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

Total population
170
46.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$122,500/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
581
4.3% year-over-year change

Pawleys Island population

How many people live in Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is home to 170 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Pawleys Island locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
170
46.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
77
Female
54.7%
93
Value Percent YoY change
Male 77 45.3% 60.4%
Female 93 54.7% 36.8%
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

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 1.2% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 70.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
68.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
1.8%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
1.2%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
70.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3 1.8% 50.0%
25 to 44 2 1.2% N/A
45 to 64 45 26.5% 55.2%
Over 65 120 70.6% 41.2%
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 Pawleys Island, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 169 99.4% 48.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 0.6% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
98.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 168 98.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 1.2%

Households in Pawleys Island

A peek inside Pawleys Island households

Pawleys Island has 96 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
96
43.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
33
Family households
63
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 33 34.4% 13.8%
Family households 63 65.6% 65.8%
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 Pawleys Island

The housing landscape of Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island's housing consists of 581 units, with 85% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
581
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 494 85%
1 unit, attached 6 1%
2 units 2 0.3%
3 or 4 units 5 0.9%
5 to 9 units 73 12.6%
50 or more units 1 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pawleys Island

In Pawleys Island, the median construction year is 1977. About 12% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 70 12% -11.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 6.2% 12.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 65 11.2% 32.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 75 12.9% -9.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 67 11.5% -21.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 94 16.2% 4.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 114 19.6% 17.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 42 7.2% 23.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 2.9% 112.5%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.2% 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.

Pawleys Island occupancy rates

Out of the 96 occupied housing units in Pawleys Island, 97.9% are owner-occupied, while 2.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 83.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
96
43.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2
Owner occupied
94
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2 2.1% -60.0%
Owner occupied 94 97.9% 51.6%
Unoccupied housing units
83.5%
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.

Pawleys Island housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$2,447/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 Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island education at a glance

About 4.2% of the population in Pawleys Island went to high school, while 5.4% pursued college studies. Another 2.4% earned an associate degree and 39.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 48.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 7 4.2% 40.0%
College diploma 9 5.4% -25.0%
Associate degree 4 2.4% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 66 39.5% 57.1%
Graduate degree 81 48.5% 58.8%
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 Pawleys Island

How much people earn in Pawleys Island

The average annual household income in Pawleys Island was $189,109 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -14.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $122,500, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pawleys Island
$189,109/year
-14.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pawleys Island
$122,500/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Pawleys Island income by age

Overall, 78.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $121,875 N/A
Above poverty level
133
Below poverty level
37
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 133 78.2% 20.9%
Below poverty level 37 21.8% 516.7%

Average renter income in Pawleys Island

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pawleys Island, their median household income was $41,250 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$41,250
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 Pawleys Island

Workforce and job types in Pawleys Island

The job market in Pawleys Island is powered by 51 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
51
18.6% year-over-year change
White collar
48
Blue collar
3
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 48 94.1% 20.0%
Blue collar 3 5.9% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
33.3%
Private companies
49%
Governmental workers
0%
Not for profit companies
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 17 33.3% 13.3%
Private companies 25 49% 31.6%
Not for profit companies 9 17.6% 28.6%

Transportation in Pawleys Island

How people get around in Pawleys Island

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34 69.4% 6.2%
Subway or elevated 1 2% N/A
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 Pawleys Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29585 16,966 7,826 $81,946 $119,438

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FAQs about Pawleys Island demographics 

What is the total population of Pawleys Island?

Pawleys Island has a total population of 170 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 +46.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pawleys Island?

The gender ratio in Pawleys Island is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (77 residents)
  • 54.7% females (93 residents)

What is the median age in Pawleys Island?

The median age in Pawleys Island is 68.3.

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

The age distribution in Pawleys Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 1.8% (3 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% (0 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 1.2% (2 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (45 residents)
  • Over 65: 70.6% (120 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pawleys Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pawleys Island is as follows:
  • White: 98.8% (168 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Pawleys Island.

How many housing units are there in Pawleys Island?

There are 581 housing units in Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island and what is the average household size?

Pawleys Island has a total of 96 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pawleys Island?

Pawleys Island has a median household income of $122,500, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Pawleys Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.1% (48 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.9% (3 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 33.3% (17 residents)
  • Private companies: 49% (25 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 0% (0 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.6% (9 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