News Summary
In Beaufort County, apartment rental prices have increased in May, with the average listing price reaching $1,634, up 1.68% from April. This rise contrasts with a 5.9% decrease compared to the same month last year. One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are currently featured at higher rates, while a $5 million renovation project aims to address the demand for affordable housing by transforming an old hotel into 150 apartments. The local rental market continues to differ from state trends, with prices significantly above the South Carolina average.
Beaufort County has experienced a notable increase in apartment rental prices in May 2025, reflecting ongoing trends in the local housing market. The average listing price for apartments rose to $1,634, up from $1,607 in April, marking a significant upward trend of 1.68%. While rental prices have increased on a month-to-month basis, they remain 5.9% lower compared to the same time last year.
The data reflects listings of various apartment sizes, including studios and three-bedroom units, but does not include single-family homes for rent. Notably, one-bedroom apartments are currently listed at an average price of $1,541 in May, showing a 1.72% increase from April’s average of $1,515. However, this figure is down 5.9% from last year’s average, which was $1,638. Two-bedroom apartments have also seen an increase, climbing to an average of $1,599 in May from $1,572 in April, yet still 5.9% less than last year’s average of $1,699.
Comparing Beaufort County’s rental market to state trends, it is important to note that rental prices in South Carolina remained largely unchanged from April. The statewide average for one-bedroom rentals settled at approximately $1,144, a slight increase from $1,141 the previous month, while two-bedroom rentals persisted at around $1,201.
While Beaufort County’s rental prices show an increase, they are notably 30% higher than the state average. One-bedroom rentals in the county are 35% above the state average, while two-bedroom rentals exceed state averages by 33%. Additionally, Beaufort County’s average apartment rental price is 17% above the national average, with one-bedroom apartments priced at 25% and two-bedroom units at 16% greater than national figures.
Nationally, average apartment rental prices have also witnessed a slight rise, moving from $1,392 in April to $1,398 in May. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments across the country reached $1,228, with two-bedroom rentals averaging $1,384.
Efforts are underway to address the growing demand for affordable housing in Beaufort County. A $5 million renovation project is set to convert an old Quality Inn hotel into 150 affordably priced apartments, with rent expected to range from $1,100 to $1,200 per month. This pricing will also include utilities and a fitness membership. The renovations aim not only to respond to the rapid population increase but to help meet the pressing need for affordable accommodations in the community. Completion of the project is anticipated by August 2025.
The remodeled Quality Inn will feature various amenities and kitchenettes, enriching the living experience for future tenants. Similar conversion projects in the region, such as the transformation of a former Days Inn into 145 studio apartments, demonstrate a broader trend of adapting existing structures to meet demanding housing needs.
In summary, while apartment rental prices in Beaufort County have increased from April to May 2025, they remain lower than last year’s averages. The disparity between local and statewide rental prices highlights the unique challenges facing the Beaufort rental market, while ongoing renovation projects aim to address rising affordable housing needs as the community continues to grow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Monthly Apartments for Rent
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Housing Market
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Rent Increases
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Housing Market
- Island Packet: Real Estate News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Island Packet: Community News
- Google News: South Carolina Rental Market
