Wilmington Island GA Demographics & Housing 2026
Wilmington Island is a census-designated place in eastern Chatham County, Georgia (Chatham County), situated approximately 12 miles east of downtown Savannah along the Wilmington River and Turner Creek. This suburban waterfront community occupies a barrier island between the mainland and the Atlantic marshlands, offering residents a distinctive blend of coastal living with convenient access to Savannah's urban amenities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the island's population has grown steadily, reflecting the broader expansion of the Savannah metropolitan area as one of Georgia's fastest-growing regions.
Key Takeaways
Wilmington Island's median household income of $82,400 exceeds the Chatham County median by 38%, according to Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates
Single-family homes comprise 87% of the housing stock, with waterfront parcels commanding premiums of 40-65% over interior lots
The median home value reached $385,000 in early 2026, according to Zillow Home Value Index data for the Savannah metro
Annual property turnover runs approximately 6.8%, creating a manageable farm of roughly 420 potential listing contacts per year
Population density remains low at 1,250 persons per square mile, preserving the island's suburban character despite regional growth pressure
Wilmington Island Population & Demographic Profile
Understanding the demographic composition of Wilmington Island provides agents with the foundation needed to craft targeted farming campaigns. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, the community's population stands at approximately 15,200 residents across 6,180 households.
How has Wilmington Island's population changed over the past decade?
Population growth on Wilmington Island has tracked modestly ahead of Chatham County's overall pace. According to Census Bureau intercensal estimates, the island added roughly 1,100 residents between 2015 and 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 0.75%.
| Demographic Indicator | Wilmington Island | Chatham County | Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2024 est.) | 15,200 | 295,800 | 11,100,000 |
| Median Age | 44.2 years | 34.8 years | 37.1 years |
| Median Household Income | $82,400 | $59,700 | $65,350 |
| Per Capita Income | $42,100 | $32,500 | $33,900 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 46.3% | 34.2% | 33.7% |
| Homeownership Rate | 78.5% | 53.8% | 63.8% |
| Households | 6,180 | 117,400 | 4,020,000 |
| Average Household Size | 2.38 | 2.44 | 2.68 |
According to the National Association of Realtors, communities with homeownership rates above 75% tend to generate higher per-household transaction values. Wilmington Island's 78.5% ownership rate positions it firmly in this premium category. Agents using platforms like US Tech Automations can segment these owner-occupied households by tenure length to identify likely sellers approaching their 7-10 year move cycle.
Wilmington Island's median household income of $82,400 places it in the top quartile of Chatham County communities, according to Census Bureau data — a key indicator for agents targeting move-up buyers and premium listing opportunities.
Age Distribution & Lifecycle Segments
The age profile on Wilmington Island skews older than the Savannah metro average, reflecting the community's appeal to established families and empty nesters drawn to waterfront living.
| Age Cohort | Share of Population | Implication for Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 20.1% | Family-oriented marketing resonates |
| 18-34 | 14.8% | Smaller young adult presence than urban Savannah |
| 35-54 | 26.3% | Peak earning years, move-up buyer potential |
| 55-64 | 18.7% | Pre-retirement downsizers and second-home buyers |
| 65+ | 20.1% | Estate planning, downsizing referral opportunities |
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, the 55-64 cohort represents the highest probability of listing activity in suburban communities, as households evaluate downsizing, relocation, or second-home purchases. On Wilmington Island, this cohort accounts for nearly one in five residents.
Racial & Ethnic Composition
According to Census Bureau data, Wilmington Island's population is approximately 88.2% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population of any race represents approximately 4.5% of residents, according to ACS estimates.
Housing Stock Analysis
What types of homes dominate Wilmington Island's housing market?
The housing stock on Wilmington Island reflects its development as a mid-twentieth-century suburban community with ongoing infill and renovation. According to Chatham County tax assessor records, single-family detached homes account for 87% of residential parcels, with the remainder split between townhomes (7%) and condominiums (6%).
| Housing Characteristic | Wilmington Island | Savannah Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | 6,650 | 165,200 |
| Single-Family Detached | 87% | 63% |
| Townhome/Attached | 7% | 11% |
| Condo/Multi-Family | 6% | 26% |
| Median Year Built | 1985 | 1992 |
| Median Square Footage | 1,920 sq ft | 1,680 sq ft |
| Median Lot Size | 0.38 acres | 0.25 acres |
| Waterfront Parcels | ~480 | N/A |
According to the Savannah Area Association of Realtors, waterfront properties on Wilmington Island carry a median premium of 47% over comparable interior homes, with marsh-view parcels commanding an intermediate premium of approximately 22%.
With approximately 480 waterfront parcels and a turnover rate of 6.8%, agents can expect roughly 33 waterfront listings to emerge annually on Wilmington Island — each representing a high-value commission opportunity averaging $15,400 at current median prices.
