Beaufort County, South Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,390 km² (923 mi²). 1,520 km² (587 mi²) of it is land and 870 km² (336 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 36.41% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 120,937 people, 45,532 households, and 33,056 families residing in the county. The population density is 80/km² (206/mi²). There are 60,509 housing units at an average density of 40/km² (103/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 70.66% White, 23.98% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.84% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 6.79% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 45,532 households out of which 30.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.20% are married couples living together, 11.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% are non-families. 21.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 2.90.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 12.00% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 102.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $46,992, and the median income for a family is $52,704. Males have a median income of $30,541 versus $25,284 for females. The per capita income for the county is $25,377. 10.70% of the population and 8.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.40% are under the age of 18 and 6.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Beaufort
• Bluffton
• Burton
• Hilton Head Island
• Laurel Bay
• Parris Island
• Port Royal
• Shell Point
• Yemassee