For the 14th straight year, Beaufort County has ranked the healthiest county of all 46 counties in S.C., according to the County Health Rankings by Niche.com, one of the most popular rankings sites in the U.S.
Beaufort is a very active community and the findings show that Beaufort surpasses all of the other counties in South Carolina in its quality of life.
“Beaufort County is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. In Beaufort County, most residents own their homes, and many young professionals and retirees live there,” Niche.com said in the report.
Beaufort County’s grades were pretty good, and it received an overall A+.
Beaufort County received an A for Health & Fitness, Outdoor Activities, being Good For Families, and for its Public Schools.
A- were bestowed on Beaufort for Weather, and Nightlife.
Beaufort County also received a B+ for Jobs, a B+ for [daily] Commute, a B+ for Diversity.
Beaufort County did, however, receive a B- for Housing, and a C+ for Cost of Living.
According to Niche.com, the 2025 Healthiest Counties ranking is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of the general levels of health among residents at the county level.
“This grade takes into account key indicators of personal health, such as smoking, excessive alcoholic consumption, rates of obesity, as well as the availability and proximity of fitness facilities, doctors, and mental health practitioners, in an attempt to measure an area’s performance in health and fitness.”
Other popular studies have shown that Beaufort County residents enjoy the longest life expectancy in the state as well as the best quality of life in South Carolina. They’ve also found that Beaufort County leads the Palmetto State when it comes to health behaviors. This includes a lower amount of cigarette smokers, a lower rate of adult obesity and the ease of access to many exercise opportunities.
How other counties ranked
No South Carolina counties ranked in the top 100 of the list.
Beaufort came in at #155 in the U.S, and is the only county in South Carolina to be in the top 200.
According to the study, the top 5 healthiest counties in SC are (in order) Beaufort, Charleston, Greenville, York, and Spartanburg.
According to the study, the counties with the poorest health in SC are Barnwell, Allendale, Hampton, Marlboro, and Lee.
See the full list of U.S. Counties and see how they ranked here.
See the full list of South Carolina counties and see how they ranked here.
Beaufort is surrounded by sea islands and that provides an easy way for folks to enjoy the water, do some fishing or take the kayak out for a few hours. Lots of beaches, trails and parks in the area make for some fabulous long walks as well.
If you’re looking for a good quality of life….Beaufort County is your obvious choice. Beaufort is the healthiest county in S.C., after all.
