Surfside Beach, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,270
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,106/yr
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,254
-0.4% year-over-year change

Surfside Beach population

How many people live in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is home to 4,270 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Surfside Beach locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
4,270
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
2,164
Female
49.3%
2,106
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,164 50.7% -5.8%
Female 2,106 49.3% 9.7%
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 Surfside Beach is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.2% are children under 15, then 10.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 35.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.2%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
35.4%
Over 65
28.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 306 7.2% 10.1%
15 to 24 452 10.6% 16.2%
25 to 44 766 17.9% -3.4%
45 to 64 1,511 35.4% -1.8%
Over 65 1,235 28.9% 1.4%
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 Surfside Beach, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,184 98% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 63 1.5% -14.9%
Non-citizens 23 0.5% -14.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.4%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
4.9%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 3,947 92.4%
Black or African American 64 1.5%
Asian 24 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0.4%
Two or more races 211 4.9%
Other 5 0.1%

Households in Surfside Beach

A peek inside Surfside Beach households

Surfside Beach has 2,034 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.2% are families, while the remaining 39.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,034
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
809
Family households
1,225
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 809 39.8% 3.1%
Family households 1,225 60.2% 1.3%
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 Surfside Beach

The housing landscape of Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach's housing consists of 4,254 units, with 54.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.7% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,254
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,312 54.4%
1 unit, attached 326 7.7%
2 units 200 4.7%
3 or 4 units 474 11.1%
5 to 9 units 232 5.4%
10 to 19 units 435 10.2%
20 to 49 units 155 3.6%
50 or more units 27 0.6%
Mobile home 93 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
31
-3.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Surfside Beach

In Surfside Beach, the median construction year is 1985. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 0.7% 14.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 403 9.5% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 508 11.9% 2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 563 13.2% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,134 26.7% -0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 700 16.5% -7.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 680 16% -2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 4.8% -0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 31 0.7% -3.1%
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.

Surfside Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 2,034 occupied housing units in Surfside Beach, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 52.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,034
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
662
Owner occupied
1,372
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 662 32.6% -5.2%
Owner occupied 1,372 67.4% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
52.2%
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.

Surfside Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Surfside Beach come to a median of $1,085 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,274.

Median housing costs per month
$1,085/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 Surfside Beach
$1,274/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 Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach education at a glance

About 29.6% of the population in Surfside Beach went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 0.5% 850.0%
High school diploma 1,113 29.6% 0.3%
College diploma 868 23.1% -4.8%
Associate degree 342 9.1% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 802 21.3% -9.7%
Graduate degree 614 16.3% 6.0%
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 Surfside Beach

How much people earn in Surfside Beach

The average annual household income in Surfside Beach was $82,336 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,106, reflecting a -5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Surfside Beach
$82,336/year
-6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Surfside Beach
$70,106/year
-5.5% year-over-year change

Surfside Beach income by age

In Surfside Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,890. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,990 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,161, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,097 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,161 3.2%
25 - 44 $49,890 5.6%
45 - 64 $87,990 3.5%
Over 65 $64,097 -13.3%
Above poverty level
3,496
Below poverty level
700
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,496 83.3% -6.7%
Below poverty level 700 16.7% 80.4%

Average renter income in Surfside Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Surfside Beach, their median household income was $51,551 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,551
Rent-to-income ratio
29.7%
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 Surfside Beach

Workforce and job types in Surfside Beach

The job market in Surfside Beach is powered by 1,656 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.7% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,656
-10.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,299
Blue collar
357
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,299 78.4% -9.4%
Blue collar 357 21.6% -12.1%
Employer type
Self employees
13.7%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 227 13.7% -39.3%
Private companies 1,165 70.4% 4.1%
Governmental workers 180 10.9% -18.2%
Not for profit companies 84 5.1% -33.9%
Unemployment rate
8.6%
6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Surfside Beach stands at 8.6%, 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 Surfside Beach

How people get around in Surfside Beach

Commuting methods vary: 78.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 1,287 78.8% -11.6%
Motorcycle 74 4.5% -1.3%
Bicycle 13 0.8% 0.0%
Walk 9 0.6% 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 Surfside Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29575 20,721 9,265 $71,447 $93,950

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Surfside Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Surfside Beach?

Surfside Beach has a total population of 4,270 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Surfside Beach?

The gender ratio in Surfside Beach is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (2,164 residents)
  • 49.3% females (2,106 residents)

What is the median age in Surfside Beach?

The median age in Surfside Beach is 55.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Surfside Beach?

The age distribution in Surfside Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.2% (306 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.6% (452 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (766 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 35.4% (1,511 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.9% (1,235 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Surfside Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Surfside Beach is as follows:
  • White: 92.4% (3,947 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (64 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.9% (211 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (5 residents)

What percentage of the population in Surfside Beach are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Surfside Beach.

How many housing units are there in Surfside Beach?

There are 4,254 housing units in Surfside Beach, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Surfside Beach and what is the average household size?

Surfside Beach has a total of 2,034 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Surfside Beach?

Surfside Beach has a median household income of $70,106, representing a -5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Surfside Beach?

The employment rate is 91.4% in Surfside Beach, with a workforce of 1,656 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (1,299 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (357 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.7% (227 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (1,165 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (180 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (84 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