37,805 people live in Hilton Head, where the median age is 59.9 and the average individual income is $71,788. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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Living in Hilton Head, SC offers a rare balance of coastal tranquility, master-planned communities, and refined amenities. Known nationally as a premier island destination, Hilton Head Island also functions as a full-time residential community with strong infrastructure, healthcare access, and year-round livability. Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered around beaches, golf, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace without sacrificing quality services or real estate value stability.
Hilton Head’s history dates back thousands of years, first inhabited by Native American tribes, later becoming a strategic site during the Civil War. The island’s modern identity took shape in the mid-20th century with the development of Sea Pines Plantation, which introduced a conservation-first, master-planned approach that still defines Hilton Head today. Strict zoning and environmental protections have preserved the island’s natural beauty while guiding responsible growth.
Hilton Head attracts a diverse but distinct population profile. Residents include retirees seeking coastal living, second-home owners from the Northeast and Midwest, remote professionals, hospitality and healthcare workers, and families drawn to lifestyle-driven communities. The island also maintains a strong seasonal population, though many neighborhoods are increasingly year-round.
Hilton Head sits just off the South Carolina coast, connected to the mainland via the Cross Island Parkway. It is part of the Lowcountry region, characterized by tidal marshes, maritime forests, and barrier islands. The climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters, warm springs, hot summers, and long fall seasons—making outdoor living feasible most of the year.
Hilton Head, SC is widely regarded as one of the most stable and lifestyle-driven coastal real estate markets in the Southeast. Unlike high-density resort destinations, the island’s long-standing development controls, environmental regulations, and master-planned communities create a limited and highly desirable housing supply. As a result, real estate activity on Hilton Head is shaped less by short-term market swings and more by long-term demand from primary residents, second-home buyers, and investors seeking coastal property with enduring value.
The Hilton Head real estate market is driven by limited land availability, high buyer demand, and strong second-home interest. Property values tend to remain resilient compared to mainland markets due to controlled development and consistent tourism demand. Inventory fluctuates seasonally, with peak activity typically occurring in spring and early summer.
Homebuyers will find a wide range of property types, including:
Architectural styles are regulated to blend with the natural environment, resulting in cohesive, timeless neighborhood aesthetics.
Buyers should understand community covenants, homeowners associations, short-term rental regulations, and flood zone considerations. Rentals are common, particularly villas and condos, but not all neighborhoods allow short-term leasing. Due diligence is essential to align purchase goals with zoning and community rules.
Relocating to Hilton Head often involves lifestyle-driven decisions rather than commute-based ones. Many new residents prioritize walkability, golf access, beach proximity, or maintenance-free living. Planning for healthcare access, insurance costs, and hurricane preparedness is also part of the relocation process.
Development on Hilton Head is tightly controlled. New construction is primarily infill development, renovations, or redevelopment within existing communities. Large-scale expansions are rare, which helps protect property values but limits new inventory. Buyers seeking new or recently updated homes often face premium pricing.
Purchasing property in Hilton Head, SC requires a different evaluation process than buying in a typical inland or suburban market. As a barrier island with strict development standards, layered regulations, and a large percentage of second-home ownership, Hilton Head real estate decisions are influenced by lifestyle goals, community rules, and long-term ownership costs as much as by price. Buyers who understand these factors early tend to make more informed purchases and avoid surprises after closing.
Below are the most important considerations when buying a home, villa, or condominium in Hilton Head.
Many Hilton Head neighborhoods operate under well-established homeowners associations or plantation governance structures. These regulations often control architectural design, exterior modifications, landscaping, parking, and property use. Rental restrictions—particularly for short-term or vacation rentals—vary significantly by community and can directly affect both lifestyle flexibility and resale appeal. Reviewing covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) is essential before making an offer.
Because Hilton Head is a coastal barrier island, flood zone designation plays a major role in ownership costs. Properties located in designated flood zones may require additional insurance coverage, which can affect annual expenses and long-term affordability. Elevation, proximity to water, and construction type all influence insurance requirements, making it important to assess total ownership costs beyond the purchase price.
Many buyers consider Hilton Head for its strong vacation rental demand, but not all properties are eligible for short-term leasing. Rental allowances, minimum stay requirements, and licensing rules vary by neighborhood and property type. Buyers seeking rental income should review historical demand, seasonal occupancy trends, and management costs to determine whether a property aligns with investment goals.
Maintenance expectations differ widely across property types. Villas and condominiums typically include exterior maintenance, landscaping, insurance, and shared amenities through HOA fees, offering convenience but increasing monthly costs. Single-family homes often provide more autonomy but require owners to manage exterior upkeep, insurance, and repairs independently. Understanding what is included—and what is not—helps buyers accurately compare properties.
Location within established, well-known communities often contributes to stronger long-term resale performance. Proximity to the beach, golf courses, marinas, and amenities tends to enhance desirability, particularly among second-home buyers. Properties in neighborhoods with consistent governance, limited new construction, and strong brand recognition generally experience more stable appreciation over time.
Selling a home in Hilton Head, SC involves a strategic approach that differs from many mainland or non-coastal markets. Because buyer demand is driven heavily by lifestyle preferences, second-home usage, and seasonal patterns, successful sellers must position their property not only as a residence, but as an experience. Pricing, timing, and presentation all play a critical role in attracting qualified buyers in this competitive yet discerning market.
