Eastcoast Research provides focus group recruiting in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina.
Introduction to Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach was ranked as the second fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country in 2018 due to the area being one of the major centers of tourism in South Carolina. It is estimated that the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive 60-mile stretch of beaches draws 14 million visitors each year.
The area, known originally as Long Bay, was first inhabited by the Waccamaw Indians. European settlers prospected the area but would abandon the coast for greater opportunities inland. Around the 20th century, a railroad was built to connect the coast with Conway, SC for the transport of timber. Soon after, Myrtle Beach would be established in 1938.
Myrtle Beach’s economy is dominated by the tourist industry. The Grand Strand, the 60-mile stretch of beach of the city, is filled with hotels, resorts, restaurants and attractions. It is home to Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Waves, Carolina Opry, the Boardwalk and numerous Tanger Outlets and shopping malls.
Myrtle Beach is also been called the “Golf Capital of the World” because of the roughly 100 golf courses present in the area. It is estimated that 3.2 million rounds of golf were played in 2017. Tiger Woods declared Myrtle Beach the “mecca of golf” during his visit in the late 1990s.
Myrtle Beach is home to Coastal Carolina University, a state-supported college. The Grand Strand Medical Center is the primary hospital in the area as well as having their own municipal airport – Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Demographics
People
| Total Population | 30,760 |
| Male | 48.4% |
| Female | 51.6% |
| Senior Citizens | 19.7% |
| Median Age of Population | 42 |
Families
| Married | 44% |
| Average Household Size | 2.13 |
Education
| Less than High School | 4% |
| High School Graduate | 39% |
| Some College | 22.5% |
| College Degree | 17% |
| Graduate Degree or Higher | 9% |
Wealth
| Median Family Income | $39,006 |
| Above Poverty Level | 76% |
Commute & Sprawl
| Average Commute Time | 16 Minutes |
| Drive Alone or Carpool | 90% |
| Working from Home | 2.5% |
| Public Transportation | 0.5% |
Housing
| Single Family Own | 52% |
| Single Family Rent | 48% |
| Median House Value | $178,300 |
Population by Race
| White | 77% |
| Black | 14% |
| Hispanic | 7% |
| Asian | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
