Pawleys Island, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Pawleys Island, SC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$1,291,700
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🌤️ Live Weather — Pawleys Island
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Pawleys Island
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Santee Cooper
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Pawleys Island Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Georgetown County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$1,291,700
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Pawleys Island is competitive, with demand driven by retirees and second-home buyers. Prices have risen steadily due to limited inventory and high demand for coastal properties.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in tourism, real estate, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Flooding, traffic congestion, rising property taxes
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are sparse outside downtown.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Pawleys Island Beach
  • 🎯
    Brookgreen Gardens
  • 🎯
    Huntington Beach State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The historic district and areas near the beach are popular, offering walkable access to amenities. Newer developments like Willbrook Plantation provide family-friendly communities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Pawleys Island based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Short-term rental regulations require permits, and there are strict beachfront development rules to preserve the natural landscape.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Pawleys Island — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$91,250
🏠 Homeownership Rate
90.6%
🔑 Renter Rate
9.4%
📉 Poverty Rate
7.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage spikes electric bills, while winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures. Water usage also rises in summer for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code 29585: Property tax millage rate of 0.45%. No local surtaxes specific to Pawleys Island.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

5/10: Sidewalks are limited, but parks are accessible. Most family infrastructure is car-dependent.

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