Port Royal, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,579
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,870/yr
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,111
0.6% year-over-year change

Port Royal population

How many people live in Port Royal

Port Royal is home to 15,579 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.1% of Port Royal locals are male, and 42.9% are female.

Total population
15,579
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.1%
8,890
Female
42.9%
6,689
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,890 57.1% 3.0%
Female 6,689 42.9% 4.2%
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 Port Royal is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 33.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 14.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
25.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
33.9%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
14.4%
Over 65
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,469 15.8% 8.6%
15 to 24 5,281 33.9% 5.0%
25 to 44 4,208 27% 6.5%
45 to 64 2,238 14.4% 2.1%
Over 65 1,383 8.9% -13.6%
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 Port Royal, 93.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62% of locals are Caucasian, 15.4% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,508 93.1% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 461 3% -10.5%
Non-citizens 610 3.9% 18.7%
Racial breakdown
White
62%
Black or African American
15.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.7%
Other
5.5%
Value Percent
White 9,661 62%
Black or African American 2,404 15.4%
Asian 357 2.3%
Two or more races 2,294 14.7%
Other 863 5.5%

Households in Port Royal

A peek inside Port Royal households

Port Royal has 4,676 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.9% are families, while the remaining 31.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,676
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,456
Family households
3,220
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,456 31.1% -12.5%
Family households 3,220 68.9% 5.1%
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 Port Royal

The housing landscape of Port Royal

Port Royal's housing consists of 5,111 units, with 44% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,111
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,250 44%
1 unit, attached 562 11%
2 units 28 0.6%
3 or 4 units 269 5.3%
5 to 9 units 434 8.5%
10 to 19 units 786 15.4%
20 to 49 units 441 8.6%
50 or more units 181 3.5%
Mobile home 123 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 37 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
171
11.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Port Royal

In Port Royal, the median construction year is 2008. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 42.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 272 5.3% -1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 55 1.1% 139.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 89 1.7% 21.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 167 3.3% -20.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 160 3.1% 10.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 437 8.6% -13.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 568 11.1% 18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,031 20.2% -6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,161 42.3% 2.1%
Built in 2020 or later 171 3.4% 11.8%
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.

Port Royal occupancy rates

Out of the 4,676 occupied housing units in Port Royal, 38.1% are owner-occupied, while 61.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,676
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,896
Owner occupied
1,780
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,896 61.9% 0.2%
Owner occupied 1,780 38.1% -3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.5%
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.

Port Royal housing costs

Housing costs in Port Royal come to a median of $1,696 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,726.

Median housing costs per month
$1,696/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 Port Royal
$1,726/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 Port Royal

Port Royal education at a glance

About 36.3% of the population in Port Royal went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 0.8% -25.9%
High school diploma 4,616 36.3% 10.6%
College diploma 3,522 27.7% -3.1%
Associate degree 1,291 10.2% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,707 13.4% 4.8%
Graduate degree 1,487 11.7% 1.9%
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 Port Royal

How much people earn in Port Royal

The average annual household income in Port Royal was $90,103 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,870, reflecting a +6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Port Royal
$90,103/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Port Royal
$74,870/year
6.5% year-over-year change

Port Royal income by age

In Port Royal, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,835. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,714 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,487, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $80,899 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,487 7.9%
25 - 44 $72,835 18.0%
45 - 64 $90,714 -8.1%
Over 65 $80,899 7.8%
Above poverty level
10,511
Below poverty level
976
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,511 91.5% 1.7%
Below poverty level 976 8.5% -20.1%

Average renter income in Port Royal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Port Royal, their median household income was $64,005 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$64,005
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
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 Port Royal

Workforce and job types in Port Royal

The job market in Port Royal is powered by 5,262 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.3% run their own businesses, 60.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,262
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
4,404
Blue collar
858
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,404 83.7% 3.5%
Blue collar 858 16.3% -11.7%
Employer type
Self employees
16.3%
Private companies
60.8%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 859 16.3% 15.0%
Private companies 3,198 60.8% -4.2%
Governmental workers 725 13.8% 7.9%
Not for profit companies 480 9.1% 1.7%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
-30.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Port Royal stands at 1%, 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 Port Royal

How people get around in Port Royal

In Port Royal, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
6.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,156 75.8% -1.1%
Bus or trolleybus 26 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 34 0.4% 21.4%
Bicycle 11 0.1% N/A
Walk 992 10.5% 36.3%
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 Port Royal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29935 3,513 1,779 $76,544 $80,937

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FAQs about Port Royal demographics 

What is the total population of Port Royal?

Port Royal has a total population of 15,579 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Port Royal?

The gender ratio in Port Royal is as follows:
  • 57.1% males (8,890 residents)
  • 42.9% females (6,689 residents)

What is the median age in Port Royal?

The median age in Port Royal is 25.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Port Royal?

The age distribution in Port Royal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (2,469 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 33.9% (5,281 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (4,208 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.4% (2,238 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.9% (1,383 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Port Royal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Royal is as follows:
  • White: 62% (9,661 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.4% (2,404 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (357 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.7% (2,294 residents)
  • Other: 5.5% (863 residents)

What percentage of the population in Port Royal are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.1% of the population in Port Royal.

How many housing units are there in Port Royal?

There are 5,111 housing units in Port Royal, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Port Royal and what is the average household size?

Port Royal has a total of 4,676 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Port Royal?

Port Royal has a median household income of $74,870, representing a +6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Port Royal?

The employment rate is 99% in Port Royal, with a workforce of 5,262 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.7% (4,404 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.3% (858 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.3% (859 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.8% (3,198 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (725 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (480 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