Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Overview

Myrtle Beach faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (39.5/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in South Carolina. Even so, the city scores 76/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 1/100.

Income & Employment in Myrtle Beach

The median household income in Myrtle Beach is $53,679, 14% below the statewide median of $62,064. The local unemployment rate of 4.6% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population grew 1.9% recently.

Safety in Myrtle Beach

With a violent crime rate of 1007.5 per 100,000, Myrtle Beach exceeds the South Carolina average of 492. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 5919 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has a cost of living index of 92.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $347,700. Median monthly rent is $1,132. The price-to-income ratio of 6.5x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Myrtle Beach

The adult obesity rate in Myrtle Beach is 34.7% (CDC PLACES). Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 16.4%. Residents report an average of 17.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. South Carolina ranks #39 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has a high school graduation rate of 78%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.3:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,247. The city has 27 public schools serving 24,580 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 66.4°F. Summers average 80°F. Winters average 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47.7 inches. The average commute of 16.7 minutes is notably short.

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