Wadmalaw Island ZIP Codes — Charleston County, SC

There is one unique ZIP code in Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina and it is 29487. Area code: 843.

ZIP codes

41.90

sq mi land

8.73

sq mi water

843

area code

Wadmalaw Island, SC ZIP code map

About Wadmalaw Island, SC

Wadmalaw Island is a serene and picturesque island located in South Carolina, known for its lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Positioned in Charleston County, it offers a slice of coastal living that is both charming and rich in natural beauty. This small island community is a popular destination for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban centers.

Location & geography

Wadmalaw Island is situated approximately 20 miles south of downtown Charleston, providing easy access to the city while maintaining its rural character. The island spans a total area of 41.90 square miles, with 8.73 square miles consisting of water, making it a scenic locale characterized by marshlands and waterways. Nearby cities include James Island to the north at about 10 miles, Johns Island to the east at approximately 5 miles, Folly Beach to the southeast at about 18 miles, and Charleston itself, a short drive to the north.

Community & economy

The character of Wadmalaw Island is shaped by its close-knit community and natural surroundings, which support a laid-back lifestyle. Local industries include aquaculture, with several farms producing renowned products such as Wadmalaw Island tea, and tourism, as visitors are attracted to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Daily life here often revolves around outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and enjoying the island's parks and natural areas.

Transportation

Access to Wadmalaw Island is primarily via Highway 700, also known as the Wadmalaw Island Road, which connects the island to Johns Island and further to Charleston. The nearest major airport is Charleston International Airport, located about 25 miles to the north, providing convenient travel options for residents and visitors. Public transportation options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.

History

Wadmalaw Island was founded in the 18th century, and its agricultural roots established it as a significant region for rice and indigo cultivation. The island has historically been shaped by its natural environment, and over the years, it developed a reputation for its scenic beauty and protected landscapes. Notable events include the establishment of the Charleston Tea Garden, which is famous for producing American-grown tea.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Wadmalaw Island is that it is home to the only tea plantation in North America, the Charleston Tea Garden, which attracts many visitors each year. Additionally, the island has preserved many of its historical sites and natural habitats, contributing to its unique charm as an unspoiled destination.

ZIP codes for Wadmalaw Island, SC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
29487	Wadmalaw Island	Charleston	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,302

Population

55.3

Median age

$74,966

Median household income

$57,887

Per capita income

$328,100

Median home value

$1,404

Median monthly rent

91.7%

Home ownership

16.0%

Poverty rate

7.4%

Unemployment

1,181

Housing units

31.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

138

10–14

15–19

20–24

105

25–34

182

35–44

130

111

45–54

156

55–59

112

162

60–64

115

231

65–74

165

104

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	437	19.0%
18 and over	1,865	81.0%
65 and over	615	26.7%
Median age	55.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 60.7%

Black or African American 32.5%

Two or more races 3.8%

Hispanic or Latino 2.2%

Other race 0.9%

Group	Count	%
White	1,428	60.7%
Black or African American	764	32.5%
Two or more races	89	3.8%
Hispanic or Latino	52	2.2%
Other race	21	0.9%

Household income

Under $10k 11.5%

$10k–$15k 4.8%

$15k–$25k 5.2%

$25k–$35k 7.1%

$35k–$50k 9.9%

$50k–$75k 11.7%

$75k–$100k 10.6%

$100k–$150k 11.9%

$150k–$200k 8.0%

$200k+ 19.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	11.5%
$10k–$15k	4.8%
$15k–$25k	5.2%
$25k–$35k	7.1%
$35k–$50k	9.9%
$50k–$75k	11.7%
$75k–$100k	10.6%
$100k–$150k	11.9%
$150k–$200k	8.0%
$200k+	19.5%
Median income	$74,966

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.7%

$50k–$100k 9.4%

$100k–$150k 4.0%

$150k–$200k 6.8%

$200k–$300k 22.2%

$300k–$500k 19.3%

$500k–$1M 11.3%

$1M+ 22.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$328,100
Median rent / month	$1,404
Owner occupied	91.7%
Renter occupied	8.3%
Vacant	19.4%
Single-family detached	78.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	22.0%
Median rooms	6.8
Avg household size (owned)	2.29

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.8%
2010–2019	8.7%
2000–2009	11.8%
1990–1999	28.8%
1980–1989	12.2%
1970–1979	9.6%
1960–1969	4.1%
1950–1959	11.0%
1940–1949	2.2%
1939 or earlier	10.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.6%
1 bedroom	4.4%
2 bedrooms	12.4%
3 bedrooms	47.8%
4 bedrooms	31.4%
5+ bedrooms	2.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.4%
1 vehicle	29.7%
2 vehicles	35.5%
3 or more	29.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	2.3%
Electricity	73.0%
Propane / LP gas	22.7%
Fuel oil	0.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	543	53.2%
Cohabiting couple	49	4.8%
Male householder, no spouse	194	19.0%
Female householder, no spouse	235	23.0%
Households with children under 18	163	16.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	453	44.4%
Average household size	2.24

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	31.3%	24.2%
Married	50.8%	58.5%
Separated	6.3%	0.1%
Widowed	0.8%	10.2%
Divorced	10.8%	6.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.7%

Some HS, no diploma 12.4%

HS graduate 25.0%

Some college, no degree 21.7%

Associate's degree 7.9%

Bachelor's degree 18.9%

Graduate / professional 12.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	85.9%
Bachelor's or higher	31.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	299	76.9%
High school	49	12.6%
College / grad school	41	10.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.5%

Professional & management 21.4%

Construction 12.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 11.2%

Manufacturing 7.7%

Transportation & utilities 6.8%

Finance & real estate 5.7%

Retail trade 3.9%

Agriculture & mining 1.8%

Other services 1.7%

Information 1.5%

Public administration 1.4%

Wholesale trade 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	47.4%
Service	20.1%
Sales & office	9.9%
Natural resources & construction	6.0%
Production & transportation	16.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	69.7%
Government	13.8%
Self-employed	16.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	64.9%
Carpool	7.1%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.7%
Other means	13.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	44.0

Poverty

All people 16.0%

Under 18 years 26.3%

18 and over 13.6%

Married-couple families 6.4%

Female-led households 5.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	42.1%
Retirement income	34.4%
Supplemental Security	9.0%
Cash public assistance	1.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.3%
High cholesterol	38.8%
Heart disease	8.1%
Stroke	4.8%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	33.8%
Kidney disease	4.0%
Pulmonary disease	8.2%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.3%
No physical activity	25.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	38.8%
Fair or poor health	19.7%
Poor mental health	13.6%
Poor physical health	13.0%
No health insurance	16.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.5%
Visited dentist	64.1%
Cholesterol screening	92.6%
Teeth loss	16.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	158	8.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.7%
Under 18	1.6%
18–64 years	13.6%
65 and over	26.2%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.6%
Public insurance	40.9%
Uninsured under 19	1.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,213	96.1%
Spanish	36	1.6%
Other Indo-European	30	1.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	6	0.3%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,252	97.8%
Born in same state	2,231	96.9%
Born in different state	1,347	58.5%
Foreign born	21	0.9%
Naturalized citizen	50	2.2%
Not a US citizen	22	44.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	436	18.9%
French	294	12.8%
Arab	211	9.2%
Polish	38	1.7%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	35	1.5%
Irish	15	0.7%
German	6	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	44.4%
Internet access	94.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wadmalaw Island, SC have?

Wadmalaw Island, SC has one ZIP code: 29487. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.