What to know when moving to Port Royal, SC
TL;DR: Port Royal at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small town with 66.8% of residents renting and a median household income of $64,631.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $1,353.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit use is at 0%, so plan on driving.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,353/mo in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Port Royal has a population of around 4,030, with a notable 34.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is primarily a rental market, with 66.8% of households renting their homes. The area has a poverty rate of 13.8%, which may influence the local amenities and services.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a bustling public transportation system, as the area sees 0% of residents using public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,353, while the median owner-occupied home value is $252,000.
- 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a moderately educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, suggesting some economic challenges.
- 66.8% of the population are renters, showing a predominance of rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In South Carolina, property crime rates are higher than the national average, but there has been a significant decrease over the last few years. The state recorded a property crime rate of 1,698.2 per 100,000 people, which is 9.8% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100,000. Violent crime also exceeds the national average, with a rate of 384.8 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 325.3.
- Violent crime: 384.8 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 23% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,698.2 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 27.9% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 40.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for South Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Port Royal has access to regional educational institutions, including:
- 1 postsecondary institution: Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, there are several parks and outdoor spots nearby that residents enjoy:
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park - 4.8 stars (3,990 reviews)
- Parris Island Museum - 4.8 stars (1,593 reviews)
- Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park - 4.7 stars (711 reviews)
- Oscar Frazier Park - 4.7 stars (623 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.