Beaufort, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The housing discussion in Beaufort and Jasper Counties emphasizes the key distinctions between low-income, affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing. With over 36% of Beaufort households cost-burdened, there is a pressing need for policy updates and community development to address affordable housing challenges. Current housing prices and the lack of workforce housing significantly affect local residents, prompting initiatives from the Beaufort-Jasper Housing Trust and Jasper County Neighbors United. As the community prepares a housing repair program and grant projects, the focus remains on defining and equipping the housing landscape to meet diverse needs.
Beaufort, SC – The ongoing housing conversation in Beaufort and Jasper Counties highlights several terms essential for understanding the region’s housing needs, namely “low-income,” “affordable,” “workforce,” and “market-rate” housing. These terms are often misunderstood and used interchangeably, yet they hold specific meanings vital for policy discussions and community development.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, affordability means a household should allocate no more than 30% of its gross monthly income to housing expenses, which encompass rent or mortgage costs, utilities, property taxes, and insurance. Within this framework, affordable housing serves as an umbrella term that includes both low-income and workforce housing, emphasizing budgetary guidelines rather than specific price points.
Low-income housing refers to a specific subset of affordable housing typically catering to households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This type of housing is often funded or supported by various state and federal programs and is regulated by local housing authorities, such as South Carolina Housing.
On the other hand, workforce housing targets individuals earning between 80% and 150% of the AMI, a demographic often referred to as the “missing middle.” For instance, the LiveWell Terrace development in Bluffton has dedicated units to accommodate different AMI levels to cater to workforce housing demands. Currently, the AMI stands at $112,500 per year for a family of four in Beaufort County and $78,600 in Jasper County, placing significant strain on housing affordability in these areas.
Presently, median home prices in the region hover around $446,000, adding to the urgency of developing workforce housing solutions, particularly in tourism-centric markets. Market-rate housing is defined as homes available for rent or purchase at prevailing market prices without any income restrictions or subsidies. Right now, one-bedroom apartments in Beaufort and Jasper Counties are renting for approximately $1,700 to $1,900 per month, which places many local residents in difficult financial positions.
A recent housing impact analysis revealed that over 36% of households in Beaufort are cost-burdened, which means they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Nearly 74% of the population earn less than $20,000 annually, with almost 47% of renters reporting similar cost burdens. Recognizing these challenges, a housing repair program is set to launch in July 2025, which will focus on essential repairs for income-qualified families in owner-occupied homes.
To bolster housing initiatives, Jasper County Neighbors United (JCNU) received grants totaling $220,000, of which $90,000 is earmarked for home repairs and $130,000 for down payment assistance. Additionally, JCNU is developing a mixed-use project geared towards financially challenged residents in need of essential services.
The Beaufort-Jasper Housing Trust, established in 2022, aims to foster effective and affordable solutions for workforce housing. As the demand for housing continues to surge amid rising costs, the Trust is working closely with city councils to revise a workforce housing agreement, recognizing the critical need for local employees to reside within the community to support the tourism-driven economy.
FAQs
What is considered affordable housing?
Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. This includes rent or mortgage, utilities, property taxes, and insurance.
What is low-income housing?
Low-income housing is a type of affordable housing designated for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), often supported by state and federal programs.
What is workforce housing?
Workforce housing targets individuals earning between 80% and 150% of the AMI, aiming to serve the “missing middle” demographic in terms of income.
What are market-rate houses?
Market-rate housing refers to units available for rent or purchase at current market prices, with no income restrictions or subsidies applying.
How has Beaufort County’s housing situation been affected?
More than 36% of households in Beaufort are cost-burdened, struggling to afford their housing expenses due to increasing living costs amidst stagnant wages.
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Key Features of Housing in Beaufort and Jasper Counties
| Type of Housing | Income Level | Median Income (AMI) | Median Home Price | Rental Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Income Housing | At or below 80% AMI | Beaufort: $112,500 (4 person) Jasper: $78,600 |
Around $446,000 | $1,700 – $1,900 |
| Workforce Housing | 80% – 150% AMI | Beaufort: $112,500 Jasper: $78,600 |
Around $446,000 | $1,700 – $1,900 |
| Market-Rate Housing | No income restrictions | Beaufort: $112,500 Jasper: $78,600 |
Around $446,000 | $1,700 – $1,900 |
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Hilton Head Island: Balancing Growth and Quality of Life
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort Neighborhoods and Housing
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- WSAV: Beaufort Housing Repair Program
- Google Search: Housing Affordability Issues
- Island Packet: Housing Market Trends
- Google Scholar: Workforce Housing Beaufort
- Bluffton Today: Jasper County Grant for Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce Housing
- WSAV: Workforce Housing in Beaufort
- Google News: Affordable Housing Beaufort
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
