Folly Beach, South Carolina
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 west 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:
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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
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