Beaufort, South Carolina Population, Schools and Places of Interest
Beaufort, South Carolina is a small city located on Port Royal Island in the Lowcountry region of the state. The city borders the towns and cities of Port Royal, Burton, Lady’s Island, Shell Point, Hunting Island, St. Helena Island and Dataw Island.
Port Royal is a small town located just east of Beaufort that was once home to a bustling port and seafaring community. Today it has been transformed into a quaint residential area with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, golfing and boating. There are also several historic sites to explore such as the Port Royal Sound Maritime Museum which features artifacts from local shipwrecks and tells stories about the area’s maritime history.
Burton is a small town located just north of Beaufort that is known for its rural atmosphere and abundance of wildlife. The town offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, kayaking and birdwatching in its nearby marshes and forests. There are also several historic sites to explore such as the Burton Chapel which was built in 1814 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lady’s Island is a small island located just south of Beaufort that offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating and bird watching at its nearby nature preserves. Additionally, there are several historic sites to explore including Fort Fremont which was built during World War II to protect against German U-boats attacking merchant ships in the area.
Shell Point is a small island located just east of Beaufort that offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and kayaking along its shoreline or hiking through its nearby nature preserves. Additionally, there are several historical landmarks to explore including Fort Lyttleton which was built during the American Revolution as part of an effort to protect Charleston from British invasion forces.
Hunting Island is an island located just south east off the coast from Beaufort that features miles upon miles of sandy beaches for swimming or sunbathing along with plenty of other outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, hiking trails through its nearby state park or exploring its nearby lighthouses like Hunting Island Lighthouse which stands at over 150 feet tall!
St Helena Island is an island located just west off the coast from Beaufort that features miles upon miles of pristine beaches perfect for swimming or sunbathing along with plenty other outdoor recreation opportunities such as exploring it’s nearby salt marshes or visiting one it’s many historical sites like Penn Center which opened in 1862 as an educational center for freed slaves following emancipation before eventually becoming a cultural center for African Americans today!
Finally, Dataw Island is an 830 acre private community located south west off the coast from Beaufort featuring two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer along with three clubhouses perfect for dining out or socializing with friends! Additionally, there are also several marinas available offering boat slips for those looking to explore some more remote areas around Port Royal Sound!
Population of Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina is a coastal city with an estimated population of around 13,872 as of 2019. It is the county seat of Beaufort County and is located in the Lowcountry region of the state. The city has a rich history, having been founded in 1711 by English settlers and later becoming the home of many freed slaves during Reconstruction.
In terms of demographics, Beaufort has a diverse population with people from all walks of life calling it home. According to the most recent US census figures, the racial makeup of the city is 60.7% White, 33.1% African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian and 2.2% from other races. In terms of religious affiliation, 52% identify as Protestant Christian while 24% are Roman Catholic and 13% have no religious affiliation at all.
The median age for residents in Beaufort is 43 years old with approximately 26% aged between 25-44 years old and 22% aged 45-64 years old; this represents a slightly older population than other parts of South Carolina which has an average median age around 37 years old across the state as a whole. In terms of educational attainment levels for adults aged 25+ in Beaufort, 60% have obtained at least some college education while only 28% hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications compared to 43%, 36%, and 28%, respectively across South Carolina Overall, according to US Census figures from 2015-2019 (American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates).
In terms of economic indicators for Beaufort County, the median household income for 2017 was $50,685 which was slightly lower than that for South Carolina Overall, ($55,222) but still slightly above that for Beaufort County Overall, ($48,843). The poverty rate was also higher in Beaufort than that for South Carolina Overall, (12%), coming in at 15%. The unemployment rate was also higher than that for South Carolina Overall, (4%) coming in at 5%.
Overall, there are many different aspects which make up the population demographics in Beaufort ranging from its racial makeup to its educational attainment levels and economic indicators; this provides an interesting insight into how this coastal town has developed over time and how it continues to evolve today providing unique opportunities within its community to those who call it home!
Schools and Education in Beaufort, South Carolina
According to EDUCATIONVV.COM, Beaufort, South Carolina is home to a wide variety of educational opportunities for its citizens. The Beaufort County School District is the public school system in the region and serves more than 20,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 25 elementary schools, six middle schools, four high schools, and several alternative education programs. In addition to these traditional public schools, there are also charter schools and private institutions within the county.
Beaufort High School is the largest of the four high schools in the district and offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses that are available to students who wish to challenge themselves academically. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities including athletics, performing arts, student clubs, and service organizations.
For those looking for higher education opportunities in Beaufort County there are several options available. Technical College of the Lowcountry offers associate degrees in various fields such as business administration, health sciences, information technology and more. The University of South Carolina Beaufort has two campuses located in Bluffton and Beaufort which offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing, business administration, psychology and more as well as master’s degrees in education leadership and marine science.
The area also has numerous private institutions including St. Gregory’s Academy which provides a college preparatory curriculum for grades pre-K through 12th grade; Penn Center which provides adult literacy classes; Montessori Schools of Beaufort which offer early childhood education programs; Pinckney Colony Christian Academy which provides Christian-based instruction for pre-K through 8th grade; and Hilton Head Preparatory School which offers college preparatory courses for grades K-12th grade with an emphasis on international studies.
Beaufort County is committed to providing its residents with quality educational opportunities that can help them reach their potential both academically and professionally no matter what their background or circumstances may be. With its wide range of educational options ranging from traditional public schools to private institutions offering specialized curriculums there truly is something for everyone here!
Places of Interest in Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina is a charming coastal town that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Located on Port Royal Island, the city is surrounded by beautiful marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 1700s when it was founded as a trading post for Native Americans. Today, Beaufort is filled with historical sites, outdoor activities, and plenty of shopping and dining options.
One of the most popular attractions in Beaufort is the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park which features views of the Beaufort River along with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. The park also hosts several festivals throughout the year such as the annual Shrimp Festival in May and July’s Gullah Celebration which celebrates local Gullah culture with art exhibits and live music performances.
Beaufort’s historic downtown district is home to many sites of interest including two National Historic Landmarks: The John Mark Verdier House which was built in 1790 and served as an important trading post during its time; and St Helena’s Episcopal Church which dates back to 1712 when it was built by French Huguenot settlers. Other notable sites include Bay Street where visitors can find quaint shops and restaurants; The Old Point neighborhood with its stately antebellum homes; The Arsenal Museum which houses artifacts from the Civil War era; and Hunting Island State Park located just south of town where visitors can explore miles of beaches along with nature trails through salt marshes teeming with wildlife.
For those looking for more modern amenities, Beaufort has plenty to offer as well including several golf courses such as Lady’s Island Country Club; restaurants like Saltus River Grill offering fine dining on the waterfront; shopping centers like Habersham Marketplace featuring specialty stores; movie theaters like Regal Cinemas at University Square; museums such as Penn Center for African American History & Culture; art galleries like Lowcountry Artists Gallery showcasing local artwork; live music venues like Pour Richard’s Jazz Bar & Bistro; boat tours around Port Royal Sound aboard Sea Eagle II or around Hunting Island aboard Miss Anne II; kayak tours through local waterways led by Outside Hilton Head Adventures or eco-tours on board Palmetto Bay Charters exploring nearby creeks and estuaries while learning about area marine life.
No matter what your interests may be, Beaufort has something for everyone! From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, this charming town will provide you with an unforgettable experience!
