Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Overview

With a composite score of 54.2/100 and a B grade, Hilton Head Island ranks #7 of 20 cities in South Carolina. Its strongest showing is in Health (71/100), while Outdoor Access (9/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Hilton Head Island

Households in Hilton Head Island earn a median of $96,715 — 56% above the state median — but the 3.7% unemployment rate sits above the statewide 3.5%, suggesting the job market doesn’t match the income figures.

Cost of Living in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has a cost of living index of 95.7 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $652,100. Median monthly rent is $1,518. Renters spend 18.8% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island’s adult obesity rate of 27.8% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.2%. Residents report 11 poor mental health days per month, fewer than most cities. South Carolina ranks #39 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio of 11.1:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $17,232 per student, well above the national median. The city has 5 public schools serving 3,726 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 67.6°F. Summers average 80.5°F. Winters average 56.2°F. Annual precipitation is 49 inches. 15.4% of workers in Hilton Head Island work from home, well above the national average. The average commute of 15.9 minutes is notably short.

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