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Area Information
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Myrtle Beach Information
The Myrtle Beach area enjoys an outstanding quality of life. The temperate climate, cultural and recreational opportunities, and robust economy continue to draw an increasing number of visitors and people relocating from other areas.
The Grand Strand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, ocean and river water sports, over 100 golf courses, 1500 restaurants, and numerous theatres offering international recording artists and Broadway shows.
Yet there is an even more important quality recognizable to those of us who call this area home- the warmth of the people who live here, and the spirit of community in all aspects of Myrtle Beach life. That's why so many of the people who visit this area on vacation return to live here. This area truly embodies the best in lifestyle and economic opportunity.
Here are a few facts and figures on the area:
Author David Vokac lists Myrtle Beach as one of the 100 most outstanding communities in the country, in his book The Great Towns of America.
Considered one of America's top vacation destinations, the area hosts an estimated 13.5 million visitors annually.
Myrtle Beach is home to Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and the area has an impressive labor force of professional, technical, and skilled personnel.
Myrtle Beach is located in Horry (pronounced "Oh-ree") County, South Carolina. This region, also known as the Grand Strand, is ranked one of the country's fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas.
Since 1987, area population has increased more than 40%, and the number of households are up 64%. Gross retail sales have grown by almost two-thirds. Sources: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and Claritas, Inc. 1998.
The Myrtle Beach area was selected by readers of Southern Living as their second favorite family destination and their favorite beach in 1998. The Grand Strand has been recognized each fall since the magazine began its Reader's Choice Awards three years ago.
Climate
The average summer temperature is 87 degrees, average winter temp. is 59, and spring and fall temperatures average 72-75 degrees.
Demographics
There are over 80,000 households in the Myrtle Beach primary market area, also known as the Grand Strand region. The number of households is expected to increase by 15% over the next five years.
The largest employers in Horry County are the Horry County School District (with 3640 employees), AVX Corporation (1680), Horry County Government (1350), Conway Hospital (900), Grand Strand Regional Medical Center (854), Sands Resort (775), and the City of Myrtle Beach (750).
Myrtle Beach has been ranked second in the nation for projected annual employment growth rates for 1993 to 2020.
Source: MSA Profile, Woods & Poole Economics
Money Magazine rated the Grand Strand as one of the top 20 places to retire in America. The number of persons over the age of 65 has grown from 18,262 in 1990 to an estimated 30,793 in 2000.
Gross retail sales for the area are $4.65 billion, and have grown by almost two-thirds since 1987.
The median age of residents is 44. Over 77% own their homes, while 26% rent.
Horry County has a population of 174,762 (as of 7-1-98), which represents a 21.3% increase in population from 1990-98. It is the largest county in South Carolina, with a land area of 1133.7 square miles. It's ranked 12th in the state for population density, with only 154 people per square mile.
Education: 23% of residents are college graduates, with another 24% reporting they have some college education.
Myrtle Beach Visitor Profile
Nearly a third of visitors come from North Carolina, and over 17% are from South Carolina. Other states with significant visitors are Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, and other areas in the Northeast and Midwest.
Income & average cost of living
The median family income for Horry County is $36,300 a year.
The average apartment rent is $558 per month, for a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit.
The average electric bill is $112.45 a month.
The average new home cost is $129,420 (for an 1800 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage).
Visiting the beach is the #1 reason for visitor trips, followed by shopping, golf, attractions, and special events.
Nearly 40% of visitors are between the ages of 18-34, with 45% in the 35-54 age range, and 18% over the age of 55.
The median household income of Myrtle Beach area visitors is $50-59,000, with 31% earning over $60,000 a year. There are over 13 million visitors to the Grand Strand each year.
Air Transportation
The Myrtle Beach International Airport serves the Grand Strand area. A total of 1,207,712 passengers landed in 1998, an increase of 12.65% from the year before. The Airport was designated an international airport in 1995. Customs and immigration services are available to receive international visitors and packages.
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