James Island, SC
Population 11,738 · South Carolina
About James Island, SC
James Island is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 11,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $100,176 per year, which is 33% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in James Island features a median home value of $454,200, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places James Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,443, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,683 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (3,777 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (621 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in James Island shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in James Island have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.0% of James 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 1.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How James Island Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in James Island, SC
Compared to national averages, James Island has a median household income of $100,176 (33% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $454,200, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,443 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, James Island's income is 71% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 125% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in James Island, SC?
James Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $100,176, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a well-educated community where 48.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $454,200. However, James Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
James Island has a population of 11,738 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare James Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near James Island
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irmo | 11,799 | $85,137 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 12,031 | $75,506 | $195,700 | Compare |
| Powdersville | 11,321 | $88,125 | $318,600 | Compare |
| Fountain Inn | 11,307 | $72,021 | $255,400 | Compare |
| Red Bank | 10,950 | $60,348 | $176,200 | Compare |
| Parker | 12,564 | $38,607 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | $79,798 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Gaffney | 12,612 | $41,214 | $141,100 | 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 James Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about James Island
What is the population of James Island, SC?
The population of James Island, SC is 11,738 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 James Island?
The median household income in James Island, SC is $100,176 per year, which is 33% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in James Island?
The median home value in James Island, SC is $454,200, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in James Island?
The median monthly rent in James Island, SC is $1,443, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in James Island?
The unemployment rate in James Island, SC is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is James Island, SC a good place to live?
James Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,738 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is James Island, SC?
48.0% of residents in James 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 James Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for James Island, SC: median home value is $454,200 (85% above national), median rent is $1,443/month, and median household income is $100,176. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in James Island?
The poverty rate in James Island, SC is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is James Island, SC?
James Island's population is 1.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 12.1% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.