Myrtle Beach, SC
Demographics And Statistics

We take you around Myrtle Beach to find out what it's like to call it home.

Living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Life in Myrtle Beach research summary. HomeSnacks has been using Saturday Night Science to research the quality of life in Myrtle Beach over the past nine years using Census, FBI, Zillow, and other primary data sources. Here's a snapshot of Myrtle Beach based on the most recently available data.

38,371 Population
$320,925 Median home value
$60,394 Median income
106 Cost of living +6% vs US
$1,261 Median rent
5.4% Unemployment
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Myrtle Beach SnackAbility

4
Overall SnackAbility
Jobs 6/10
Housing 8/10
Affordability 4/10
Diversity 8.5/10
Safety 1/10
Amenities 8.5/10
Education 8/10
Commute 9/10

Crime in Myrtle Beach summary. We use data from the FBI to determine the crime rates in Myrtle Beach. Key points include:

  • There were 2,776 total crimes in Myrtle Beach in the last reporting year.

  • The overall crime rate per 100,000 people in Myrtle Beach is 6,767.1 / 100k people.

  • The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Myrtle Beach is 1,111.6 / 100k people.

  • The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Myrtle Beach is 5,655.5 / 100k people.

  • Overall, crime in Myrtle Beach is 219.32% above the national average.

2,776
Total Crimes
219.32%
Above National Average
Myrtle Beach
US

Crime In Myrtle Beach Comparison Table

Statistic Count
Raw
Myrtle Beach
/ 100k People
South Carolina
/ 100k People
National
/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K 2,776 6,767.1 2,402.5 2,119.2
Violent Crime 456 1,111.6 436.7 359.0
Murder 5 12.2 7.5 5.0
Robbery 71 173.1 35.1 61.0
Aggravated Assault 304 741.1 357.1 256.0
Property Crime 2,320 5,655.5 1,965.8 1,760.0
Burglary 183 446.1 282.4 229.0
Larceny 1,975 4,814.5 1,468.2 1,272.0
Car Theft 162 394.9 215.1 259.0
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Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (2024)

Cost of living in Myrtle Beach summary. We use data on the cost of living to determine how expensive it is to live in Myrtle Beach. Real estate prices drive most of the variance in cost of living around South Carolina. Key points include:

  • The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 106 with 100 being average.

  • The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 1.1x higher than the national average.

  • The median home value in Myrtle Beach is $320,925.

  • The median income in Myrtle Beach is $60,394.

106
Myrtle Beach's Overall Cost Of Living
1.1x
Higher Than The National Average
Myrtle Beach
US

Cost Of Living In Myrtle Beach Comparison Table

Living Expense Myrtle Beach South Carolina National Average
Overall 106 92 100
Services 99 97 100
Groceries 98 96 100
Health 117 82 100
Housing 97 101 100
Transportation 102 101 100
Utilities 98 97 100
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Source: Cost of living index, normalized to US average = 100

Myrtle Beach, SC Weather

  • The average high in Myrtle Beach is 73.0° and the average low is 53.9°.

  • There are 75.6 days of precipitation each year.

  • Expect an average of 49.7 inches of precipitation each year with 1.0 inches of snow.

StatMyrtle Beach
Average Annual High73.0
Average Annual Low53.9
Annual Precipitation Days75.6
Average Annual Precipitation49.7
Average Annual Snowfall1.0
73.0°
Average High
75.6
Days of Rain

Source: NOAA climate normals (30-year)

Myrtle Beach, SC Photos

Myrtle Beachc North Ocean Boulevard F R
Source: Public Domain
Broadwaythe Beach
Source: Wikipedia User Hlecroy | CC BY-SA 3.0
Ccublantonpark
Source: Wikipedia User Sk5893 | GFDL
Nascar Racing Experience
Source: Wikipedia User TheDigitel Myrtle Beach | CC BY 2.0
Myrtlewood
Source: Wikipedia User Sk5893 | CC BY-SA 4.0
Sand Dunes
Source: Wikipedia User Hlecroy | CC BY-SA 3.0
Myrtle Beach Sc
Source: Wikipedia User Loadmaster (David R. Trib | CC BY-SA 3.0
Myrtle Beachc Scc Photographed From Th Floor Of Hotel Img
Source: Wikipedia User Billy Hathorn | CC BY 3.0
Myrtle Beach Sc
Source: Wikipedia User Loadmaster (David R. Trib | CC BY-SA 3.0

8 Reviews & Comments About Myrtle Beach

ecclestonsangel · None
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I live in Myrtle Beach in the winter. It's wonderful there, and very affordable. You don't have to pay school tax, and property tax is a tenth of what it is in NYS. Myrtle has some of the loveliest neighborhoods I've ever seen, and nearly all neighborhoods are gated, mainly to keep tourists out. If you're not insistant on living right on the beach, you can get a very nice 1 bedroom condo for around $45,000 to $50,000.

