Edisto Island, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,824
6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,979/yr
12.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,570
0.8% year-over-year change

Edisto Island population

How many people live in Edisto Island

Edisto Island is home to 2,824 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Edisto Island locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
2,824
6.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
1,367
Female
51.6%
1,457
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,367 48.4% 12.2%
Female 1,457 51.6% 1.2%
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 Edisto Island is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.5% are children under 15, then 2.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.2% of the population, while another 39.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 43.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
62.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.5%
15 to 24
2.8%
25 to 44
9.2%
45 to 64
39.8%
Over 65
43.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 128 4.5% 1.6%
15 to 24 79 2.8% -7.1%
25 to 44 259 9.2% 25.7%
45 to 64 1,125 39.8% 7.7%
Over 65 1,233 43.7% 3.2%
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 Edisto Island, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.9% of locals are Caucasian, 11.2% are African American and 3.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,729 96.6% 6.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48 1.7% -14.3%
Non-citizens 47 1.7% 30.6%
Racial breakdown
White
80.9%
Black or African American
11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 2,284 80.9%
Black or African American 315 11.2%
Asian 96 3.4%
Two or more races 68 2.4%
Other 61 2.2%

Households in Edisto Island

A peek inside Edisto Island households

Edisto Island has 1,500 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,500
9.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
522
Family households
978
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 522 34.8% 18.6%
Family households 978 65.2% 4.6%
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 Edisto Island

The housing landscape of Edisto Island

Edisto Island's housing consists of 3,570 units, with 77.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 7.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,570
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,759 77.3%
1 unit, attached 144 4%
2 units 83 2.3%
3 or 4 units 147 4.1%
5 to 9 units 101 2.8%
10 to 19 units 39 1.1%
20 to 49 units 13 0.4%
50 or more units 15 0.4%
Mobile home 270 7.6%
Homes built since 2020
63
133.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Edisto Island

In Edisto Island, the median construction year is 1991. About 3.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% 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 135 3.8% 206.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 1.8% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 121 3.4% 57.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 81 2.3% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 359 10.1% 4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 927 26% -9.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 759 21.3% -11.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 763 21.4% -2.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 299 8.4% 27.2%
Built in 2020 or later 63 1.8% 133.3%
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.

Edisto Island occupancy rates

Out of the 1,500 occupied housing units in Edisto Island, 88.1% are owner-occupied, while 11.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 58% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,500
9.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
178
Owner occupied
1,322
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 178 11.9% 18.7%
Owner occupied 1,322 88.1% 7.9%
Unoccupied housing units
58.0%
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.

Edisto Island housing costs

Housing costs in Edisto Island come to a median of $1,586 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $888.

Median housing costs per month
$1,586/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 Edisto Island
$888/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 Edisto Island

Edisto Island education at a glance

About 19.4% of the population in Edisto Island went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 28.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 0.5% -38.1%
High school diploma 518 19.4% -5.7%
College diploma 557 20.9% 11.0%
Associate degree 187 7% -14.2%
Bachelor's degree 766 28.8% 22.8%
Graduate degree 623 23.4% 10.8%
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 Edisto Island

How much people earn in Edisto Island

The average annual household income in Edisto Island was $133,049 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,979, reflecting a +12.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Edisto Island
$133,049/year
10.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Edisto Island
$86,979/year
12.4% year-over-year change

Edisto Island income by age

In Edisto Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,893. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,563 overall. Overall, 93.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $60,893 N/A
45 - 64 $91,563 2.5%
Over 65 $81,250 23.9%
Above poverty level
2,629
Below poverty level
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,629 93.1% 8.6%
Below poverty level 195 6.9% -15.6%

Employment in Edisto Island

Workforce and job types in Edisto Island

75.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 27.3% run their own businesses, 54.5% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
904
Blue collar
299
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 904 75.2% 14.9%
Blue collar 299 24.8% 20.1%
Employer type
Self employees
27.3%
Private companies
54.5%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 329 27.3% 6.1%
Private companies 656 54.5% 24.9%
Governmental workers 177 14.7% 22.9%
Not for profit companies 42 3.5% -27.6%

Transportation in Edisto Island

How people get around in Edisto Island

In Edisto Island, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 865 97.7% 15.2%
Bicycle 1 0.1% -80.0%
Walk 19 2.2% 533.3%
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 Edisto Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29438 2,826 1,501 $86,979 $133,069

Explore more communities

FAQs about Edisto Island demographics 

What is the total population of Edisto Island?

Edisto Island has a total population of 2,824 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 +6.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Edisto Island?

The gender ratio in Edisto Island is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (1,367 residents)
  • 51.6% females (1,457 residents)

What is the median age in Edisto Island?

The median age in Edisto Island is 62.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Edisto Island?

The age distribution in Edisto Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.5% (128 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.8% (79 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.2% (259 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 39.8% (1,125 residents)
  • Over 65: 43.7% (1,233 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Edisto Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Edisto Island is as follows:
  • White: 80.9% (2,284 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.2% (315 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 3.4% (96 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (68 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (61 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Edisto Island.

How many housing units are there in Edisto Island?

There are 3,570 housing units in Edisto Island, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Edisto Island has a total of 1,500 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Edisto Island?

Edisto Island has a median household income of $86,979, representing a +12.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Edisto Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.2% (904 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.8% (299 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 27.3% (329 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.5% (656 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (177 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (42 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