Dorchester ZIP Codes — Dorchester County, SC

There is one unique ZIP code in Dorchester, South Carolina and it is 29437. Area code: 843.

ZIP codes

84.04

sq mi land

0.22

sq mi water

843

area code

Dorchester, SC ZIP code map

About Dorchester, SC

Dorchester is a charming town located in South Carolina, nestled within Dorchester County. The community is known for its rich history and southern hospitality, making it an inviting place for residents and visitors. Despite its small size, Dorchester offers a unique glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the Lowcountry region.

Location & geography

Dorchester is situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Charleston, offering easy access to the historic city while maintaining its small-town charm. Nearby cities include Summerville, which is about 10 miles to the northeast, and St. George, around 15 miles to the southwest. The town spans a land area of 84.04 square miles and features a water area of 0.22 square miles, with a mix of rolling terrain and lush landscapes typical of the region.

Community & economy

The character of Dorchester is marked by a friendly, tight-knit community that values its heritage and local traditions. The primary industries in the area include agriculture and small businesses, which contribute to the local economy and support the residents' daily lives. Community events, local markets, and family-friendly activities help foster a strong sense of belonging and pride among the residents.

Transportation

Dorchester is conveniently connected by major roadways, including U.S. Route 78, which provides easy access to surrounding areas. The nearest significant airport is Charleston International Airport, located approximately 25 miles away, offering both domestic and international flights. Public transit options are limited, so personal vehicles are the most common means of transportation for residents.

History

Dorchester was founded in the early 1900s and has roots in the agricultural industry, which played a vital role in its development. Throughout its history, the town has witnessed changes in ownership and demographics, reflecting broader trends in South Carolina's growth. Notable events, such as local festivals and commemorations, continue to celebrate its rich past and community spirit.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Dorchester is that its ZIP code, 29437, is used exclusively for this small community, creating a unique identity. Additionally, the town's name pays homage to Dorchester, Massachusetts, a nod to early settlers from that area.

ZIP codes for Dorchester, SC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
29437	Dorchester	Dorchester	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,916

Population

42.5

Median age

$46,952

Median household income

$30,872

Per capita income

$165,700

Median home value

$586

Median monthly rent

92.1%

Home ownership

7.5%

Poverty rate

1.0%

Unemployment

1,032

Housing units

18.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

106

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

136

25–34

191

35–44

126

107

45–54

149

55–59

60–64

104

65–74

146

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	405	21.1%
18 and over	1,511	78.9%
65 and over	442	23.1%
Median age	42.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 48.2%

Black or African American 23.8%

Hispanic or Latino 13%

Other race 13%

Two or more races 2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,062	48.2%
Black or African American	525	23.8%
Hispanic or Latino	286	13%
Other race	286	13%
Two or more races	43	2%

Household income

Under $10k 4.2%

$10k–$15k 4.6%

$15k–$25k 12.0%

$25k–$35k 11.6%

$35k–$50k 20.0%

$50k–$75k 27.7%

$75k–$100k 6.5%

$100k–$150k 5.0%

$150k–$200k 3.5%

$200k+ 5.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.2%
$10k–$15k	4.6%
$15k–$25k	12.0%
$25k–$35k	11.6%
$35k–$50k	20.0%
$50k–$75k	27.7%
$75k–$100k	6.5%
$100k–$150k	5.0%
$150k–$200k	3.5%
$200k+	5.0%
Median income	$46,952

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.5%

$50k–$100k 18.3%

$100k–$150k 11.3%

$150k–$200k 10.8%

$200k–$300k 28.6%

$300k–$500k 8.9%

$500k–$1M 4.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$165,700
Median rent / month	$586
Owner occupied	92.1%
Renter occupied	7.9%
Vacant	17.8%
Single-family detached	53.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	44.6%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.16

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	9.3%
2000–2009	15.8%
1990–1999	34.4%
1980–1989	20.0%
1970–1979	9.0%
1960–1969	5.6%
1950–1959	0.0%
1940–1949	4.4%
1939 or earlier	1.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.8%
1 bedroom	5.1%
2 bedrooms	12.0%
3 bedrooms	55.3%
4 bedrooms	21.5%
5+ bedrooms	1.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.3%
1 vehicle	40.4%
2 vehicles	35.6%
3 or more	21.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	4.3%
Electricity	72.9%
Propane / LP gas	16.6%
No fuel used	6.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	290	32.0%
Cohabiting couple	33	3.6%
Male householder, no spouse	132	14.6%
Female householder, no spouse	452	49.8%
Households with children under 18	217	23.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	377	41.6%
Average household size	2.11

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.6%	29.3%
Married	49.4%	36.0%
Separated	0.0%	0.5%
Widowed	6.2%	28.7%
Divorced	13.8%	5.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 7.4%

Some HS, no diploma 12.0%

HS graduate 31.4%

Some college, no degree 24.1%

Associate's degree 6.7%

Bachelor's degree 13.6%

Graduate / professional 4.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	80.7%
Bachelor's or higher	18.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	5	2.1%
Kindergarten	14	5.8%
Elementary school	114	47.3%
High school	63	26.1%
College / grad school	45	18.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 22.4%

Retail trade 15.7%

Construction 14.1%

Professional & management 12.0%

Education & healthcare 9.5%

Public administration 9.4%

Transportation & utilities 7.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.1%

Other services 1.9%

Agriculture & mining 0.7%

Finance & real estate 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.4%
Service	14.7%
Sales & office	17.5%
Natural resources & construction	10.0%
Production & transportation	24.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	77.6%
Government	17.5%
Self-employed	4.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	93.3%
Carpool	2.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.6%
Other means	1.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	31.0

Poverty

All people 7.5%

Under 18 years 8.1%

18 and over 7.3%

Married-couple families 2.1%

Female-led households 11.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	49.7%
Retirement income	23.0%
Supplemental Security	1.9%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	7.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.0%
High cholesterol	38.5%
Heart disease	8.0%
Stroke	4.8%
Asthma	11.7%
Arthritis	32.0%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	9.8%
Cancer	6.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.4%
No physical activity	31.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	42.6%
Fair or poor health	22.3%
Poor mental health	16.8%
Poor physical health	14.9%
No health insurance	19.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.8%
Visited dentist	58.6%
Cholesterol screening	88.9%
Teeth loss	22.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	128	8.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.4%
Under 18	2.2%
18–64 years	11.0%
65 and over	51.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	58.6%
Public insurance	30.8%
Uninsured under 19	50.9%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,734	90.5%
Spanish	94	5.4%
Other Indo-European	79	4.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	15	0.9%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,830	95.5%
Born in same state	1,785	93.2%
Born in different state	1,205	62.9%
Foreign born	45	2.3%
Naturalized citizen	86	4.5%
Not a US citizen	7	8.1%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	363	18.9%
Italian	117	6.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	112	5.8%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	47.3%
Internet access	91.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Dorchester, SC have?

Dorchester, SC has one ZIP code: 29437. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.