Horry County, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
383,016
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,880/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
217,419
2.7% year-over-year change

Horry County population

How many people live in Horry County

Horry County is home to 383,016 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Horry County locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
383,016
3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
185,457
Female
51.6%
197,559
Value Percent YoY change
Male 185,457 48.4% 3.8%
Female 197,559 51.6% 3.9%
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 Horry County is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.1% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
21.1%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
26.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 52,821 13.8% 1.6%
15 to 24 42,105 11% 5.0%
25 to 44 80,912 21.1% 2.2%
45 to 64 106,199 27.7% 3.3%
Over 65 100,979 26.4% 6.4%
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 Horry County, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.6% of locals are Caucasian, 11.8% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 353,699 92.4% 3.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,586 4.3% 8.4%
Non-citizens 12,731 3.3% -1.2%
Racial breakdown
White
76.6%
Black or African American
11.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 293,496 76.6%
Black or African American 45,064 11.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,034 0.3%
Asian 5,250 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 330 0.1%
Two or more races 28,607 7.5%
Other 9,235 2.4%

Households in Horry County

A peek inside Horry County households

Horry County has 158,779 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65% are families, while the remaining 35% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
158,779
5.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
55,568
Family households
103,211
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 55,568 35% 4.4%
Family households 103,211 65% 6.3%
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 Horry County

The housing landscape of Horry County

Horry County's housing consists of 217,419 units, with 53.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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 12.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
217,419
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 116,164 53.4%
1 unit, attached 9,438 4.3%
2 units 2,492 1.2%
3 or 4 units 6,459 3%
5 to 9 units 13,724 6.3%
10 to 19 units 14,905 6.9%
20 to 49 units 12,169 5.6%
50 or more units 13,792 6.3%
Mobile home 28,038 12.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 238 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
10,941
96.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Horry County

In Horry County, the median construction year is 1999. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,591 0.7% -12.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,878 0.9% -4.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,479 2.5% -7.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,973 3.2% -5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18,854 8.7% 0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 38,776 17.8% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 37,220 17.1% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 53,739 24.7% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 41,968 19.3% 9.8%
Built in 2020 or later 10,941 5% 96.2%
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.

Horry County occupancy rates

Out of the 158,779 occupied housing units in Horry County, 77.3% are owner-occupied, while 22.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
158,779
5.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
36,099
Owner occupied
122,680
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 36,099 22.7% -0.6%
Owner occupied 122,680 77.3% 7.6%
Unoccupied housing units
27.0%
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.

Horry County housing costs

Housing costs in Horry County come to a median of $1,061 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,255.

Median housing costs per month
$1,061/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 Horry County
$1,255/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 Horry County

Horry County education at a glance

About 37.4% of the population in Horry County went to high school, while 24.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,177 2.6% -2.9%
High school diploma 119,039 37.4% 2.5%
College diploma 77,543 24.4% 4.2%
Associate degree 32,686 10.3% 6.9%
Bachelor's degree 52,972 16.7% 6.2%
Graduate degree 27,635 8.7% 6.8%
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 Horry County

How much people earn in Horry County

The average annual household income in Horry County was $87,740 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,880, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Horry County
$87,740/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Horry County
$66,880/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Horry County income by age

In Horry County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,959. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,128 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,498, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,399 in earnings. Overall, 86.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,498 4.2%
25 - 44 $75,959 7.3%
45 - 64 $74,128 5.6%
Over 65 $57,399 -1.3%
Above poverty level
324,325
Below poverty level
49,286
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 324,325 86.8% 3.2%
Below poverty level 49,286 13.2% 7.2%

Employment in Horry County

Workforce and job types in Horry County

The job market in Horry County is powered by 165,359 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.7% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
165,359
3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
133,631
Blue collar
31,728
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 133,631 80.8% 3.7%
Blue collar 31,728 19.2% 0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.7%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 20,998 12.7% 2.1%
Private companies 114,762 69.4% 2.1%
Governmental workers 21,094 12.8% 8.2%
Not for profit companies 8,505 5.1% 7.1%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Horry County stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Horry County

How people get around in Horry County

In Horry County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 138,013 84.9% 1.2%
Taxicab 740 0.5% 24.4%
Bus or trolleybus 656 0.4% -10.1%
Subway or elevated 76 0% N/A
Railroad 9 0% N/A
Ferryboat 22 0% 175.0%
Motorcycle 184 0.1% -7.1%
Bicycle 419 0.3% 39.7%
Walk 1,378 0.8% -7.8%
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 Horry County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29511 6,874 2,437 $69,507 $80,616
29526 54,130 19,432 $68,825 $83,007
29527 28,451 10,856 $52,069 $69,749
29544 8,252 3,009 $78,401 $88,354
29545 1,767 662 $42,083 $52,930
29566 23,806 10,858 $64,878 $83,354
29568 17,097 7,373 $62,653 $77,615
29569 17,788 7,096 $46,840 $68,891
29572 12,124 5,935 $85,247 $121,242
29575 20,721 9,265 $71,447 $93,950

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FAQs about Horry County demographics 

What is the total population of Horry County?

Horry County has a total population of 383,016 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 +3.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Horry County?

The gender ratio in Horry County is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (185,457 residents)
  • 51.6% females (197,559 residents)

What is the median age in Horry County?

The median age in Horry County is 48.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Horry County?

The age distribution in Horry County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (52,821 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (42,105 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.1% (80,912 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (106,199 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.4% (100,979 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Horry County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Horry County is as follows:
  • White: 76.6% (293,496 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.8% (45,064 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,034 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (5,250 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (330 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (28,607 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (9,235 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Horry County.

How many housing units are there in Horry County?

There are 217,419 housing units in Horry County, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Horry County has a total of 158,779 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Horry County?

Horry County has a median household income of $66,880, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Horry County?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Horry County, with a workforce of 165,359 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (133,631 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (31,728 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.7% (20,998 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (114,762 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (21,094 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (8,505 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