Port Royal, SC
Population 15,047 · South Carolina
About Port Royal, SC
Port Royal is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 15,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,330 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Port Royal features a median home value of $298,000, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Port Royal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,606, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,080 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (1,838 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (2,890 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Royal 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 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Port Royal have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.3% of Port Royal residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Port Royal Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Port Royal, SC
Compared to national averages, Port Royal has a median household income of $70,330 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $298,000, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,606 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Port Royal's income is 20% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 47% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Port Royal, SC?
Port Royal offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a well-educated community where 37.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,330) that falls below the national average. However, Port Royal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Royal has a population of 15,047 with a median age of 25.8 years. Compare Port Royal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Port Royal
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gantt | 15,057 | $47,265 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Lake Wylie | 15,177 | $112,113 | $464,200 | Compare |
| Dentsville | 15,396 | $44,029 | $154,600 | Compare |
| Moncks Corner | 14,362 | $91,516 | $312,800 | Compare |
| Seven Oaks | 15,990 | $64,003 | $195,900 | Compare |
| Ladson | 16,261 | $83,031 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Cayce | 13,718 | $58,095 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Beaufort | 13,660 | $59,454 | $310,400 | 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 Port Royal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Royal
What is the population of Port Royal, SC?
The population of Port Royal, SC is 15,047 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 Port Royal?
The median household income in Port Royal, SC is $70,330 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Royal?
The median home value in Port Royal, SC is $298,000, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Port Royal?
The median monthly rent in Port Royal, SC is $1,606, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Royal?
The unemployment rate in Port Royal, 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 Port Royal, SC a good place to live?
Port Royal offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,047 and a median age of 25.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Port Royal, SC?
37.3% of residents in Port Royal 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 Port Royal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Royal, SC: median home value is $298,000 (22% above national), median rent is $1,606/month, and median household income is $70,330. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Port Royal?
The poverty rate in Port Royal, SC is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Port Royal, SC?
Port Royal's population is 10.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 17.4% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.