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Population Review

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is 37,805 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $96,715, the median home value is $652,100, and the median age is 59.9.

The population has grown 2.5% since 2010 (37,212 → 38,158).

37,805

Population

914

People / sq mi

$96,715

Median Income

$652,100

Median Home Value

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Hilton Head Island covers 41.4 sq mi of land at 914 people per square mile.

About Hilton Head Island, SC

Age is the most distinctive thing about Hilton Head Island: a median age of 59.9, older than the national median. With 37,805 residents, Hilton Head Island is a city in South Carolina. It ranks #13 among cities in South Carolina by population.

Median household income is $96,715, above the US median of $78,538. About 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $652,100, with typical rent around $1,518.

College attainment is above the local norm at 55.3%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 17.3%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.

The age structure shapes everything downstream in Hilton Head Island — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.

Hilton Head Island town Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Hilton Head Island town had a population of 37,212 in 2010 and 38,158 in 2024, a 2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,177 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.20%.

2017 · 40K20102024
Hilton Head Island town population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

38,158

Population (2024)

37,212

Population (2010)

40,177

Peak (2017)

0.20%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201037,212
201137,424
201238,105
201338,823
201439,512
201540,134
201640,088
201740,177
201839,838
201939,861
202037,586
202137,662
202238,035
202338,163
202438,158

Race & Ethnicity

White77.5%
Black or African American6.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$96,715

Median Household Income

$71,788

Per Capita Income

6.2%

Poverty Rate

1.2%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$652,100

Median Home Value

$1,518

Median Rent

79.3%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.0%

High School+

55.3%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.4%

Drive Alone

69.6%

Public Transit

17.3%

Work From Home

18.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

70.2%

Foreign Born

84.2%

Non-English at Home

9.0%

Veterans

15.3%

With Disability

89.9%

Health Insurance

96.2%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Education, Health Care & Social Services16.8%
Professional, Scientific & Management15.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate14.9%
Information9.0%
Construction8.1%
Manufacturing7.3%
Retail Trade4.3%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.3%
Transportation & Warehousing2.0%
Public Administration1.7%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in South Carolina

Largest counties in South Carolina

Part of South Carolina

Metro areas in South Carolina

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has a population of 37,805 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest city in South Carolina.

The median household income in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is $96,715, with 6.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is $652,100, with median monthly rent at $1,518 and a homeownership rate of 79.3%.

The median age in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is 59.9 years. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The population has grown 2.5% since 2010 (37,212 → 38,158).

Where to stay in Hilton Head Island

Visiting or relocating to Hilton Head Island, SC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.