Hilton Head Island 64 Average
Hilton Head Island Livability #157 ranked city in South Carolina#14,648 ranked city in the USARanks better than 50% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Hilton Head Island

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Hilton Head Island?

Located in the state of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is a mid-sized city with a population of 41,077 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Hilton Head Island could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Hilton Head Island, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 58, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Hilton Head Island will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Hilton Head Island can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of South Carolina, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Hilton Head Island and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Hilton Head Island to South Carolina and the national average.

The livability score in Hilton Head Island is 63/100 and the city is ranked in the 48th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Hilton Head Island scores well for crime (A-), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (B-) On a less positive note, Hilton Head Island does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Hilton Head Island, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Hilton Head Island excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Hilton Head Island meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Hilton Head Island. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Hilton Head Island are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Hilton Head Island come in at $890,974, which is 242.5% higher than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Hilton Head Island, the home price to income ratio is 7, which is 84.2% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hilton Head Island

See all the best places to live around Hilton Head Island

How Do You Rate The Livability In Hilton Head Island?

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Compare Hilton Head Island, SC Livability

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      Hilton Head Island transportation information

      Statistic Hilton Head Island South Carolina National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.9%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.9%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home11.6%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Hilton Head Island, SC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.