South CarolinaPop. 38,371Small cities
Is Myrtle Beach a Good Place to Live? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Myrtle Beach ranks #1268 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.7 min, #45 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (1,104 per 100,000, #169 of 174) and low graduation rates (78%, #168 of 191).
Myrtle Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Myrtle Beach'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 Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,261/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $323,058, 5% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $323,058#444 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 | $1,693/mo#495 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $388,800#765 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,261/mo#497 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 25.1%#1012 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.
Myrtle Beach 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. Myrtle Beach is in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach recorded 1,104 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1052 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #169 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Myrtle Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 5,390 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 1,104#1052 of 1,085 | 388 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 5,390#1081 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 Myrtle Beach?
The median household in Myrtle Beach earns $60,394, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $60,394#1037 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 19%#1080 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 Myrtle Beach?
The median resident of Myrtle Beach is 47.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 47.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 33.5%#667 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 60.5% | 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 Myrtle Beach's schools and health?
Myrtle Beach's 7 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $13,334 spent per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 16.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78%#920 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,334#789 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.4%#1243 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 15.7%#1110 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. 5,322 students are enrolled in Myrtle Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Myrtle Beach?
The average commute in Myrtle Beach is 17.7 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 1.3% of workers take transit and 14.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Myrtle Beach scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78°F and winters 46.2°F, with 53.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.7 min#177 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 70% | 74.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 14.3% | 12.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 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 | 55.5 | 33.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 35.5 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 63.7 | 41.8 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 71.5 | 50.6 | 3.4 |
| May | 78.8 | 59.7 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 84.5 | 67.9 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 87.4 | 71.6 | 6.6 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 70 | 6.3 |
| Sep | 83 | 65 | 6.8 |
| Oct | 75.6 | 53.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 66.4 | 42.2 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 58.6 | 36.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Myrtle Beach.
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 46.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.6 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 Myrtle Beach.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Myrtle Beach?
Horry County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Horry County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Myrtle Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.38%#1163 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 Horry County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Horry County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.26% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0051% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0072% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% 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 Myrtle Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Myrtle Beach is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #197 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 38,371.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #1268 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 | 17.7 min |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #387 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 | 21.5 min |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #1193 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 | 22.1 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 |
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 Myrtle Beach compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach ranks #19 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 40.6 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 17% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 Myrtle Beach's score calculated?
Myrtle Beach scores 40.6 out of 100, #1268 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Myrtle Beach. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Myrtle Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
4.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Myrtle Beach. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Myrtle Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
45.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Myrtle Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
69.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Myrtle Beach. Similar-size median 46.7.
31.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Myrtle Beach. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Myrtle Beach. Similar-size median 47.3.
56.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Myrtle Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
34.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Myrtle Beach'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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a good place to live?
Myrtle Beach ranks #1268 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.7 min, #45 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (1,104 per 100,000, #169 of 174) and low graduation rates (78%, #168 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,261/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $323,058, 5% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach recorded 1,104 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1052 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #169 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Myrtle Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 5,390 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Myrtle Beach?
The median household in Myrtle Beach earns $60,394, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Myrtle Beach?
Median rent in Myrtle Beach is $1,261/mo (Census), #497 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,693/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Myrtle Beach?
The typical home value in Myrtle Beach is $323,058, up 0.3% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $388,800.
How are the public schools in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach's 7 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $13,334 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Myrtle Beach?
The average commute is 17.7 minutes, #177 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach averages 62.4°F over the year, 78°F in summer and 46.2°F in winter, with 53.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Myrtle Beach walkable?
Myrtle Beach scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Myrtle Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Horry County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Myrtle Beach?
Horry County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach has 38,371 residents. The median resident of Myrtle Beach is 47.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Myrtle Beach compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach ranks #19 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 40.6 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 17% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Myrtle Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Myrtle Beach's population of 38,371 are Georgetown, KY (#387 overall), Phenix City, AL (#1193 overall), Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), and Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall). Myrtle Beach is #1268.