Kiawah Island, SC
Population 2,196 · South Carolina
About Kiawah Island, SC
Kiawah Island is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,196 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $236,607 per year, which is 215% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 66 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 Kiawah Island features a median home value of $1,723,200, which is 604% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kiawah Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,896 total housing units, 98% are owner-occupied (1,114 units) and 2% are renter-occupied (21 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kiawah Island shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kiawah Island have an average one-way commute time of 33.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
86.5% of Kiawah 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 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kiawah Island Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Kiawah Island, SC
Compared to national averages, Kiawah Island has a median household income of $236,607 (215% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,723,200, which is 604% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Kiawah Island's income is 303% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 752% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Kiawah Island, SC?
Kiawah Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $236,607, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 86.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,723,200. However, Kiawah Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kiawah Island has a population of 2,196 with a median age of 66 years. Compare Kiawah Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kiawah Island
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judson | 2,201 | $33,600 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Ware Shoals | 2,207 | $35,896 | $63,600 | Compare |
| Riverview | 2,215 | $131,158 | $484,800 | Compare |
| Graniteville | 2,176 | $29,495 | $103,900 | Compare |
| Kershaw | 2,220 | $58,077 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Pacolet | 2,164 | $46,120 | $94,100 | Compare |
| Blacksburg | 2,158 | $33,500 | $137,000 | Compare |
| Timmonsville | 2,153 | $32,736 | $88,000 | 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 Kiawah Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kiawah Island
What is the population of Kiawah Island, SC?
The population of Kiawah Island, SC is 2,196 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 Kiawah Island?
The median household income in Kiawah Island, SC is $236,607 per year, which is 215% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kiawah Island?
The median home value in Kiawah Island, SC is $1,723,200, which is 604% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kiawah Island?
The median monthly rent in Kiawah Island, SC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kiawah Island?
The unemployment rate in Kiawah Island, SC is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kiawah Island, SC a good place to live?
Kiawah Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,196 and a median age of 66, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kiawah Island, SC?
86.5% of residents in Kiawah 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 Kiawah Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kiawah Island, SC: median home value is $1,723,200 (604% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $236,607. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kiawah Island?
The poverty rate in Kiawah Island, SC is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kiawah Island, SC?
Kiawah Island's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.