Hilton Head Island, SC
Population 37,805 · South Carolina
About Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 37,805 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $96,715 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hilton Head Island features a median home value of $652,100, which is 166% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hilton Head Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,518, 31% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 30,265 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (13,888 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (3,616 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hilton Head Island shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hilton Head Island have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
55.3% of Hilton Head Island residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 10.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 12.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hilton Head Island Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Hilton Head Island, SC
Compared to national averages, Hilton Head Island has a median household income of $96,715 (29% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $652,100, which is 166% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,518 is 31% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Hilton Head Island's income is 65% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 223% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Hilton Head Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $96,715, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and a well-educated community where 55.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $652,100. However, Hilton Head Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hilton Head Island has a population of 37,805 with a median age of 59.9 years. Compare Hilton Head Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hilton Head Island
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | Compare |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Anderson | 29,563 | $44,321 | $199,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hilton Head Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilton Head Island
What is the population of Hilton Head Island, SC?
The population of Hilton Head Island, SC is 37,805 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Hilton Head Island?
The median household income in Hilton Head Island, SC is $96,715 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hilton Head Island?
The median home value in Hilton Head Island, SC is $652,100, which is 166% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hilton Head Island?
The median monthly rent in Hilton Head Island, SC is $1,518, which is 31% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hilton Head Island?
The unemployment rate in Hilton Head Island, SC is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hilton Head Island, SC a good place to live?
Hilton Head Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 37,805 and a median age of 59.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hilton Head Island, SC?
55.3% of residents in Hilton Head Island aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hilton Head Island, SC: median home value is $652,100 (166% above national), median rent is $1,518/month, and median household income is $96,715. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Hilton Head Island?
The poverty rate in Hilton Head Island, SC is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hilton Head Island, SC?
Hilton Head Island's population is 10.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 12.6% of residents are foreign-born.