Beaufort, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Beaufort, South Carolina is 13,660 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $59,454, the median home value is $310,400, and the median age is 31.5.
The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (12,368 → 14,334).
13,660
Population
557
People / sq mi
$59,454
Median Income
$310,400
Median Home Value
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Beaufort covers 24.5 sq mi of land at 557 people per square mile.
About Beaufort, SC
What distinguishes Beaufort is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 557 people per square mile. With 13,660 residents, Beaufort is a city in South Carolina. It ranks #46 among cities in South Carolina by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $59,454, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $310,400, with typical rent around $1,061.
38.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average of 35.0%. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Beaufort city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Beaufort city had a population of 12,368 in 2010 and 14,334 in 2024, a 15.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,334 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.07%.
14,334
Population (2024)
12,368
Population (2010)
14,334
Peak (2024)
1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,368 |
| 2011 | 12,431 |
| 2012 | 12,652 |
| 2013 | 12,905 |
| 2014 | 13,121 |
| 2015 | 13,313 |
| 2016 | 13,416 |
| 2017 | 13,462 |
| 2018 | 13,380 |
| 2019 | 13,436 |
| 2020 | 13,625 |
| 2021 | 13,668 |
| 2022 | 13,476 |
| 2023 | 13,618 |
| 2024 | 14,334 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.0% |
| Black or African American | 27.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$59,454
Median Household Income
$39,511
Per Capita Income
14.8%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$310,400
Median Home Value
$1,061
Median Rent
58.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.4%
High School+
38.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
77.8%
Public Transit
5.5%
Work From Home
18.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
51.1%
Foreign Born
93.2%
Non-English at Home
13.4%
Veterans
13.9%
With Disability
90.9%
Health Insurance
95.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 15.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.0% |
| Manufacturing | 7.0% |
| Construction | 6.4% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Retail Trade | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in South Carolina
Largest counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Beaufort, South Carolina has a population of 13,660 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in Beaufort, South Carolina is $59,454, with 14.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Beaufort, South Carolina is $310,400, with median monthly rent at $1,061 and a homeownership rate of 58.7%.
The median age in Beaufort, South Carolina is 31.5 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (12,368 → 14,334).
Beaufort city, SC Climate
Beaufort city, SC has an average annual temperature of 18.8°C (66°F) and receives about 1267 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.8°C
Avg Temp
1267
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 49° | 100 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 82 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 102 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 78 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 88 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 143 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 145 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 182 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 126 mm |
| October | 20° / 67° | 78 mm |
| November | 15° / 59° | 63 mm |
| December | 11° / 52° | 80 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Beaufort city, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Beaufort city, SC are typically October, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 4°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Statewide data for South Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.