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Beaufort, SC

Frequently asked questions

Beaufort, SC

Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. Beaufort is known as the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands". The city's population was 13,607 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton metropolitan area.

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Lowcountry. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic character through the preservation of its antebellum architecture. The prominent role of Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands during the Reconstruction era after the U.S. Civil War is memorialized by the Reconstruction Era National Monument, established in 2017. The city is also known for its military establishments, being located near Parris Island and a U.S. naval hospital, in addition to being home to the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Beaufort is located at 32°25′55″N 80°41′22″W (32.431853, -80.689515). The majority of the city is situated upon Port Royal Island, an interior Sea Island that the city shares with neighboring Port Royal and unincorporated portions of Beaufort County. The city has also annexed lands across the Beaufort River on Lady's Island.

The city is amid a marshy estuary, and according to the United States Census Bureau has a total area of 33.6 square miles (87.0 km²), of which 27.6 square miles (71.5 km²) is land and 6.0 square miles (15.5 km²), or 17.80%, is water.

Health and wellness are key components of life in Beaufort. The Beaufort Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For yoga enthusiasts, Sacred Space Beaufort offers various classes suitable for all levels. Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry offers comprehensive health and wellness services, including swimming, gym facilities, and wellness coaching. CrossFit Humidity is perfect for those looking for high-intensity training and community support. Beaufort Chiropractic offers holistic treatments to enhance physical health and alleviate pain.

Top sites in Beaufort, SC are Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort History Museum, and Spanish Moss Trail.

Population: 13,850 (2023). ZIP codes: 29901-29907. Area code(s): 843, 854. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 25.32 sq mi (65.58 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Beaufort, SC?

With a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, Beaufort has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 31. Within South Carolina, more than 71% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Beaufort.

What is Beaufort, SC famous for?

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Lowcountry. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic character through the preservation of its antebellum architecture. The prominent role of Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands during the Reconstruction era after the U.S. Civil War is memorialized by the Reconstruction Era National Monument, established in 2017. The city is also known for its military establishments, being located near Parris Island and a U.S. naval hospital, in addition to being home to the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Is Beaufort, SC a good place to live?

Southern Living readers consistently rate Beaufort as one of the “Best Small Towns in the South” in the magazine’s annual survey, and the area also makes a regular appearance on lists of the “best places to retire.” Proud to be a bit off the beaten path, Beaufort is often described as a smaller version of its historic big city sisters, Savannah (40 miles to the south) and Charleston (70 miles north). 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Beaufort

Neighborhood Scout

Beaufort SC

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Beaufort History Museum

Spanish Moss Trail

Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Planet Fitness

Sacred Space Beaufort

Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry

CrossFit Humidity

Beaufort Chiropractic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.