Folly Beach, South Carolina

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Welcome to Folly Beach

Folly Beach, South Carolina is located on a 6 mile long, half-mile wide barrier island southwest of Charleston. Folly Beach is a short drive from downtown Charleston and is separated from James Island, to the north, by the Intracoastal Waterway. Folly Beach is a relatively small waterfront town that relies heavily on tourism. Comprised of part-time and full-time residents, Folly Beach employs a small contingent of city workers and policemen and the town has a quiet, intimate feel. Residents enjoy a relaxed and tranquil beach lifestyle.

Folly Beach, South Carolina has a long and interesting history. The first record of Folly Beach dates back to 1969 when it was given by royal grant to William Rivers. Before the civil war, Folly Beach was also known as Coffin Land and was mostly uninhabited and secluded from modern society. In the winter of 1832, Brig Amelia shipwrecked on Folly Beach and an outbreak of cholera followed. Charleston officials attempted to quarantine Folly Beach from neighboring James Island. It also had a reputation as a pirate hideout, and for the most part, the adventurous early inhabitants of Folly Beach governed themselves.

During the Civil War, Folly Island, South Carolina became a base for the United States Union. From here, they would launch attempts to take Charleston from the South. Though little fighting took place on the island, the harsh conditions on the island caused many soldiers to fall ill from exposure to the elements and poor sanitation. After the Civil War, many decades went by till Folly Beach saw regular inhabitants. By the 1930’s, nine families were living on Folly Beach, South Carolina year round. The population continued to grow on Folly Beach because of the great natural beauty, mild climate, and proximity to downtown Charleston.

In 1995, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier was constructed. At 1,045 feet long, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier is the second longest on the East coast. The Pier is 25 feet wide and stands 23 feet above sea level. Here, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views and spectacular fishing. The Pier also features a full-service restaurant, rod rentals, tackle shop, beach access, showers, and restrooms. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier hosts annual events and fishing tournaments, so residents will always find something fun to do at Folly Beach. In addition, access to the 6-mile long beach is easy, and many say that the tumbling dunes, pristine white sands, and clear blue waters are unmatched in the region.

It’s easy to see why Folly Beach, South Carolina is such a popular destination and a desirable place to live. Residents enjoy a relaxed beach lifestyle and a small town feel, yet the attractions, shopping and dining, and cultural events of downtown Charleston are only a few minutes away.

Folly Beach, South Carolina Demographic Data

The following information is from the 2000 Census from Folly Beach, SC

• Population: 2,116 people
• Number of Households: 1,060
• Number of owner-occupied homes: 618
• Percentage of Households living as a Family: 46.2%
• Median income for a household: $46,935
• Median income for a family: $66.058
• Percentage of Households with Children under 18: 13.0%
• Percentage of Population aged 65 years and older: 12.4%
• Median age: 41.4 years
• Average household size: 2.00
• Average family size: 2.51