Isle of Palms, SC
Population 4,350 · South Carolina
About Isle of Palms, SC
Isle of Palms is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 4,350 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $148,029 per year, which is 97% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.2 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 Isle of Palms features a median home value of $1,192,200, which is 387% above the national median of $244,900. This places Isle of Palms in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,236, 178% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,485 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (1,807 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (186 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Isle of Palms shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Isle of Palms have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.7% of Isle of Palms 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 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Isle of Palms Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Isle of Palms, SC
Compared to national averages, Isle of Palms has a median household income of $148,029 (97% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,192,200, which is 387% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,236 is 178% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Isle of Palms's income is 152% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 490% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Isle of Palms, SC?
Isle of Palms offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $148,029, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and a well-educated community where 69.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,192,200. However, Isle of Palms’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Isle of Palms has a population of 4,350 with a median age of 54.2 years. Compare Isle of Palms with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Isle of Palms
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter Village | 4,355 | $146,440 | $547,300 | Compare |
| Woodruff | 4,337 | $64,292 | $188,500 | Compare |
| Belton | 4,405 | $48,164 | $116,300 | Compare |
| Surfside Beach | 4,217 | $74,202 | $412,100 | Compare |
| East Camden | 4,210 | $53,234 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Duncan | 4,175 | $51,596 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Capitol View | 4,161 | $47,054 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,142 | $107,143 | $310,300 | 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 Isle of Palms With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Isle of Palms
What is the population of Isle of Palms, SC?
The population of Isle of Palms, SC is 4,350 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Isle of Palms?
The median household income in Isle of Palms, SC is $148,029 per year, which is 97% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Isle of Palms?
The median home value in Isle of Palms, SC is $1,192,200, which is 387% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Isle of Palms?
The median monthly rent in Isle of Palms, SC is $3,236, which is 178% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Isle of Palms?
The unemployment rate in Isle of Palms, SC is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Isle of Palms, SC a good place to live?
Isle of Palms offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,350 and a median age of 54.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Isle of Palms, SC?
69.7% of residents in Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Isle of Palms, SC: median home value is $1,192,200 (387% above national), median rent is $3,236/month, and median household income is $148,029. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Isle of Palms?
The poverty rate in Isle of Palms, SC is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Isle of Palms, SC?
Isle of Palms's population is 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.