| City: | Folly Beach, South Carolina |
| County: | Charleston County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:15:00 PM |
| Population: | 1,891 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 843 / 854 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.6696, -79.9498 |
| Land Area: | 2.908 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Folly Beach sits on a barrier island just outside Charleston, South Carolina. This small beach community covers 11.25 square miles of coastal territory and serves 1,891 year-round residents. But the housing stock tells a different story: 2,248 total units with only 958 occupied year-round. That's a 54% seasonal vacancy rate, one of the highest in South Carolina.
The post office maintains 1,196 PO Boxes for 958 occupied homes. This 1.25-to-1 adoption rate isn't typical for most communities. It happens because seasonal homeowners keep boxes year-round for tax bills, HOA notices, and mail forwarding. Many beach houses lack traditional mailbox infrastructure, and the island's relaxed character means residents prefer picking up mail at the post office.
Median home value: $1,004,300. That's more than double South Carolina's statewide median. With a median age of 57.2 years and 76% homeownership, Folly Beach attracts retirees and second-home buyers, not young families. Only 39 residents are under 18. The population swells dramatically during summer months when seasonal homes fill with vacationers.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no carrier route delivery to island addresses. Mail goes to boxes or general delivery at the post office on East Indian Avenue. The 85 businesses also rely on PO Boxes, maintaining the island's small-town character where everyone stops by the post office.
Three carrier routes serve the island: two city routes and one rural route. This Urban+Rural delivery mix is unusual for such a compact area, but it follows the island's development patterns. Some streets have sidewalks and curbs, while others remain unpaved or sand-covered. The ZIP+4 data includes 13 distinct streets, with East Indian Avenue accounting for 95 of the 109 street-type records.
Despite the PO Box classification, the island maintains good infrastructure. Charleston is just 12 miles away. Nearly all residents (95%) are white, 60.9% hold bachelor's degrees, and per capita income reaches $81,139. This isn't a remote or economically isolated community. It's a choice destination where PO Box delivery fits the island lifestyle.
East Indian Avenue dominates delivery with 95 of 109 street records, while lanes with names like Sunset Cay and Red Sunset reflect the coastal character.
ZIP Code 29439 has 1,891 residents and 958 households (average 1.97 persons per household). The median age is 57.2 years, significantly older than the state (40.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.5% male and 51.5% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.9%, much higher than the state average of 63.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (1.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,891Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 869Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 650.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $99,766Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 958Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $1,004,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.97Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.95Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,139 | 2,215 | 2,299 | 2,217 | 2,312 | 2,381 | 2,384 | 2,319 | 2,344 | 2,391 | 944 | 855 | 869 |
| Decennial Census | 2,399 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,891 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 57.2
Male Median Age: 57
Female Median Age: 57.4
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 39 | 23 | 27 | 34 | 21 | 26 | 37 | 47 | 49 | 57 | 70 | 83 | 106 | 114 | 87 | 52 | 22 | 23 |
| Female | 36 | 36 | 26 | 35 | 18 | 22 | 43 | 53 | 45 | 48 | 73 | 98 | 131 | 118 | 100 | 38 | 23 | 31 |
| Total | 75 | 59 | 53 | 69 | 39 | 48 | 80 | 100 | 94 | 105 | 143 | 181 | 237 | 232 | 187 | 90 | 45 | 54 |
| White: | 1,795 | 97.13% |
| Black: | 9 | 0.49% |
| Hispanic:* | 19 | 1.03% |
| Asian: | 8 | 0.43% |
| American Indian: | 7 | 0.38% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 10 | 0.54% |
| Total: | 1,848 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 917 | 48.49% | 57.0 years |
| Females: | 974 | 51.51% | 57.4 years |
| Total: | 1,891 | 100% | 57.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 833 | 95.86% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 36 | 4.14% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 869 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 869 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $99,766, which is much higher than the state median ($66,818), is up $43,933 (78.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $29,164. Family households earn a median of $215,179 versus $50,855 for nonfamily households (a difference of $164,324). By gender, male median income is $105,545 and female is $55,461, which is much higher than the state female median ($45,996), with a current gap of $50,084 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 55.5%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (58.3%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $55,833 | $58,618 | $72,193 | $71,682 | $72,298 | $93,605 | $92,643 | $77,206 | $70,602 | $83,871 | $72,426 | $87,554 | $99,766 |
| Median Family Income | $102,591 | $103,384 | $104,868 | $106,010 | $102,750 | $104,209 | $106,648 | $106,724 | $105,080 | $110,826 | $0 | $123,828 | $215,179 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $43,558 | $50,543 | $60,441 | $54,311 | $59,605 | $62,451 | $57,176 | $53,173 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50,855 |
