rate or rank it on safety. South Carolina as a whole records 388 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Hilton Head Island?
The median household in Hilton Head Island earns $94,657, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 31% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $94,657#414 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.6%#376 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Hilton Head Island?
The median resident of Hilton Head Island is 59.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 56.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #180 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 59.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 56.1%#180 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 78.7% | 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 Hilton Head Island's schools and health?
Hilton Head Island's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 11.1 students per teacher and $17,232 spent per pupil. 27.8% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | 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 | 11.1#34 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% | 27.8%#260 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 11%#8 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.9%#764 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. 3,726 students are enrolled in Hilton Head Island's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hilton Head Island?
The average commute in Hilton Head Island is 18.5 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.4% of workers take transit and 20.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hilton Head Island scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.8°F and winters 52.1°F, with 45 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 66.5% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 20.1% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 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 | 60.3 | 40.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 63.7 | 42.8 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 69.9 | 48.7 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 77 | 56 | 3.1 |
| May | 84 | 64.3 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 88.9 | 71.3 | 5 |
| Jul | 91.8 | 74.5 | 5.6 |
| Aug | 90.3 | 74.1 | 6.5 |
| Sep | 85.7 | 69.5 | 4 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 59 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 69.3 | 48.4 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 62.7 | 42.9 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beaufort Mcas.
| Measure | Hilton Head Island | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 67.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 52.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 45 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 Beaufort Mcas.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hilton Head Island?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Hilton Head Island'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 | Hilton Head Island | 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 Hilton Head Island compare with similar-size cities?
Hilton Head Island is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #117 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,911.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #647 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data | 18.5 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #268 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 | 22.2 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 Hilton Head Island compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Hilton Head Island ranks #8 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 31% above the South Carolina median. Homes are 2.6 times 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 Hilton Head Island's score calculated?
Hilton Head Island scores 55.9 out of 100, #647 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hilton Head Island. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.2 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hilton Head Island. Similar-size median 52.2.
71.2 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hilton Head Island's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
70.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Hilton Head Island's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
51.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hilton Head Island. Similar-size median 46.7.
65.6 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hilton Head Island. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hilton Head Island. Similar-size median 47.3.
61.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hilton Head Island's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% 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 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Hilton Head Island alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hilton Head Island'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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Is Hilton Head Island, SC a good place to live?
Hilton Head Island ranks #647 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($94,657, #52 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($687,400, #193 of 208) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island'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 $1,479/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $782,931, 2.6 times the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
Is Hilton Head Island safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Hilton Head Island alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Hilton Head Island crime rate or rank it on safety. South Carolina as a whole records 388 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Hilton Head Island?
The median household in Hilton Head Island earns $94,657, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 31% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hilton Head Island?
Median rent in Hilton Head Island is $1,479/mo (Census), #706 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,774/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hilton Head Island?
The typical home value in Hilton Head Island is $782,931, up 3.9% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $687,400.
How are the public schools in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 11.1 students per teacher and $17,232 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hilton Head Island?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island averages 67.2°F over the year, 81.8°F in summer and 52.1°F in winter, with 45 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hilton Head Island walkable?
Hilton Head Island scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island has 37,911 residents. The median resident of Hilton Head Island is 59.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 56.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #180 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hilton Head Island compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Hilton Head Island ranks #8 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 31% above the South Carolina median. Homes are 2.6 times the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Hilton Head Island?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hilton Head Island's population of 37,911 are Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall), Bartlesville, OK (#998 overall), and Tupelo, MS (#677 overall). Hilton Head Island is #647.