Below are the key factors homeowners should evaluate when preparing to sell property in Hilton Head.
Hilton Head real estate activity follows predictable seasonal trends. Buyer demand typically increases in spring and early summer, when second-home buyers and relocating households are most active. Listing during peak seasons can improve exposure and competition, while off-season listings may require more strategic pricing or extended timelines. Understanding seasonal buyer behavior helps sellers choose optimal listing windows.
Buyers in Hilton Head often compare multiple properties within the same community or plantation. Homes that are well-maintained, move-in ready, and thoughtfully updated tend to attract stronger interest and command better pricing. Deferred maintenance, outdated finishes, or visible wear can significantly impact marketability, particularly in luxury or resort-style segments where buyer expectations are high.
Many neighborhoods have specific resale requirements, including transfer fees, approval processes, or disclosure obligations. Some communities also enforce rental or usage restrictions that may influence buyer interest. Sellers should understand and prepare documentation related to HOA rules, assessments, and fees early in the process to avoid delays during contract negotiations.
Accurate pricing is essential in a market where buyers are well-informed and often comparing Hilton Head properties to other coastal destinations. Overpricing can lead to extended time on market, while competitive pricing aligned with recent comparable sales tends to generate stronger initial interest. Strategic pricing should reflect property condition, location, view, and permitted usage rather than relying solely on past purchase prices or peak market assumptions.
Hilton Head buyers fall into distinct categories, including full-time residents, second-home purchasers, and investors. Each group prioritizes different features such as rental potential, maintenance convenience, privacy, or amenity access. Effective marketing highlights the aspects of a property that resonate most with its likely buyer profile, increasing the chances of a timely and successful sale.
Dining and entertainment in Hilton Head, SC reflect the island’s coastal setting, resort heritage, and relaxed Lowcountry lifestyle. Rather than a dense nightlife or urban dining scene, Hilton Head offers a thoughtfully curated mix of locally owned restaurants, waterfront dining, casual cafés, and upscale culinary experiences. Entertainment is largely experience-driven, with an emphasis on outdoor settings, live music, cultural events, and scenic gathering places that align with the island’s laid-back character.
For residents, this translates into year-round access to quality dining, social venues, and leisure activities without the congestion of larger tourist hubs. Whether enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the water, attending seasonal festivals, or exploring local markets and shops, Hilton Head provides a balanced and refined lifestyle centered on community, nature, and coastal living.
Hilton Head offers a mix of boutique shopping centers, grocery stores, medical offices, and professional services. While not urban, the island provides daily necessities without requiring frequent mainland travel.
Outdoor living defines Hilton Head. Residents enjoy miles of public beaches, biking trails, nature preserves, golf courses, tennis centers, marinas, and water-based recreation including kayaking and paddleboarding through tidal creeks.
Hilton Head maintains a laid-back yet polished community culture. Social life often revolves around neighborhood clubs, golf associations, boating groups, and volunteer organizations. Despite its resort reputation, the island fosters strong local engagement.
Notable events include:
RBC Heritage Golf Tournament – A nationally recognized PGA Tour event.
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival – Celebrating local Lowcountry cuisine.
Island-Wide Holiday Events – Seasonal markets and coastal celebrations.
Art and Wine Festivals – Supporting local artists and regional producers.
These events contribute to the island’s year-round vibrancy beyond peak tourist seasons.
Residents have access to private fitness clubs, yoga studios, tennis centers, walking trails, and wellness-focused communities. Outdoor fitness is especially popular due to the mild climate.
Hilton Head is notably pet-friendly, with designated dog-friendly beaches during certain seasons, walking paths, veterinary services, and pet-welcoming communities.
Beyond real estate statistics, amenities, and lifestyle features, Hilton Head, SC offers a collection of subtle qualities that shape daily life on the island. These less obvious factors—ranging from community character to long-term livability—often influence buyer and resident satisfaction just as much as location or property type. Understanding these broader insights helps paint a more complete picture of what it truly means to live in Hilton Head.
This section highlights the intangible elements that set Hilton Head apart, providing context for who thrives here, why demand remains strong, and how the island’s unique balance of preservation, planning, and lifestyle continues to attract residents year after year.
People are drawn to Hilton Head for its natural beauty, controlled growth, high-quality communities, and lifestyle consistency. The island offers a sense of retreat while still supporting everyday living needs.
Highly sought-after areas often include established gated communities, oceanfront enclaves, and properties near Harbour Town, Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and Sea Island. Demand is strongest where privacy, views, and amenities intersect.
Hilton Head is best suited for:
Retirees seeking coastal, amenity-rich living
Second-home buyers prioritizing long-term value
Buyers interested in golf, boating, and outdoor lifestyles
Remote professionals seeking a quieter, scenic environment
It may be less ideal for buyers seeking urban nightlife, large-scale new construction, or short commutes to major metros.
There's plenty to do around Hilton Head, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Spanish Wells Seafood & Produce, Snack Bar, and Shop!.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.65 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.7 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 2.81 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.07 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.97 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.14 miles | 22 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.5 miles | 15 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.67 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.97 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.92 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.34 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.1 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.82 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.13 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.18 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.83 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Hilton Head has 17,504 households, with an average household size of 2.15. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Hilton Head do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 37,805 people call Hilton Head home. The population density is 914.2 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Kim always brings enthusiasm and confidence to the table. Combine that with her integrity and professionalism and you have her formula for success when buying or selling your home!