| Median Male Income | $45,787 | $36,350 | $51,190 | $55,934 | $55,230 | $70,039 | $72,893 | $75,313 | $76,516 | $79,729 | $94,776 | $115,575 | $105,545 |
| Median Female Income | $46,645 | $30,096 | $41,447 | $41,793 | $41,023 | $31,860 | $32,330 | $34,300 | $26,853 | $24,364 | $42,250 | $55,573 | $55,461 |
| Employed: | 451 | 53.44% |
| Unemployed: | 17 | 2.01% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 376 | 44.55% |
| Total: | 844 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 263 | 58.31% |
| Service: | 28 | 6.21% |
| Sales and Office: | 110 | 24.39% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 18 | 3.99% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 32 | 7.10% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 451 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $1,004,300, which is much higher than the state median ($236,700), is up $233,100 (30.23%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $424,600. The median gross rent is $1,930, which is far above the state median ($1,126), is up $870 (82.08%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $956. Of occupied housing, owners make up 90.38% (53.47% with a mortgage, 46.53% free-and-clear) and renters 9.62% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 76.92%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $771,200 | $666,400 | $624,000 | $659,500 | $572,900 | $573,200 | $626,000 | $575,700 | $579,700 | $642,900 | $628,500 | $637,500 | $1,004,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 25 | 58.14% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 7 | 16.28% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 11 | 25.58% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 43 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,060 | $1,038 | $1,206 | $1,057 | $1,012 | $1,048 | $1,000 | $1,010 | $974 | $961 | $0 | $2,172 | $1,930 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 216 | 48.32% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 188 | 42.06% |
| Renter Occupied: | 43 | 9.62% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 447 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 447 | 23.08% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,490 | 76.92% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,937 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,325 | 68.40% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 593 | 30.61% |
| Other Units: | 19 | 0.98% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,937 | 100% |
In 2023, 60.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (31.50%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 96.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 2.10%, which is markedly below the state rate (10.00%). The share of people in poverty is 7.10%, which is on par with the state rate (10.10%), up 0.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.30 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (64.58%). College enrollment is 64.58%, which is on par with the state rate (24.90%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 11 | 1.32% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 22 | 2.64% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 110 | 13.22% |
| Some college, no degree: | 149 | 17.91% |
| Associate's degree: | 33 | 3.97% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 301 | 36.18% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 206 | 24.76% |
| Total: | 832 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 799 | 96.03% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 507 | 60.94% |
| Private Insurance: | 666 | 60.71% |
| Public Insurance: | 413 | 37.65% |
| No Insurance: | 18 | 1.64% |
| Total: | 1,097 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,079 | 98.36% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 6.9% | 7.7% | 5.6% | 5.4% | 5.0% | 0.0% | 3.5% | 4.6% | 11.4% | 10.4% | 15.1% | 11.4% | 7.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 17 | 35.42% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 31 | 64.58% |
| Total: | 48 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 17 | 35.42% |
ZIP Code 29439 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 95 business establishments, employing about 778 people with an annual payroll of $49,623,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,278Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 95Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $24,154,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $49,623,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 778Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 29439 is located in Charleston County, South Carolina, within the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 16700) and South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 817,756 people, about 0.23% of whom live in ZIP Code 29439. It covers 2.908 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.799 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Charleston-North Charleston, SCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 16700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 817,756Source: Census |
| MSA: | Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 2.908 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.799 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1547.86 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4526035Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Folly Beach city; South CarolinaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 29439 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.