Reader Poll: What is the Myrtle Beach area’s biggest problem?

What do you think is the biggest problem facing the Myrtle Beach area?

We’ve created this reader poll to gauge community responses and see what people feel is the biggest issue in the Grand Strand.

It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach has an unsafe reputation around the state, but does it warrant a nickname like “Murder Beach?”

Myrtle Beach has had three shootings in the past two months along Ocean Boulevard, one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular tourist destinations.

Other high-profile crimes include a high-speed chase where suspects were seen shooting at police, or a shooting at a boat party in Little River.

For others, Myrtle Beach is home to hospitality work in Hotels or restaurants and little else.

Horry County reported it was no. 1 in tourism in South Carolina. In the county’s most recent economic development report, the Accommodation and Food Services industry was reported to employ more than 31,000 people.

It’s hard to find a good job where people can meet the high cost of rent, groceries and other expenses in an area without many opportunities for stable income.

The Myrtle Beach area has also undergone major changes in its identity whether it was the tearing down of the Pavilion in downtown, the push for the downtown arts district and development of Market Common.

We want to hear from you, the generational residents who have always called the Grand Strand home or the transplants from somewhere up north, what is the biggest issue in the Grand Strand?

This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.