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Beaufort County, SC growth snapshot

Beaufort County had an estimated 204,433 residents in 2025, up 8.8% (16,619 more people) since 2020. That is faster than South Carolina as a whole (+8.5%), and the 29th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 1,140 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 72,257 jobs in 2025, +11.6% since 2020 (46th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,101.

Unemployment averaged 4.2% in 2025, 1.8 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 1,219 new homes in 2025, or 6.0 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $86,573 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +21.2% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 264th.

Part of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC metro area.

Beaufort County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
2025204,433+1,427
2024203,006+3,306
2023199,700+3,434
2022196,266+4,321
2021191,945+4,131
2020187,814–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Beaufort County

Beaufort County grew by 16,619 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+13,411).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−76−1,002
International migrationfrom and to other countries+371+4,156
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+1,140+13,411
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−8+54
Total change+1,427+16,619

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn South CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth10th of 46264th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents26th of 46980th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth25th of 461,252nd of 3,092
Median household income3rd of 46387th of 3,107
Average weekly wage16th of 46–
Lowest unemployment rate9th of 461,835th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents23rd of 46476th of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Beaufort County's population change (+8.8%) was ahead of 2 of its 3 neighbouring counties and behind 1 (Jasper County).

Its median household income ($86,573, 2020–24) is higher than in all 3 of its neighbouring counties.

Beaufort County, SC and its 3 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Beaufort County, SC This county204,433+8.8%5.66.0$86,573
Jasper County, SC38,533+32.2%53.448.2$65,613
Colleton County, SC39,382+2.2%0.01.9$51,114
Hampton County, SC18,174−1.9%0.80.9$44,711

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 46 South Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Beaufort County?

About 204,433 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Beaufort County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 8.8% between 2020 and 2025, about 16,619 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). South Carolina as a whole changed +8.5% over the same years. That ranks 29th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Beaufort County?

On net, about 1,140 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Beaufort County?

Employers there reported 72,257 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +11.6% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,101 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Beaufort County?

It averaged 4.2% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Beaufort County?

Building permits authorized 1,219 new housing units in 2025, 6.0 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Beaufort County?

$86,573 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Beaufort County compare with other South Carolina counties?

Among South Carolina counties it ranks 10th of 46 for population growth; 26th of 46 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 25th of 46 for private-sector job growth; 3rd of 46 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 264th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.