University Hill, Columbia, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,699
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,264/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,485
1.4% year-over-year change

University Hill population

How many people live in University Hill

University Hill is home to 4,699 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.6% of University Hill locals are male, and 57.4% are female.

Total population
4,699
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.6%
2,004
Female
57.4%
2,695
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,004 42.6% 1.8%
Female 2,695 57.4% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in University Hill is 22, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.6% are children under 15, then 61.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.8% of the population, while another 8.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 6.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
22.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.6%
15 to 24
61.1%
25 to 44
16.8%
45 to 64
8.6%
Over 65
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 310 6.6% -8.8%
15 to 24 2,873 61.1% 1.8%
25 to 44 791 16.8% 3.1%
45 to 64 403 8.6% -1.2%
Over 65 323 6.9% 3.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In University Hill, 91.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.6% of locals are Caucasian, 17.3% are African American and 4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,319 91.9% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 230 4.9% 26.4%
Non-citizens 151 3.2% 14.4%
Racial breakdown
White
69.6%
Black or African American
17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
7%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 3,273 69.6%
Black or African American 812 17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.3%
Asian 190 4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0.4%
Two or more races 328 7%
Other 63 1.3%

Households in University Hill

A peek inside University Hill households

University Hill has 1,217 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 38% are families, while the remaining 62% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,217
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
754
Family households
463
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 754 62% 1.5%
Family households 463 38% -2.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in University Hill

The housing landscape of University Hill

University Hill's housing consists of 1,485 units, with 51.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,485
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 768 51.7%
1 unit, attached 78 5.2%
2 units 95 6.4%
3 or 4 units 126 8.5%
5 to 9 units 114 7.7%
10 to 19 units 43 2.9%
20 to 49 units 66 4.4%
50 or more units 183 12.3%
Mobile home 10 0.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
10
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University Hill

In University Hill, the median construction year is 1976. About 20.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 302 20.4% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 246 16.6% 9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 207 14% -12.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 119 8% 4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 137 9.2% -6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 147 9.9% 14.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 67 4.5% -16.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 142 9.6% 13.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 106 7.2% 19.1%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.7% 66.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

University Hill occupancy rates

Out of the 1,217 occupied housing units in University Hill, 46.2% are owner-occupied, while 53.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,217
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
655
Owner occupied
562
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 655 53.8% 1.9%
Owner occupied 562 46.2% -2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
18.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

University Hill housing costs

Housing costs in University Hill come to a median of $1,198 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,142.

Median housing costs per month
$1,198/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in University Hill
$1,142/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in University Hill

University Hill education at a glance

About 16.2% of the population in University Hill went to high school, while 54.8% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 14.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 0.4% 5.6%
High school diploma 697 16.2% 2.8%
College diploma 2,363 54.8% 2.6%
Associate degree 130 3% 13.0%
Bachelor's degree 607 14.1% -0.3%
Graduate degree 493 11.4% -1.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in University Hill

How much people earn in University Hill

The average annual household income in University Hill was $89,067 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year.

Average household income in University Hill
$89,067/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in University Hill
$48,264/year
0.0% year-over-year change

University Hill income by age

In University Hill, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,212. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,864 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,869, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,889 in earnings. Overall, 73.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,869 21.9%
25 - 44 $75,212 6.4%
45 - 64 $68,864 -8.7%
Over 65 $40,889 -4.0%
Above poverty level
1,779
Below poverty level
634
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,779 73.7% -2.4%
Below poverty level 634 26.3% 5.8%

Employment in University Hill

Workforce and job types in University Hill

89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 62.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,844
Blue collar
207
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,844 89.9% 7.2%
Blue collar 207 10.1% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
62.2%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 150 7.3% -8.0%
Private companies 1,276 62.2% 7.3%
Governmental workers 441 21.5% 8.9%
Not for profit companies 185 9% 18.6%

Transportation in University Hill

How people get around in University Hill

In University Hill, the average commute time is 10 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 22.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
10 min
-23.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,316 76.4% 2.3%
Taxicab 4 0.2% 33.3%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.4% -63.2%
Railroad 1 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 4 0.2% 33.3%
Bicycle 8 0.5% -50.0%
Walk 382 22.2% 26.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in University Hill by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29201 24,605 10,410 $32,297 $60,842
29205 22,223 10,643 $64,231 $113,315
29208 2,445 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about University Hill demographics 

What is the total population of University Hill?

University Hill has a total population of 4,699 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in University Hill?

The gender ratio in University Hill is as follows:
  • 42.6% males (2,004 residents)
  • 57.4% females (2,695 residents)

What is the median age in University Hill?

The median age in University Hill is 22.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in University Hill?

The age distribution in University Hill is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.6% (310 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 61.1% (2,873 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.8% (791 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.6% (403 residents)
  • Over 65: 6.9% (323 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University Hill?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University Hill is as follows:
  • White: 69.6% (3,273 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.3% (812 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 4% (190 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (328 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (63 residents)

What percentage of the population in University Hill are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.9% of the population in University Hill.

How many housing units are there in University Hill?

There are 1,485 housing units in University Hill, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in University Hill and what is the average household size?

University Hill has a total of 1,217 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in University Hill?

University Hill has a median household income of $48,264, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for University Hill?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (1,844 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (207 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (150 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.2% (1,276 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (441 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (185 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025