You can find perfectly nice 2 bedrooms for under $100K. Where I live is only 5 minutes from the Beach, but it's WAY cheaper than living right on the Grand Strand, which is where the beach is. South Carolina is also one of the most dof-friendly ststes I know. You're even wlcome to bring your dog to the beach to swim and play. That's because people are very good aout cleaning up after their dogs. When my parents eventually pass away, I will move there permanently, and gtfo of NY!

HomeSnacks User · 2018-07-13 18:14:06.505362
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There is a high crime rate and the climate is nearly unbearable in the summer, but all in all it's a nice and fun place to live. The people will keep you laughing and there is always something to do!

Favorite places are all the parks and beaches nearby. Savannah's Playground and the whole Market Common area are fantastic and family friendly.

HomeSnacks User · 2018-07-14 14:57:36.215875
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Myrtle Beach seemed very safe, within normal conditions. Only on vacation so not sure about schools or normal life there, but excellent spot for relaxation.

My favorite place is the beach. I was not interested in a lot of the other things to do, even though there were lots of choices. Watching the sunrise and sunset are the must-dos. Even though beaches can get crowded, early morning and night provide much more solitude. Be sure to stay oceanfront with a view.

HomeSnacks User · 2018-07-14 18:31:38.978138
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Crime was only up during spring break times. Non peak months it is very tranquil. The weather is mostly nice 10 months out of the year. Shops remain open in the mainland all year and most stay open at the beach

The best place to visit is Broadway on the Beach. Has a variety of entertainment that could last the whole day. Stay away from main street during spring break, you'll never get around in a vehicle.

HomeSnacks User · 2018-09-19 05:13:30.108695
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I loved Myrtle Beach. It was like something out of a movie. It is a tourist destination for sure, but there's an ambience and a magical quality to it that is simply unmatched by other places I have been to.

The beach, of course. The food. The emptiness of the off season. The beauty of its location.

HomeSnacks User · 2019-04-17 13:53:37.332375
rating star

Myrtle Beach, SC is a truly horrible place to live. It's a place people go to die. I live in one of the better areas, and in the last 7 years of living here, mine qnd my husband's car have been broken into 3 times...in my driveway! They aren't even "nice" cars! The public school system here is absolutely laughable! The health care system is a joke and jobs are scarcely available during the "off-season". Traffic during the summer is impossible, due to tourism, and with the increased amount of ignorant people, there is a car accident every few miles on any road you travel. You pay tax on EVERYTHING, which makes you wonder where all that money is going, considering the shape of the roads, schools and healthcare system. It's expensive to live here and if you don't like bars or golf or crowded beaches, then you are left with nothing to do. This place is at least 50 years behind the times and if you are not white, it's an even worse place to live.

Broadway at the Beach is a popular tourist attraction. It has lots of shops, Ripley's Aquarium, The Upside Down House, movie theater, clubs, restaurants and bars. During the day, it's a great place for family fun. At night, though, I'd leave the kids at home, unless you don't mind having lots of staggering, loud, unruly drunks talking to and falling down on them.

HomeSnacks User · 2019-04-26 13:08:59.470770
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Myrtle Beach has a very high crime rate which is due to a large flow of tourists through the area. Be safe but enjoy yourself in this touristy city because there are lots of things to do here.

There are many fun things to do in myrtle beach. Is a great place for tourist and families

HomeSnacks User · 2019-05-04 19:47:47.834178
rating star

I've lived here for 35 years and have steadily watched the place turn into Sodom and Gomorra by the sea. Increased crime, poor education, roads forever in disrepair, more bars than churches.

What stands out- The inability for anyone to enter or leave with even the most minor fender bender on 501 because tourists and locals alike clog up traffic far worse than need be.

Rankings & Articles For Myrtle Beach

Locations Around Myrtle Beach

Map Of Myrtle Beach, SC

Best Places Around Myrtle Beach

1

Murrells Inlet, SC
Population 10,044

$395,449+23% vs Myrtle Beach
2

Red Hill, SC
Population 15,920

$292,929-9% vs Myrtle Beach
3

Little River, SC
Population 11,771

$319,982
4

Socastee, SC
Population 23,796

$274,966-14% vs Myrtle Beach
5

North Myrtle Beach, SC
Population 19,855

$390,621+22% vs Myrtle Beach
6

Conway, SC
Population 27,263

$286,177-11% vs Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Demographics And Statistics

Population over time in Myrtle Beach

The current population in Myrtle Beach is 38,371. The population has increased 43.7% from 2010.

