Georgetown, SC

Georgetown is a historic waterfront city of about 8,800 residents on the Sampit River near Winyah Bay, South Carolina, ZIP code 29440, and the third-oldest city in the state after Charleston and Beaufort. Founded in 1729, its six-block downtown holds more than 60 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, and the beaches of Pawleys Island sit about 11 miles north.

Quick Facts	Detail
ZIP Code	29440
County	Georgetown County, South Carolina (county seat)
Population	Approximately 8,800 within city limits (2020 Census: 8,386), covering 6.92 square miles
Median Home Value	Average home value around $250,000 citywide (Zillow), with active listing prices commonly in the $300,000s to $400,000s depending on neighborhood
School District	Georgetown County School District

Georgetown's historic downtown homes and waterfront properties move at their own pace, but well-priced listings near Front Street don't sit long. Search current listings or contact a local agent for a personal tour.

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Welcome to Georgetown

Founded in 1729, South Carolina's third-oldest city sits where the Sampit River meets Winyah Bay

Georgetown became an official port of entry in 1732, three years after its founding, and grew into a major hub for the region's indigo and rice economy through the nineteenth century. That prosperity depended heavily on the agricultural expertise and forced labor of enslaved Africans and African Americans, particularly in tidal rice cultivation, a history the city's museums and Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor programming actively interpret today.

The city sits at the convergence of the Sampit River, Winyah Bay, and the larger Waccamaw, Black, and Great Pee Dee river systems, a setting that shaped its development as a port and still defines its boating, fishing, and waterfront lifestyle. Downtown, more than 60 buildings carry National Register of Historic Places status, spanning Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture along oak-lined streets.

Real estate here ranges widely: restored historic homes near Front Street, waterfront residences on the Sampit or Winyah Bay, traditional brick-ranch neighborhoods, newer construction on the city's edges, and rural acreage further out. A downtown historic home, a suburban brick ranch, and a Sampit River property with a dock can sit within a few miles of each other while serving very different buyers.

What to Love About Georgetown

Third-Oldest City in South Carolina

Founded in 1729, Georgetown trails only Charleston and Beaufort in age, with more than 60 downtown buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Harborwalk, Right Behind Front Street

A waterfront boardwalk runs about four blocks along the Sampit River, linking parks, restaurants, and marina views directly behind the historic shopping district.

Five Downtown Museums

The Rice Museum, South Carolina Maritime Museum, Georgetown County Museum, Gullah Museum, and Kaminski House Museum sit within walking distance of each other.

Tidelands Health, the Area's Largest Employer

Georgetown Memorial Hospital anchors Tidelands Health, the region's largest employer, giving full-time residents nearby acute-care access.

Local Lifestyle

Daily life in Georgetown tends to move between the Harborwalk, Front Street's independent restaurants and galleries, and the water itself: fishing, sailing, and kayaking on Winyah Bay and the connecting river systems. The city hosts the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show each fall, drawing boats, craftspeople, and demonstrations to the downtown waterfront alongside a regular calendar of art walks and festivals.

Georgetown's median resident age is about 46, older than the South Carolina state median, and the city's population has held roughly steady over the past two decades even as the surrounding county has grown faster, a pattern consistent with a historic downtown core surrounded by newer suburban and coastal development.

Median age and population trend: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and World Population Review, 2026.

Dining, Entertainment and Shopping

Front Street and the surrounding downtown blocks hold Georgetown's core of locally owned businesses.

Front Street's collection of waterfront restaurants, cafés, antique shops, and galleries, running parallel to the Sampit River in the heart of downtown Georgetown.

The Rice Museum, housed in the historic Old Market Building at the corner of Front and Screven Streets, covering the region's rice-cultivation history.

The Kaminski House Museum, an 18th-century waterfront house museum overlooking the Harborwalk, open for guided tours.

Downtown landmarks confirmed via City of Georgetown official site (georgetownsc.gov) and Georgetown County Museum resources, 2026.

Things to Do in Georgetown

The Georgetown Harborwalk, a roughly four-block waterfront boardwalk along the Sampit River, free and open to the public year-round.

Hobcaw Barony, a preserved former plantation property near Georgetown spanning thousands of acres of forest and wetland, offering guided educational programs.

The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, an annual fall event bringing wooden boats, craftspeople, and maritime exhibits to the downtown waterfront.

Event and destination details per City of Georgetown official site and Hobcaw Barony visitor information, 2026.

Schools Serving Georgetown

Georgetown falls under the Georgetown County School District, which operates 8 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools countywide, plus several private school options within the city. Which specific school a property is zoned for depends on its exact address, so buyers should confirm current attendance zoning directly with the district before purchasing.

School counts and district structure: Movoto Georgetown, SC market trends, sourced from Georgetown County School District, 2026.

Real Estate Market in Georgetown

Estimates for Georgetown's housing market vary by source and methodology: Zillow puts the average home value at about $250,000, down 1.7 percent over the past year, while active-listing data from Movoto shows a median list price closer to $344,000 with homes typically spending about 86 days on the market. ZIP-level Census data, which covers a much larger rural area beyond city limits, shows a lower median home value near $172,600 to $208,900.

