Shell Point, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Shell Point, South Carolina had a total population of 1,439, the 233rd largest community in South Carolina, with a median household income of $81,630, which is 18% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.1% — among the lowest in South Carolina.
Shell Point Quick Facts
How Shell Point Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,005 | 1,439 | -28.2% |
| Median household income | $65,840 | $81,630 | +24.0% |
| Median home value | $233,600 | $293,300 | +25.6% |
How Shell Point Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shell Point Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Beaufort County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island | 37,911 | $94,657 | 8.6% | $687,400 |
| Bluffton | 33,157 | $111,281 | 4.3% | $492,100 |
| Port Royal | 15,579 | $74,870 | 8.4% | $347,200 |
| Beaufort | 13,747 | $61,220 | 12.5% | $345,400 |
| Hardeeville | 10,871 | $78,365 | 11.8% | $488,900 |
| Burton | 6,912 | $68,063 | 12.1% | $247,600 |
| Laurel Bay | 5,882 | $54,345 | 17.5% | $231,800 |
| Ridgeland | 3,764 | $62,981 | 26.8% | $228,400 |
| Yemassee | 1,178 | $44,896 | 27.3% | $161,600 |
| Seabrook | 799 | $63,149 | 21.3% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Shell Point
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drayton | 1,452 | $77,813 | $131,300 | 8.2% | 27.1% |
| Chapin | 1,394 | $79,922 | $221,000 | 34.7% | 7.5% |
| St. Stephen | 1,462 | $65,370 | $100,000 | 15.5% | 16.5% |
| Meggett | 1,307 | $97,865 | $714,100 | 46.0% | 11.0% |
| Fort Lawn | 1,388 | $60,288 | $185,300 | 15.7% | 13.2% |
Population Overview
Shell Point is a small community located in South Carolina, within Beaufort County. The total population is 1,439. It ranks as the 233rd most populous out of 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shell Point is 53.2 years. This is 32% higher than the state median of 40.2 years. 16.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shell Point is $81,630. This is 18% higher than the state median of $69,324. It is also 1% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%. This is 78% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.1%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. This is 30% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $293,300. Housing costs are 13% higher than the state median of $259,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 79.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 71.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Shell Point is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 9.4%. The Black or African American population (9.4%) is well below the state average of 24.6%.
Education
27.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 32.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shell Point, South Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shell Point, South Carolina?
Shell Point, South Carolina has a population of 1,439 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shell Point, SC?
The median household income in Shell Point is $81,630, which is 1% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Shell Point, SC?
The poverty rate in Shell Point is 3.1%. This means approximately 45 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shell Point, South Carolina?
Shell Point's population is 84.2% White, 9.4% Black, 4.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shell Point, SC?
The median home value in Shell Point is $293,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Shell Point, South Carolina?
27.2% of adults (25+) in Shell Point hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.