Saint Helena Island, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,238
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,744/yr
6.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,888
1.7% year-over-year change

Saint Helena Island population

How many people live in Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island is home to 7,238 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Saint Helena Island locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
7,238
6.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
3,550
Female
51%
3,688
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,550 49% 0.0%
Female 3,688 51% 14.6%
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 Saint Helena Island is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15% of the population, while another 29.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
15%
45 to 64
29.6%
Over 65
29.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,066 14.7% 12.9%
15 to 24 839 11.6% 40.5%
25 to 44 1,086 15% 29.0%
45 to 64 2,143 29.6% 0.8%
Over 65 2,104 29.1% -6.9%
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 Saint Helena Island, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.2% of locals are Caucasian, 53.8% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,893 95.2% 8.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 137 1.9% 34.3%
Non-citizens 207 2.9% -30.5%
Racial breakdown
White
37.2%
Black or African American
53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 2,690 37.2%
Black or African American 3,895 53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 45 0.6%
Two or more races 367 5.1%
Other 240 3.3%

Households in Saint Helena Island

A peek inside Saint Helena Island households

Saint Helena Island has 3,061 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.9% are families, while the remaining 34.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,061
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,046
Family households
2,016
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,046 34.2% -13.5%
Family households 2,016 65.9% 13.6%
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 Saint Helena Island

The housing landscape of Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island's housing consists of 4,888 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 30.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,888
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,994 61.2%
1 unit, attached 160 3.3%
2 units 20 0.4%
3 or 4 units 10 0.2%
5 to 9 units 10 0.2%
10 to 19 units 132 2.7%
20 to 49 units 14 0.3%
50 or more units 35 0.7%
Mobile home 1,498 30.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 16 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
71
184.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Saint Helena Island

In Saint Helena Island, the median construction year is 1995. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 16 0.3% 300.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 0.2% -84.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 61 1.2% -23.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 72 1.5% 2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 794 16.2% 16.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 869 17.8% -13.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,257 25.7% -7.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,324 27.1% 17.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 412 8.4% 3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 71 1.4% 184.0%
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.

Saint Helena Island occupancy rates

Out of the 3,061 occupied housing units in Saint Helena Island, 90.3% are owner-occupied, while 9.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 37.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,061
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
297
Owner occupied
2,765
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 297 9.7% 6.1%
Owner occupied 2,765 90.3% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
37.4%
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.

Saint Helena Island housing costs

Housing costs in Saint Helena Island come to a median of $972 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,053.

Median housing costs per month
$972/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 Saint Helena Island
$1,053/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 Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island education at a glance

About 37.2% of the population in Saint Helena Island went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 85 1.4% -46.2%
High school diploma 2,211 37.2% -6.8%
College diploma 1,193 20.1% 23.2%
Associate degree 457 7.7% 24.2%
Bachelor's degree 959 16.1% 21.7%
Graduate degree 1,043 17.5% -0.3%
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 Saint Helena Island

How much people earn in Saint Helena Island

The average annual household income in Saint Helena Island was $104,313 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,744, reflecting a +6.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Saint Helena Island
$104,313/year
8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Saint Helena Island
$77,744/year
6.7% year-over-year change

Saint Helena Island income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,181 overall. Overall, 80.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $85,181 5.4%
Over 65 $78,215 9.4%
Above poverty level
5,799
Below poverty level
1,439
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,799 80.1% 4.2%
Below poverty level 1,439 19.9% 19.8%

Employment in Saint Helena Island

Workforce and job types in Saint Helena Island

71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,092
Blue collar
817
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,092 71.9% 14.8%
Blue collar 817 28.1% -8.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
19.7%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 284 9.8% -0.3%
Private companies 1,797 61.8% 15.6%
Governmental workers 574 19.7% 9.8%
Not for profit companies 254 8.7% -27.2%

Transportation in Saint Helena Island

How people get around in Saint Helena Island

Commuting methods vary: 98.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 2,613 98.6% 10.8%
Bus or trolleybus 23 0.9% -48.9%
Bicycle 6 0.2% 20.0%
Walk 8 0.3% -74.2%
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 Saint Helena Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29920 10,606 4,486 $77,744 $104,313

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FAQs about Saint Helena Island demographics 

What is the total population of Saint Helena Island?

Saint Helena Island has a total population of 7,238 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 +6.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Saint Helena Island?

The gender ratio in Saint Helena Island is as follows:
  • 49% males (3,550 residents)
  • 51% females (3,688 residents)

What is the median age in Saint Helena Island?

The median age in Saint Helena Island is 51.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Saint Helena Island?

The age distribution in Saint Helena Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (1,066 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (839 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15% (1,086 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.6% (2,143 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.1% (2,104 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Saint Helena Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Saint Helena Island is as follows:
  • White: 37.2% (2,690 residents)
  • Black or African American: 53.8% (3,895 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (45 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (367 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (240 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Saint Helena Island.

How many housing units are there in Saint Helena Island?

There are 4,888 housing units in Saint Helena Island, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Saint Helena Island and what is the average household size?

Saint Helena Island has a total of 3,061 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Saint Helena Island?

Saint Helena Island has a median household income of $77,744, representing a +6.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Saint Helena Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (2,092 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (817 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (284 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (1,797 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.7% (574 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (254 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