Because Georgetown spans historic downtown, waterfront, suburban, and rural settings within the same ZIP code, comparing a specific property against the right micro-market matters more here than in most neighborhoods. Buyers should also compare Georgetown against the broader Pawleys Island homes for sale market when weighing a historic city property against a beach-area purchase.

Home value estimates: Zillow Home Values, Georgetown, SC, June 2026; Movoto Georgetown, SC Market Trends, July 2026; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey via Zip-Codes.com, April 2026.

Taylor Keenan, ABR, The Litchfield Company, a Christie's International Real Estate affiliate, Pawleys Island, SC. Taylor was named 2020 Rookie of the Year by The Litchfield Company and represents buyers and sellers across Georgetown, DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Murrells Inlet. Reach the Taylor Keenan Team at (843) 630-1166 or through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown, SC a good place to retire?

Many retirees are drawn to Georgetown for its historic character, boating and fishing access, walkable downtown, and full healthcare services through Tidelands Health, combined with home prices generally lower than nearby beach communities.

How far is Georgetown from the beach?

The beaches of Pawleys Island are about 11 miles north of downtown Georgetown, while DeBordieu Colony's private oceanfront sits just south of the city.

What is the median home price in Georgetown, SC?

Estimates vary by source: Zillow's average home value runs about $250,000, while active-listing data shows a median list price closer to $344,000. Buyers should compare a specific property's micro-market, since historic downtown, waterfront, and suburban areas price very differently.

How old is Georgetown, and what makes it historic?

Georgetown was founded in 1729, making it South Carolina's third-oldest city after Charleston and Beaufort. Its downtown holds more than 60 properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

What school district serves Georgetown?

Georgetown falls under the Georgetown County School District, which operates 8 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools countywide. Specific school zoning depends on the property's exact address.

Explore More on South Carolina's Hammock Coast

Taylor Keenan and the Taylor Keenan Team provide local market knowledge and personalized representation for buyers and sellers throughout Georgetown, DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Murrells Inlet.

Search Homes Near Georgetown

Sources: 1. City of Georgetown official site, georgetownsc.gov, Facts and Figures. 2. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Georgetown city, South Carolina. 3. World Population Review, Georgetown, SC, 2026. 4. Zillow Home Values, Georgetown, SC, June 2026. 5. Movoto Georgetown, SC Market Trends, July 2026. 6. Zip-Codes.com and City-Data.com, ZIP 29440 profile, 2026. 7. Wikipedia, Georgetown County, South Carolina. 8. The Litchfield Company, thelitchfieldcompany.com.

Overview for Georgetown, SC, SC

26,419 people live in Georgetown, SC, where the median age is 45.9 and the average individual income is $34,051. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,419

Total Population

45.9 years

Median Age

Medium

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$34,051

Average individual Income

Around Georgetown, SC, SC

There's plenty to do around Georgetown, SC, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

25

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Dwayne's meals brought to you, Mrs Dot Snacks, and KJs Wingz&Thingz.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Dwayne's meals brought to you page on Yelp	Dining	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Mrs Dot Snacks page on Yelp	Dining	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the KJs Wingz&Thingz page on Yelp	Dining	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Winyah One Stop page on Yelp Search 4201 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Dining	0.99 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Nanathy me bakes page on Yelp Search 3792 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Dining	1.01 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Sc Dept of Health & Environmental Control page on Yelp Search 214 S Ridge St on Google Maps	Dining	1.05 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Lady Karen’s Fresh Local Shrimp page on Yelp Search 249 Gibson St on Google Maps	Dining	1.33 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Circle K page on Yelp Search 2602 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Dining	1.35 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Nortira's Grocery page on Yelp Search 2009 Gilbert St on Google Maps	Dining	1.54 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the KFC page on Yelp Search 2130 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Dining · $	1.68 miles	9 reviews	4.1/5 stars
Visit the 2 Bohos at the Beach page on Yelp	Shopping	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Heaven's Natural Dew page on Yelp Search 42A Hope Ln on Google Maps	Shopping	1.01 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Dress to Impress page on Yelp Search 3464 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Shopping	1.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Just "Sew" U Know page on Yelp Search 2020 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Shopping	1.77 miles	1 review	2/5 stars
Visit the Myrtle Grove RV & Marina Resort page on Yelp Search 894 Trout St on Google Maps	Active	1.7 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Bleu Phire page on Yelp	Beauty	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Custom Clawz by Nickie page on Yelp	Beauty	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the High Off Hair page on Yelp	Beauty	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Eleven89 Hair Studio page on Yelp	Beauty	0.03 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Hair & Tanning Connection page on Yelp Search 3462 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.07 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Nu Image Barber Styling page on Yelp Search 2512 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.43 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Infamous Massages page on Yelp Search 2504 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.47 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Aloha Bright And Bronzed page on Yelp Search 2504 Highmarket St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.47 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Hicks & Son Barber Shop page on Yelp Search 314-F Alex Dr on Google Maps	Beauty	1.6 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Georgetown, SC, SC

