Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wadmalaw Island, SC
Considering a move to Wadmalaw Island, SC? With a population of just 2,800 and a median home price of $420,000, this scenic Lowcountry island offers spacious living, mild winters, and lots of sunny days (63% annually). Residents enjoy a slower pace, low crime rates, and a close-knit community feel, with local schools and Charleston’s amenities nearby. Expect average rents around $1,350, commute times of 32 minutes, and a cost of living just below the national average—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, rural escape with easy access to city conveniences.
Demographics - Wadmalaw Island, SC
Demographics - Wadmalaw Island, SC
Wadmalaw Island is home to about 2,800 residents, offering a relaxed rural lifestyle with a population density of 70 people per square mile and a median age of 47.2. The community is predominantly White and Black, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, and maintains a nearly balanced gender ratio. Newcomers will find a diverse but close-knit population, appealing especially to those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
2,800
Density:
70 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
58.0%
Black:
39.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wadmalaw Island, SC?
The cost of living in Wadmalaw Island is just below the national average, with a median home value of $420,000 and average rents around $1,350 per month. Utilities and healthcare costs are slightly higher than average, but groceries and miscellaneous expenses remain affordable. State income taxes range from 0% to 7%, making the area reasonably accessible for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
99.2
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
101.5
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Wadmalaw Island, SC a safe place to live?
Wadmalaw Island enjoys low crime rates compared to national averages, with just 180 violent crimes and 1,425 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 555, contributing to a strong sense of safety and peace of mind for families and retirees alike. Residents appreciate the secure, community-oriented environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,425
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Wadmalaw Island, SC year-round?
Residents experience a pleasant climate year-round, with mild winters averaging highs of 61°F and warm, humid summers reaching up to 90°F. The island sees about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 63% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and gardening. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, making for enjoyable transitions between seasons.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household on Wadmalaw Island earns about $61,300 annually, and most residents have at least a high school diploma, with nearly a quarter holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a 12.3% poverty rate and a 4.8% unemployment rate, while commute times average just over 32 minutes. A strong sense of community prevails, with most residents commuting by car and very few relying on public transportation.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$61,300
Family Income:
$71,900
Per Capita Income:
$34,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
12.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Wadmalaw Island, SC?
Wadmalaw Island families have access to local public schools, including Frierson Elementary and nearby St. John's High School, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. While there are no private schools on the island, higher education opportunities are close by, with the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College less than 25 miles away. The area is well-suited for families seeking a supportive educational environment in a rural setting.

Public Schools
Name:
St. John's High School
Street:
1518 Main Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone:
843-559-6200
Students:
335
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Frierson Elementary School
Street:
6133 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Phone:
843-559-4500
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7

Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Trident Technical College
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid, with two major hospitals located nearby in Charleston and about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage, supporting good overall community health. Residents benefit from a range of medical services within a short drive, including emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health West Ashley Medical Pavilion
Address:
2060 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone:
(843) 792-1414
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Roper St. Francis Hospital
Address:
2095 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
Phone:
(843) 402-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wadmalaw Island, SC?
The Wadmalaw Island housing market features a median home price of $420,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,350, with a high owner-occupied rate of 77.5%. Home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, reflecting steady demand, while the rental vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Buyers and renters will find a stable, attractive market with a rural character.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Wadmalaw Island residents are handled by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest branch located in Blythewood. Services and resources can also be accessed online through the state's DMV website, offering convenience for new arrivals. The DMV provides comprehensive support for driver licensing, renewals, and other transportation 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.