Pawleys Island, SC
Population 116 · South Carolina
About Pawleys Island, SC
Pawleys Island is a small community located in South Carolina with a population of 116 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,750 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 69.7 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 Pawleys Island features a median home value of $1,538,500, which is 528% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pawleys 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 557 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (62 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (5 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pawleys Island shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pawleys Island have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
81.6% of Pawleys 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pawleys Island Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Pawleys Island, SC
Compared to national averages, Pawleys Island has a median household income of $118,750 (58% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,538,500, which is 528% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Pawleys Island's income is 102% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 661% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Pawleys Island, SC?
Pawleys Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,750, 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 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 81.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,538,500. However, Pawleys Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pawleys Island has a population of 116 with a median age of 69.7 years. Compare Pawleys Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
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Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pawleys Island
What is the population of Pawleys Island, SC?
The population of Pawleys Island, SC is 116 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Pawleys Island?
The median household income in Pawleys Island, SC is $118,750 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pawleys Island?
The median home value in Pawleys Island, SC is $1,538,500, which is 528% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pawleys Island?
The median monthly rent in Pawleys Island, SC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pawleys Island?
The unemployment rate in Pawleys Island, SC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pawleys Island, SC a good place to live?
Pawleys Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 116 and a median age of 69.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pawleys Island, SC?
81.6% of residents in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pawleys Island, SC: median home value is $1,538,500 (528% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $118,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 13.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pawleys Island?
The poverty rate in Pawleys Island, SC is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pawleys Island, SC?
Pawleys Island's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.