Population Households Employment

Georgetown, SC has 10,672 households, with an average household size of 2.42. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Georgetown, SC do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,419 people call Georgetown, SC home. The population density is 51 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,419

Total Population

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

45.9 years

Median Age

48 / 52%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

10,672

Total Households

2.42

Average Household Size

$34,051

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Georgetown, SC, SC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Georgetown, SC. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Current Listings

Sold
$3,900,000

580 Parker Dr.

580 Parker Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 6 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,300 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$1,300,000

261 Atlantic Ave.

261 Atlantic Ave., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 7 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,056 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$1,300,000

9841 Ocean Highway

9841 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 6,624 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$940,000

293 South Dunes Dr. Unit: A-32

293 South Dunes Dr. Unit: A-32, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,626 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$825,000

320 Exchange St.

320 Exchange St., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3,150 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$779,000

709 Retreat Beach Circle Unit: D-1E

709 Retreat Beach Circle Unit: D-1E, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,650 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$760,000

48 Cottage Dr.

48 Cottage Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,720 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$725,000

68 Heron Marsh Dr. Unit: 41

68 Heron Marsh Dr. Unit: 41, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,350 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$700,000

1690 N Waccamaw Dr. Unit: 101

1690 N Waccamaw Dr. Unit: 101, Garden City Beach, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,570 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$699,900

9850 McDowell Short Cut Rd.

9850 McDowell Short Cut Rd., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$685,000

1020 Ocean Blvd. S Unit: A

1020 Ocean Blvd. S Unit: A, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,625 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$650,000

38 Mandarin Ct.

38 Mandarin Ct., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$650,000

S.E. Corner Retreat Beach Circle

S.E. Corner Retreat Beach Circle, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$560,317

16 Lake View Circle Unit: 91

16 Lake View Circle Unit: 91, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,224 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$529,000

553 Heartland Ct.

553 Heartland Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,719 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$520,000

38 Mandarin Ct.

38 Mandarin Ct., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$518,000

11 Chapel Creek Rd. Unit: 11

11 Chapel Creek Rd. Unit: 11, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,950 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$485,000

293 Lassoed Circle

293 Lassoed Circle, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,126 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$482,000

140 Splendor Circle

140 Splendor Circle, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,095 Sq.Ft.
For Sale

$450,000

Portion Wall St.

Portion Wall St., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$439,900

4411 Bed Straw Ct.

4411 Bed Straw Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,745 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$435,000

1027B Lakeside Dr. Unit: B

1027B Lakeside Dr. Unit: B, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,250 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$415,000

510 Antebellum Ln.

510 Antebellum Ln., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,962 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$413,835

500 Aft Ct Unit: 102

500 Aft Ct Unit: 102, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,802 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$399,999

1970 Governors Landing Rd. Unit: 113

1970 Governors Landing Rd. Unit: 113, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,628 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$395,000

116 Great Lakes Rd.

116 Great Lakes Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,900 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$392,000

235 Waties Dr.

235 Waties Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,521 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$390,000

264 Alexandria Dr. Unit: 12

264 Alexandria Dr. Unit: 12, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,060 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$350,000

80 Island Sign Pl.

80 Island Sign Pl., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,622 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$340,000

Lot 4-B Wall St.

Lot 4-B Wall St., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$329,000

420 Warrington Way Unit: 420

420 Warrington Way Unit: 420, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,850 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$320,000

139 Chenoa Dr. Unit: 9 B

139 Chenoa Dr. Unit: 9 B, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,429 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$304,900

35 Delray Dr. Unit: 1-D

35 Delray Dr. Unit: 1-D, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,277 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$300,000

718 Botany Loop Unit: 718

718 Botany Loop Unit: 718, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,309 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$287,500

Tract C-1 Windsor Dr.

Tract C-1 Windsor Dr., Georgetown, SC 29440
Sold
$280,000

108 Kenzgar Dr.

108 Kenzgar Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,480 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$258,000

3557 Chestnut Dr. Unit: 3557

3557 Chestnut Dr. Unit: 3557, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,400 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$255,000

2958 Mary Hines Ln.

2958 Mary Hines Ln., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,260 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$252,500

924 Jackline Place Unit: 202

924 Jackline Place Unit: 202, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,405 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$240,000

1015 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 38c

1015 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 38c, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,050 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$240,000

398 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 59-F

398 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 59-F, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 850 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$230,000

4310 Lotus Ct. Unit: A

4310 Lotus Ct. Unit: A, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,450 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$201,000

TBD Lot 4 Trey Ave.

TBD Lot 4 Trey Ave., Georgetown, SC 29440
Sold
$133,000

1105 S Ocean Blvd. Unit: 848

1105 S Ocean Blvd. Unit: 848, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 1 Bath
- 375 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$131,500

210 28th Ave. S Unit: 5

210 28th Ave. S Unit: 5, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 630 Sq.Ft.
For Lease
$4,166/mo

11382 Ocean Hwy. Unit: Unit 1

11382 Ocean Hwy. Unit: Unit 3, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 1,900 Sq.Ft.