Isle of Palms, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,362
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$156,979/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,588
2.3% year-over-year change

Isle of Palms population

How many people live in Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is home to 4,362 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Isle of Palms locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
4,362
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
2,186
Female
49.9%
2,176
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,186 50.1% -1.5%
Female 2,176 49.9% 2.2%
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 Isle of Palms is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.2% are children under 15, then 4.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.6% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.2%
15 to 24
4.3%
25 to 44
17.6%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
34.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 490 11.2% -18.6%
15 to 24 187 4.3% 8.7%
25 to 44 768 17.6% 3.1%
45 to 64 1,403 32.2% -3.4%
Over 65 1,514 34.7% 9.9%
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 Isle of Palms, 93.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 0.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.2%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,079 93.5% 4.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 270 6.2% -35.2%
Non-citizens 13 0.3% -62.9%
Racial breakdown
White
99.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 4,324 99.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 1 0%
Two or more races 36 0.8%

Households in Isle of Palms

A peek inside Isle of Palms households

Isle of Palms has 2,043 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,043
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
618
Family households
1,425
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 618 30.2% -3.1%
Family households 1,425 69.8% 5.2%
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 Isle of Palms

The housing landscape of Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms's housing consists of 4,588 units, with 69.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,588
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,209 69.9%
1 unit, attached 136 3%
2 units 48 1%
3 or 4 units 36 0.8%
5 to 9 units 88 1.9%
10 to 19 units 252 5.5%
20 to 49 units 463 10.1%
50 or more units 356 7.8%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Isle of Palms

In Isle of Palms, the median construction year is 1986. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 13 0.3% 44.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 177 3.9% 52.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 213 4.6% -23.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 376 8.2% -11.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 600 13.1% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,651 36% 15.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 683 14.9% -9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 547 11.9% -11.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 314 6.8% 51.7%
Built in 2020 or later 14 0.3% N/A
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.

Isle of Palms occupancy rates

Out of the 2,043 occupied housing units in Isle of Palms, 93.5% are owner-occupied, while 6.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 55.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,043
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
133
Owner occupied
1,910
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 133 6.5% -28.5%
Owner occupied 1,910 93.5% 5.7%
Unoccupied housing units
55.5%
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.

Isle of Palms housing costs

Housing costs in Isle of Palms come to a median of $2,619 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,893.

Median housing costs per month
$2,619/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 Isle of Palms
$2,893/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 Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms education at a glance

About 8.2% of the population in Isle of Palms went to high school, while 13.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 39% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 31.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 312 8.2% 59.2%
College diploma 518 13.7% -8.0%
Associate degree 285 7.5% -18.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,475 39% 21.3%
Graduate degree 1,192 31.5% -10.0%
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 Isle of Palms

How much people earn in Isle of Palms

The average annual household income in Isle of Palms was $269,949 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $156,979, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Isle of Palms
$269,949/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Isle of Palms
$156,979/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Isle of Palms income by age

In Isle of Palms, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $167,361 overall. Overall, 97.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $167,361 11.3%
Over 65 $103,295 4.2%
Above poverty level
4,217
Below poverty level
111
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,217 97.4% 0.7%
Below poverty level 111 2.6% 44.2%

Average renter income in Isle of Palms

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Isle of Palms, their median household income was $100,417 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$100,417
Rent-to-income ratio
34.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Isle of Palms

Workforce and job types in Isle of Palms

The job market in Isle of Palms is powered by 1,929 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.3% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,929
5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,761
Blue collar
168
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,761 91.3% 8.3%
Blue collar 168 8.7% -17.2%
Employer type
Self employees
23.3%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 449 23.3% 4.9%
Private companies 1,203 62.4% 8.1%
Governmental workers 173 9% -6.5%
Not for profit companies 104 5.4% 1.0%
Unemployment rate
1.3%
-10.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Isle of Palms stands at 1.3%, 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 Isle of Palms

How people get around in Isle of Palms

Commuting methods vary: 62.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 1,201 62.4% -6.2%
Bicycle 21 1.1% -16.0%
Walk 13 0.7% 18.2%
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 Isle of Palms by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29451 4,362 2,043 $156,979 $269,949
29464 53,045 23,963 $111,907 $158,245

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FAQs about Isle of Palms demographics 

What is the total population of Isle of Palms?

Isle of Palms has a total population of 4,362 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 Isle of Palms?

The gender ratio in Isle of Palms is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (2,186 residents)
  • 49.9% females (2,176 residents)

What is the median age in Isle of Palms?

The median age in Isle of Palms is 54.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Isle of Palms?

The age distribution in Isle of Palms is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.2% (490 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.3% (187 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.6% (768 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (1,403 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.7% (1,514 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Isle of Palms?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Isle of Palms is as follows:
  • White: 99.1% (4,324 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.8% (36 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.5% of the population in Isle of Palms.

How many housing units are there in Isle of Palms?

There are 4,588 housing units in Isle of Palms, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Isle of Palms and what is the average household size?

Isle of Palms has a total of 2,043 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Isle of Palms?

Isle of Palms has a median household income of $156,979, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Isle of Palms?

The employment rate is 98.7% in Isle of Palms, with a workforce of 1,929 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.3% (1,761 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.7% (168 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.3% (449 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (1,203 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (173 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (104 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