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Chamber data shows steady growth, high vacancy rates and local housing strain in Beaufort region
Summary
The Beaufort Regional Chamber released new data showing steady population growth to nearly 80,000 residents, above‑average vacancy driven by seasonal homes, and income levels below national averages — findings organizers say point to a need for workforce housing and diversified higher‑wage industries.
Megan Morris, president and CEO of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, presented a regional data report Nov. 1 that showed steady population growth across northern Beaufort County and uneven income and housing trends that officials say warrant action from local leaders and businesses.
"Saint Helena was the fastest growing district from 2010 to 2024," Morris said, and the region is projected to grow toward almost 84,000 people by 2029. The report shows the four census districts in the Chamber's study contain roughly 92.5% of the region's population.
The report also flagged a high vacancy rate — 26.3% — which Morris and other presenters said reflects a large share of vacation and seasonal homes rather than deep housing supply for year‑round workers. Morris gave household and income figures tied to the region: average household size of 2.36 persons, per‑capita income of about $30,706 and a median household income of $71,869, both below national averages.
Those figures matter, Morris said, because ‘‘we must adapt to these new levels and offer diverse workforce housing’’ to retain local employees and attract new businesses. Presentation slides highlighted that areas south of the Broad River tend to show higher median incomes (the report cited a South‑of‑Broad median of about $96,136) while some districts lag state and national averages.
Panelists said the age profile — a greater share of residents aged 15–24 because of military bases, and growing shares of older residents — complicates local labor supply. Morris noted the region has a relatively small share of workers aged 25–54, the cohort most likely to fill many employer needs.
Chamber materials and the full slide deck will be posted on the Chamber website; organizers also scheduled a virtual deeper dive for April 11 for stakeholders who want detailed tables and maps.
What happens next: Chamber leaders asked local governments, employers and nonprofit partners to use the report to prioritize workforce housing, targeted economic development and training programs aimed at keeping mid‑career workers in the region.
