Dorchester, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,281
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,821/yr
10.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,027
-4.3% year-over-year change

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 2,281 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.8% of Dorchester locals are male, and 58.2% are female.

Total population
2,281
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.8%
953
Female
58.2%
1,328
Value Percent YoY change
Male 953 41.8% -0.6%
Female 1,328 58.2% 0.0%
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 Dorchester is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 405 17.8% -7.5%
15 to 24 216 9.5% 9.6%
25 to 44 604 26.5% -0.3%
45 to 64 606 26.6% 4.5%
Over 65 450 19.7% -3.4%
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 Dorchester, 86.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,971 86.4% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 100 4.4% -28.1%
Non-citizens 210 9.2% -4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
51%
Black or African American
26.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
17.9%
Value Percent
White 1,163 51%
Black or African American 608 26.6%
Two or more races 102 4.5%
Other 408 17.9%

Households in Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 861 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
861
-6.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
336
Family households
525
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 336 39% -21.5%
Family households 525 61% 7.4%
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 Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester's housing consists of 1,027 units, with 42.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 53.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,027
-4.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 439 42.8%
1 unit, attached 11 1.1%
Mobile home 551 53.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 26 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
19
280.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median construction year is 1994. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 28 2.7% 64.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 17 1.7% 13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5 0.5% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 4.1% -30.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 106 10.3% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 172 16.8% -17.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 385 37.5% -7.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 182 17.7% 7.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 6.9% -10.1%
Built in 2020 or later 19 1.8% 280.0%
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.

Dorchester occupancy rates

Out of the 861 occupied housing units in Dorchester, 89.8% are owner-occupied, while 10.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
861
-6.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
88
Owner occupied
773
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 88 10.2% 3.5%
Owner occupied 773 89.8% -7.1%
Unoccupied housing units
16.2%
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.

Dorchester housing costs

Housing costs in Dorchester come to a median of $609 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $634.

Median housing costs per month
$609/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 Dorchester
$634/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 Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

About 43.5% of the population in Dorchester went to high school, while 11.4% pursued college studies. Another 14.2% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 159 8.9% 47.2%
High school diploma 779 43.5% 2.9%
College diploma 205 11.4% -43.1%
Associate degree 254 14.2% 128.8%
Bachelor's degree 254 14.2% -18.3%
Graduate degree 140 7.8% 25.0%
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 Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

The average annual household income in Dorchester was $82,793 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,821, reflecting a +10.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dorchester
$82,793/year
10.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dorchester
$61,821/year
10.2% year-over-year change

Dorchester income by age

In Dorchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,147. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,500 overall. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $62,147 -4.9%
45 - 64 $78,500 35.4%
Over 65 $52,500 16.1%
Above poverty level
1,992
Below poverty level
228
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,992 89.7% 3.5%
Below poverty level 228 10.3% -23.2%

Employment in Dorchester

Workforce and job types in Dorchester

69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 20.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
734
Blue collar
328
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 734 69.1% 16.9%
Blue collar 328 30.9% -11.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
20.8%
Not for profit companies
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 124 11.7% 5.1%
Private companies 694 65.4% 10.3%
Governmental workers 221 20.8% -0.9%
Not for profit companies 23 2.2% -20.7%

Transportation in Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

Commuting methods vary: 95.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 988 95.7% 8.0%
Walk 44 4.3% 12.8%
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 Dorchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29437 2,281 861 $61,821 $82,793

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dorchester demographics 

What is the total population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a total population of 2,281 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dorchester?

The gender ratio in Dorchester is as follows:
  • 41.8% males (953 residents)
  • 58.2% females (1,328 residents)

What is the median age in Dorchester?

The median age in Dorchester is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dorchester?

The age distribution in Dorchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (405 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (216 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (604 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (606 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (450 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is as follows:
  • White: 51% (1,163 residents)
  • Black or African American: 26.6% (608 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (102 residents)
  • Other: 17.9% (408 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.4% of the population in Dorchester.

How many housing units are there in Dorchester?

There are 1,027 housing units in Dorchester, reflecting a -4.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dorchester has a total of 861 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a median household income of $61,821, representing a +10.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Dorchester?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (734 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (328 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (124 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (694 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.8% (221 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.2% (23 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