Year Population % Change
2024 38,371 3.1%
2023 37,214 3.2%
2022 36,064 2.7%
2021 35,116 4.4%
2020 33,638 2.9%
2019 32,700 2.9%
2018 31,783 3.3%
2017 30,760 2.2%
2016 30,106 3.1%
2015 29,198 2.6%
2014 28,455 2.0%
2013 27,884 1.6%
2012 27,433 1.2%
2011 27,097 1.5%
2010 26,696 -

Race / Ethnicity in Myrtle Beach

White 65.6% (25,170)
African American 14.7% (5,646)
American Indian 0.1% (32)
Asian 1.2% (444)
Hawaiian 0.0% (17)
Other 0.2% (90)
Two Or More 5.0% (1,909)
Hispanic 13.2% (5,063)
See the full breakdown

Myrtle Beach is:

  • 65.6% White with 25,170 White residents.

  • 14.7% African American with 5,646 African American residents.

  • 0.1% American Indian with 32 American Indian residents.

  • 1.2% Asian with 444 Asian residents.

  • 0.0% Hawaiian with 17 Hawaiian residents.

  • 0.2% Other with 90 Other residents.

  • 5.0% Two Or More with 1,909 Two Or More residents.

  • 13.2% Hispanic with 5,063 Hispanic residents.

Race Myrtle Beach SC USA
White 65.6% 61.9% 57.4%
African American 14.7% 24.6% 11.9%
American Indian 0.1% 0.2% 0.5%
Asian 1.2% 1.7% 5.9%
Hawaiian 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Other 0.2% 0.5% 0.6%
Two Or More 5.0% 3.7% 4.3%
Hispanic 13.2% 7.4% 19.3%

Gender in Myrtle Beach

Female 50.7% (19,456)
Male 49.3% (18,915)
See the full breakdown
  • Myrtle Beach is 50.7% female with 19,456 female residents.

  • Myrtle Beach is 49.3% male with 18,915 male residents.

Gender Myrtle Beach SC USA
Female 50.7% 51.3% 50.5%
Male 49.3% 48.7% 49.5%

Highest level of educational attainment in Myrtle Beach for adults over 25

< 9th Grade 2.0% (767)
9-12th Grade 5.0% (1,918)
High School / GED 28.0% (10,743)
Some College 21.0% (8,057)
Associate's Degree 10.0% (3,837)
Bachelor's Degree 21.0% (8,057)
Master's Degree 8.0% (3,069)
Professional Degree 3.0% (1,151)
Doctorate Degree 2.0% (767)
See the full breakdown
  • 2.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed < 9th grade.

  • 5.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed 9-12th grade.

  • 28.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed high school / ged.

  • 21.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed some college.

  • 10.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed associate's degree.

  • 21.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed bachelor's degree.

  • 8.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed master's degree.

  • 3.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed professional degree.

  • 2.0% of adults in Myrtle Beach completed doctorate degree.

Education Myrtle Beach SC USA
< 9th Grade 2.0% 3.0% 4.0%
9-12th Grade 5.0% 7.0% 6.0%
High School / GED 28.0% 28.0% 26.0%
Some College 21.0% 20.0% 19.0%
Associate's Degree 10.0% 10.0% 9.0%
Bachelor's Degree 21.0% 20.0% 22.0%
Master's Degree 8.0% 9.0% 10.0%
Professional Degree 3.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Doctorate Degree 2.0% 1.0% 2.0%

Household Income For Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Less than $10,000 6.3% (241,029)
$10,000 to $14,999 4.9% (186,379)
$15,000 to $24,999 10.4% (400,627)
$25,000 to $34,999 9.5% (362,742)
$35,000 to $49,999 13.6% (522,340)
$50,000 to $74,999 14.2% (544,113)
$75,000 to $99,999 11.0% (422,183)
$100,000 to $149,999 14.7% (564,580)
$150,000 to $199,999 6.3% (240,812)
$200,000 or more 9.2% (352,291)
See the full breakdown
  • 6.3% of households in Myrtle Beach earn Less than $10,000.

  • 4.9% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $10,000 to $14,999.

  • 10.4% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $15,000 to $24,999.

  • 9.5% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $25,000 to $34,999.

  • 13.6% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $35,000 to $49,999.

  • 14.2% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $50,000 to $74,999.

  • 11.0% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $75,000 to $99,999.

  • 14.7% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $100,000 to $149,999.

  • 6.3% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $150,000 to $199,999.

  • 9.2% of households in Myrtle Beach earn $200,000 or more.

Income Myrtle Beach SC USA
Less than $10,000 6.3% 5.9% 5.0%
$10,000 to $14,999 4.9% 3.8% 3.4%
$15,000 to $24,999 10.4% 7.3% 6.3%
$25,000 to $34,999 9.5% 7.7% 6.6%
$35,000 to $49,999 13.6% 11.9% 10.1%
$50,000 to $74,999 14.2% 17.0% 15.5%
$75,000 to $99,999 11.0% 13.1% 12.6%
$100,000 to $149,999 14.7% 16.4% 17.5%
$150,000 to $199,999 6.3% 8.0% 9.6%
$200,000 or more 9.2% 8.9% 13.4%

Source: U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates (2024)