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

Total population
2,326
5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$213,594/yr
-9.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,865
-0.8% year-over-year change

Kiawah Island population

How many people live in Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is home to 2,326 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Kiawah Island locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
2,326
5.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
1,156
Female
50.3%
1,170
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,156 49.7% 5.9%
Female 1,170 50.3% 6.0%
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 Kiawah Island is 67, with the population distributed as follows: about 0.6% are children under 15, then 0.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 2.7% of the population, while another 38.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 57% are 65 or older.

Median age
66.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
0.6%
15 to 24
0.9%
25 to 44
2.7%
45 to 64
38.8%
Over 65
57%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15 0.6% -50.0%
15 to 24 20 0.9% -9.1%
25 to 44 63 2.7% 23.5%
45 to 64 902 38.8% 3.0%
Over 65 1,326 57% 9.0%
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 Kiawah Island, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 98.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 0.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,216 95.3% 6.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 105 4.5% 1.9%
Non-citizens 5 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
98.2%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.3%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,283 98.2%
Black or African American 7 0.3%
Asian 24 1%
Two or more races 7 0.3%
Other 5 0.2%

Households in Kiawah Island

A peek inside Kiawah Island households

Kiawah Island has 1,211 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 85.6% are families, while the remaining 14.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,211
6.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
174
Family households
1,037
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 174 14.4% -4.9%
Family households 1,037 85.6% 8.9%
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 Kiawah Island

The housing landscape of Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island's housing consists of 3,865 units, with 69.4% 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. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,865
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,681 69.4%
1 unit, attached 117 3%
2 units 15 0.4%
3 or 4 units 105 2.7%
5 to 9 units 417 10.8%
10 to 19 units 434 11.2%
20 to 49 units 64 1.7%
50 or more units 13 0.3%
Mobile home 19 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
46
58.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kiawah Island

In Kiawah Island, the median construction year is 1989. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7 0.2% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 782 20.2% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,333 34.5% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 654 16.9% -10.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 672 17.4% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 371 9.6% 2.2%
Built in 2020 or later 46 1.2% 58.6%
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.

Kiawah Island occupancy rates

Out of the 1,211 occupied housing units in Kiawah Island, 98.9% are owner-occupied, while 1.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 68.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,211
6.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13
Owner occupied
1,198
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13 1.1% -38.1%
Owner occupied 1,198 98.9% 7.5%
Unoccupied housing units
68.7%
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.

Kiawah Island housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$3,374/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.

Education in Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island education at a glance

About 2.9% of the population in Kiawah Island went to high school, while 5% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 36.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 50.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 0.8% 26.7%
High school diploma 68 2.9% -1.4%
College diploma 115 5% -12.9%
Associate degree 103 4.5% 12.0%
Bachelor's degree 845 36.6% 8.2%
Graduate degree 1,161 50.2% 7.8%
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 Kiawah Island

How much people earn in Kiawah Island

The average annual household income in Kiawah Island was $404,011 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $213,594, reflecting a -9.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kiawah Island
$404,011/year
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kiawah Island
$213,594/year
-9.7% year-over-year change

Kiawah Island income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 96.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $174,750 -12.6%
Above poverty level
2,253
Below poverty level
73
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,253 96.9% 5.7%
Below poverty level 73 3.1% 23.7%

Average renter income in Kiawah Island

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Kiawah Island, their median household income was $234,750 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$234,750
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Kiawah Island

Workforce and job types in Kiawah Island

The job market in Kiawah Island is powered by 693 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 98.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 34.5% run their own businesses, 54.8% are employed by private companies, and 3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
693
5.2% year-over-year change
White collar
680
Blue collar
13
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 680 98.1% 5.1%
Blue collar 13 1.9% 8.3%
Employer type
Self employees
34.5%
Private companies
54.8%
Governmental workers
3%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 239 34.5% 0.8%
Private companies 380 54.8% 5.6%
Governmental workers 21 3% -8.7%
Not for profit companies 53 7.6% 35.9%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-38.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kiawah Island stands at 1.8%, 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 Kiawah Island

How people get around in Kiawah Island

Commuting methods vary: 39.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% 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 272 39.9% 7.1%
Subway or elevated 13 1.9% N/A
Railroad 18 2.6% 63.6%
Walk 17 2.5% 183.3%
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 Kiawah Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29455 27,576 12,249 $121,372 $178,217

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FAQs about Kiawah Island demographics 

What is the total population of Kiawah Island?

Kiawah Island has a total population of 2,326 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 +5.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kiawah Island?

The gender ratio in Kiawah Island is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (1,156 residents)
  • 50.3% females (1,170 residents)

What is the median age in Kiawah Island?

The median age in Kiawah Island is 66.8.

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

The age distribution in Kiawah Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 0.6% (15 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0.9% (20 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 2.7% (63 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 38.8% (902 residents)
  • Over 65: 57% (1,326 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kiawah Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kiawah Island is as follows:
  • White: 98.2% (2,283 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.3% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (5 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Kiawah Island.

How many housing units are there in Kiawah Island?

There are 3,865 housing units in Kiawah 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 Kiawah Island and what is the average household size?

Kiawah Island has a total of 1,211 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kiawah Island?

Kiawah Island has a median household income of $213,594, representing a -9.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Kiawah Island?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Kiawah Island, with a workforce of 693 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.1% (680 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.9% (13 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 34.5% (239 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.8% (380 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3% (21 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (53 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