Deep Dive Relocation Report: Mount Pleasant, SC (2026)

Mount Pleasant: The Data Profile (2026)

Mount Pleasant presents a distinct statistical anomaly in the 2026 coastal real estate landscape. With a population of 95,229, it retains a "smaller city" designation while exhibiting income metrics typically reserved for major metro suburbs. The median household income stands at $127,357, which is a staggering +70.8% higher than the US median of $74,580. This income disparity drives a unique economic engine where the cost of living index for housing is 88.0 (below the national average), creating a high-disposable-income environment.

Target Demographic: The data points to a specific target: dual-income professionals and remote-first executives ("The Post-Remote Affluent"). This demographic prioritizes the $127,357 income threshold to leverage the -12.0% housing discount relative to the national curve, while capitalizing on the 95.0 healthcare index and 86.1/100 health score.

Cost of Living Analysis

While housing is below the national average, the aggregate cost of living remains competitive. The grocery index sits at 92.2 and transportation at 92.8, contributing to a manageable monthly budget. However, the electricity rate of 14.23 cents/kWh is notably lower than the US average of 16.0 cents, providing relief for climate-control expenses in the humid Lowcountry.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single earner making the median income of $127,357 (approx. $7,960 monthly after tax) retains approximately $4,533 in disposable income after covering the $3,427 monthly budget. This represents a savings rate of 57%, significantly higher than the national average of 35%.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Mount Pleasant is defined by a "high-income, lower-cost" dynamic. The median home price is projected to be approximately $615,000 in 2026. When adjusted for square footage, the Price/SqFt of $285 remains -15.0% lower than the national average of $335. Renters find relief in the 2-Bedroom FMV of $1,787, which is -10.2% below the US average of $1,990.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict: Despite the median home price being $615,000, the cost of renting is significantly suppressed relative to the local high income. The price-to-rent ratio sits at 25.1, suggesting that buying is a long-term wealth play, but renting offers superior cash flow flexibility for those not committed to a 10+ year horizon.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote economy has solidified Mount Pleasant's status as a bedroom community for Charleston, yet local industry has grown. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, slightly above the US average of 4.0%, likely due to the high labor participation rate of dual-income households.

RTO & Commute: With the return-to-office (RTO) mandates stabilizing in 2026, the average commute time to downtown Charleston is 22 minutes (approx. 12 miles). This is significantly lower than the national average commute of 27 minutes. The -7.2% transportation index suggests that despite the bridge crossings, fuel and maintenance costs remain below average.

Industry Stability: The local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and marine logistics. The median income growth of +7.0% year-over-year outpaces inflation, indicating robust economic health.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life metrics in Mount Pleasant are statistically superior, particularly regarding health outcomes. The city boasts a Health Score of 86.1/100, driven by low risk factors. The smoking rate is exceptionally low at 7.8% (vs. 14.0% US average), and the obesity rate is 26.0%, significantly better than the national 31.9%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis: Mount Pleasant is a safety standout. Violent crime is recorded at 178 incidents per 100k people, which is -53% lower than the US average of 380. Property crime is 1567/100k, roughly on par with the national average of 2,000, making it a statistically safe environment for families.

Air Quality & Weather: The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 43, classified as "Good," with PM2.5 levels at 6.1 µg/m³. The current weather snapshot shows a temperature of 64.0°F with a high of 72°F, though "Widespread Fog" is a common coastal occurrence affecting visibility (reducing travel speeds by ~15% during morning hours).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: A median income of $127,357 combined with a housing index of 88.0 creates a wealth-building environment.
• Safety: Violent crime is 53% below the national average.
• Health: A health score of 86.1 and smoking rates of 7.8% suggest a long-living population.

Cons:

• Home Prices: The median home price of $615,000 is +49.2% higher than the US average, requiring significant capital entry.
• Unemployment: The rate of 4.6% is slightly higher than the national 4.0%, indicating a tighter specialized job market.

Final Recommendation:
Mount Pleasant is a Buy for the "Post-Remote Affluent" class. If your household income exceeds $125,000, the math favors relocating here over major metros like Austin or Boston. The combination of -12.0% housing costs and +70.8% income potential offers a 5-year wealth accumulation advantage that is rare in 2026.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Mount Pleasant?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income) while renting a 2-bedroom unit ($1,787), a single earner needs a gross annual salary of approximately $95,000. To buy a median home ($615,000), a household income of $175,000 is recommended to maintain a debt-to-income ratio below 36%.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Charleston?
Mount Pleasant offers a -12.0% discount on housing compared to the national average, whereas Charleston proper has a housing index of 115.0. You gain +15% purchasing power by living in Mount Pleasant while maintaining access to Charleston's job market within a 22-minute commute.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. The data indicates a violent crime rate of 178/100k, which is statistically significant. This places Mount Pleasant in the 92nd percentile for safety globally.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
The market is stable, but inventory moves fast. The best time to buy is typically Q3, but with the current fog conditions and mild temperature of 64.0°F, immediate relocation allows for a smoother transition before the summer heat index rises above 95°F.