Sullivan's Island, SC
Population 2,127 · South Carolina
About Sullivan's Island, SC
Sullivan's Island is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,127 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $179,614 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.9 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 Sullivan's Island features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sullivan's Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,402, 107% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,078 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (691 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (126 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sullivan's Island shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sullivan's Island have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
87.2% of Sullivan's 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 1.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sullivan's Island Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Sullivan's Island, SC
Compared to national averages, Sullivan's Island has a median household income of $179,614 (139% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,402 is 107% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Sullivan's Island's income is 206% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 889% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Sullivan's Island, SC?
Sullivan's Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $179,614, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 87.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Sullivan's Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sullivan's Island has a population of 2,127 with a median age of 52.9 years. Compare Sullivan's Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sullivan's Island
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seabrook Island | 2,107 | $124,519 | $899,600 | Compare |
| Timmonsville | 2,153 | $32,736 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Blacksburg | 2,158 | $33,500 | $137,000 | Compare |
| Pacolet | 2,164 | $46,120 | $94,100 | Compare |
| Graniteville | 2,176 | $29,495 | $103,900 | Compare |
| Kiawah Island | 2,196 | $236,607 | $1,723,200 | Compare |
| Judson | 2,201 | $33,600 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Ware Shoals | 2,207 | $35,896 | $63,600 | 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 Sullivan's Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sullivan's Island
What is the population of Sullivan's Island, SC?
The population of Sullivan's Island, SC is 2,127 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 Sullivan's Island?
The median household income in Sullivan's Island, SC is $179,614 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sullivan's Island?
The median home value in Sullivan's Island, SC is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sullivan's Island?
The median monthly rent in Sullivan's Island, SC is $2,402, which is 107% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sullivan's Island?
The unemployment rate in Sullivan's Island, SC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sullivan's Island, SC a good place to live?
Sullivan's Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,127 and a median age of 52.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sullivan's Island, SC?
87.2% of residents in Sullivan's 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 Sullivan's Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sullivan's Island, SC: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,402/month, and median household income is $179,614. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sullivan's Island?
The poverty rate in Sullivan's Island, SC is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sullivan's Island, SC?
Sullivan's Island's population is 1.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.