Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kiawah Island, SC
Considering a move to Kiawah Island, SC? With a small, close-knit population of around 2,000, this coastal community is known for its luxurious homes (median price $1.65M), top-tier safety, and relaxing, sunny climate. Expect a higher-than-average cost of living and rent, but enjoy extremely low crime, short commutes, and excellent local education options. Whether you're seeking a tranquil lifestyle or enjoying the outdoors, Kiawah Island offers an exceptional quality of life in a beautiful setting.
Demographics - Kiawah Island, SC
Demographics - Kiawah Island, SC
Kiawah Island is a small, upscale community of about 2,015 residents, with a notably high median age of 65.8 years and a population that is predominantly White. The area offers a peaceful, low-density lifestyle, making it especially appealing to retirees and those seeking tranquility.
Population:
2,015
Density:
118 per sq mi
Median Age:
65.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kiawah Island, SC?
Living in Kiawah Island comes with a high cost of living, with the median home value at $1.65 million and an average rent of $3,600 per month. Expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend above the national average, reflecting the island's premium amenities and status.
Median House Value:
$1,650,000
Gross Rent:
$3,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
190
Grocery:
118
Housing:
295
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
125
Health Care:
106
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Kiawah Island, SC a safe place to live?
Kiawah Island boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with only 20 violent crimes and 180 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering residents a strong sense of security. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 5,000, making it one of the safest communities in South Carolina.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
20
Property Crimes Per 100k:
180
Crime Index:
200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 5,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 555
Weather
What is the weather like in Kiawah Island, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate, with winter lows averaging 43°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. With 64% of days being sunny and about 48.5 inches of annual rainfall, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Kiawah Island neighbors tend to be well-educated and affluent, with a median household income of $164,000 and 78% holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community enjoys a low poverty rate and unemployment, fostering an exclusive and comfortable environment.
Median Income:
$138,000
Household Income:
$164,000
Family Income:
$185,000
Per Capita Income:
$98,000
Income Male:
$120,000
Income Female:
$82,000
Poverty Rate:
2.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$3,600
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
78.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kiawah Island, SC?
Families benefit from well-rated local public and private schools, including Mt. Zion Elementary and Charleston Collegiate School, as well as proximity to higher education institutions like the College of Charleston. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, contributing to a strong academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Mt. Zion Elementary School
Street:
3464 River Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone:
843-559-6230
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Haut Gap Middle School
Street:
1861 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone:
843-559-6418
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Private Schools
Name:
Charleston Collegiate School
Street:
2024 Academy Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone:
843-559-5506
Students:
390
Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
10,885
Name:
Medical University of South Carolina
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with two major hospitals nearby in Charleston and nearly all residents covered by health insurance. The area has a good physician-to-population ratio, ensuring quality medical care is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health - University Medical Center
Address:
171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
Phone:
(843) 792-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Roper Hospital
Address:
316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone:
(843) 724-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
81
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kiawah Island, SC?
The housing market is dominated by homeownership, with 91% owner-occupied homes and a median price of $1.65 million. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, reflecting the island's desirability and stable investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$1,650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with services accessible online or at the main office in Blythewood. The DMV offers comprehensive support for all standard motor vehicle needs.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.