Walterboro, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,480
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,457/yr
16.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,602
-0.7% year-over-year change

Walterboro population

How many people live in Walterboro

Walterboro is home to 5,480 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 38.4% of Walterboro locals are male, and 61.6% are female.

Total population
5,480
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
38.4%
2,102
Female
61.6%
3,378
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,102 38.4% 1.1%
Female 3,378 61.6% -1.0%
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 Walterboro is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 996 18.2% -3.8%
15 to 24 711 13% 4.7%
25 to 44 1,461 26.7% 18.5%
45 to 64 1,437 26.2% -6.3%
Over 65 875 16% -13.3%
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 Walterboro, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.7% of locals are Caucasian, 50.2% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,186 94.6% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 41 0.8% -19.6%
Non-citizens 253 4.6% 1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
43.7%
Black or African American
50.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,396 43.7%
Black or African American 2,750 50.2%
Asian 146 2.7%
Two or more races 178 3.2%
Other 10 0.2%

Households in Walterboro

A peek inside Walterboro households

Walterboro has 2,330 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,330
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
624
Family households
1,706
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 624 26.8% -7.3%
Family households 1,706 73.2% 2.8%
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 Walterboro

The housing landscape of Walterboro

Walterboro's housing consists of 2,602 units, with 66.8% 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.

Housing units
2,602
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,737 66.8%
1 unit, attached 79 3%
2 units 5 0.2%
3 or 4 units 280 10.8%
5 to 9 units 120 4.6%
10 to 19 units 227 8.7%
20 to 49 units 51 2%
50 or more units 103 4%
Homes built since 2020
10
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Walterboro

In Walterboro, the median construction year is 1976. About 8.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 227 8.7% 29.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 109 4.2% -12.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 292 11.2% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 367 14.1% -26.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 550 21.1% 5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 576 22.1% 21.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 272 10.4% -14.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 159 6.1% 12.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 40 1.5% -52.4%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.4% 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.

Walterboro occupancy rates

Out of the 2,330 occupied housing units in Walterboro, 50.7% are owner-occupied, while 49.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,330
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,149
Owner occupied
1,181
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,149 49.3% -0.9%
Owner occupied 1,181 50.7% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Walterboro housing costs

Housing costs in Walterboro come to a median of $905 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $965.

Median housing costs per month
$905/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 Walterboro
$965/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 Walterboro

Walterboro education at a glance

About 45.8% of the population in Walterboro went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 101 2.4% -34.8%
High school diploma 1,945 45.8% -10.9%
College diploma 793 18.7% 5.6%
Associate degree 434 10.2% 23.6%
Bachelor's degree 635 14.9% 30.1%
Graduate degree 342 8% 13.2%
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 Walterboro

How much people earn in Walterboro

The average annual household income in Walterboro was $67,568 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,457, reflecting a +16.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Walterboro
$67,568/year
7.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Walterboro
$56,457/year
16.7% year-over-year change

Walterboro income by age

In Walterboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,413. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,009 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,811 in earnings. Overall, 71.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 0.0%
25 - 44 $56,413 6.1%
45 - 64 $58,009 5.0%
Over 65 $64,811 61.2%
Above poverty level
3,809
Below poverty level
1,497
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,809 71.8% 3.5%
Below poverty level 1,497 28.2% -7.9%

Average renter income in Walterboro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Walterboro, their median household income was $32,647 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,647
Rent-to-income ratio
35.5%
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 Walterboro

Workforce and job types in Walterboro

The job market in Walterboro is powered by 2,467 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 57.4% are employed by private companies, and 29.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,467
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,775
Blue collar
692
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,775 72% -2.3%
Blue collar 692 28% 10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
57.4%
Governmental workers
29.6%
Not for profit companies
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 298 12.1% 44.0%
Private companies 1,415 57.4% -9.1%
Governmental workers 731 29.6% 15.7%
Not for profit companies 23 0.9% -51.1%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
31.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Walterboro stands at 6.1%, 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 Walterboro

How people get around in Walterboro

In Walterboro, the average commute time is 26 minutes.

Commute time
26 min
-24.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,130 85% -1.9%
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 Walterboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29488 22,538 9,136 $49,876 $67,069

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FAQs about Walterboro demographics 

What is the total population of Walterboro?

Walterboro has a total population of 5,480 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Walterboro?

The gender ratio in Walterboro is as follows:
  • 38.4% males (2,102 residents)
  • 61.6% females (3,378 residents)

What is the median age in Walterboro?

The median age in Walterboro is 35.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Walterboro?

The age distribution in Walterboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (996 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (711 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (1,461 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (1,437 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (875 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Walterboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Walterboro is as follows:
  • White: 43.7% (2,396 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.2% (2,750 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (178 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (10 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Walterboro.

How many housing units are there in Walterboro?

There are 2,602 housing units in Walterboro, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Walterboro has a total of 2,330 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Walterboro?

Walterboro has a median household income of $56,457, representing a +16.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Walterboro?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Walterboro, with a workforce of 2,467 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72% (1,775 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28% (692 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (298 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.4% (1,415 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.6% (731 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0.9% (23 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