Construction Eras & Renovation Activity
| Construction Period | Share of Stock | Typical Condition | Agent Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1970 | 18% | Renovation candidates, updated systems | Flip potential, estate sales |
| 1970-1989 | 34% | Mixed condition, some deferred maintenance | Mid-cycle sellers, renovation ROI |
| 1990-2009 | 32% | Generally well-maintained | Move-up and right-size sellers |
| 2010-Present | 16% | Modern construction, energy efficient | First-time move-up buyers |
According to the National Association of Home Builders, homes built between 1970 and 1989 are entering their peak renovation cycle, meaning that one-third of Wilmington Island's housing stock may require significant capital investment. This creates opportunities for agents to position renovation-financing guidance as a value-add in their farming materials.
Income, Employment & Economic Drivers
What industries employ Wilmington Island residents?
The Savannah metro economy has diversified significantly in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the region's major employment sectors include logistics and distribution (driven by the Port of Savannah), healthcare (Memorial Health University Medical Center and St. Joseph's/Candler), military (Hunter Army Airfield), and tourism.
| Employment Sector | Share of Wilmington Island Workforce | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Medical | 18.2% | $55,000-$145,000 |
| Logistics & Distribution | 12.4% | $42,000-$78,000 |
| Education | 11.8% | $38,000-$72,000 |
| Professional Services | 14.6% | $52,000-$120,000 |
| Military/Government | 9.3% | $40,000-$85,000 |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 7.1% | $28,000-$52,000 |
| Construction & Trades | 8.2% | $36,000-$68,000 |
| Retail | 6.8% | $26,000-$45,000 |
| Other | 11.6% | Varies |
According to the Georgia Ports Authority, the Port of Savannah handled a record 5.8 million TEUs in fiscal year 2025, supporting approximately 56,000 direct and indirect jobs in the metro area. This economic engine provides a stable employment base that sustains housing demand across Wilmington Island and neighboring communities.
Agents leveraging US Tech Automations can build automated drip campaigns that reference employer-specific relocation patterns — for example, targeting medical professionals at Memorial Health with content about Wilmington Island's school ratings and commute times.
Property Values & Market Metrics
How do Wilmington Island home values compare to nearby Savannah communities?
According to Zillow Home Value Index data, the median home value on Wilmington Island reached $385,000 in early 2026, representing a 5.2% year-over-year increase. This positions the island above the Savannah metro median of $298,000 but below premium waterfront communities like Isle of Hope.
| Community | Median Home Value | YoY Change | Avg. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Island | $385,000 | +5.2% | 34 |
| Isle of Hope | $525,000 | +4.8% | 41 |
| Ardsley Park | $445,000 | +6.1% | 28 |
| Thunderbolt | $310,000 | +7.3% | 26 |
| Tybee Island | $575,000 | +3.9% | 52 |
| Pooler | $335,000 | +8.4% | 22 |
| Savannah Metro Overall | $298,000 | +6.5% | 31 |
According to the Savannah Area Association of Realtors, Wilmington Island's average days on market of 34 reflects balanced conditions — neither the seller's frenzy seen in Pooler nor the longer absorption periods typical of Tybee Island's vacation-home market.
According to Zillow research, Wilmington Island home values have appreciated 28.5% over the past five years, outpacing national appreciation of 24.1% but trailing Pooler's explosive 42% growth fueled by new construction.
Price Distribution by Property Type
| Property Type | Median Price | Price Range (25th-75th Pctile) | Avg Commission (5%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Single-Family | $345,000 | $285,000-$420,000 | $17,250 |
| Marsh-View Single-Family | $425,000 | $365,000-$510,000 | $21,250 |
| Deep-Water Frontage | $565,000 | $440,000-$725,000 | $28,250 |
| Townhome | $275,000 | $235,000-$320,000 | $13,750 |
| Condo | $225,000 | $185,000-$285,000 | $11,250 |
School District & Family Appeal
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Wilmington Island is served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Key schools serving the island include:
| School | Type | GreatSchools Rating | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Island Elementary | Elementary | 7/10 | 520 |
| Hesse K-8 School | K-8 | 6/10 | 680 |
| Islands High School | High | 5/10 | 1,240 |
| St. James Catholic School | Private K-8 | 8/10 | 310 |
| Savannah Country Day | Private K-12 | 9/10 | 940 |
Do Wilmington Island school ratings affect home values?
According to the National Association of Realtors, school quality remains the second most important factor (after neighborhood safety) for family buyers. Homes within the Wilmington Island Elementary attendance zone command a 6-8% premium over comparable properties zoned for lower-rated schools, according to local MLS analysis.
Agents can use the US Tech Automations platform to create school-district-specific landing pages that automatically route family buyer leads into age-appropriate content sequences — toddler families receive elementary school spotlights, while teenage families get high school and extracurricular content.
Commute Patterns & Transportation
According to Census Bureau commuting data, Wilmington Island residents average a 24-minute one-way commute, with 89% driving alone. The island's primary access point is Johnny Mercer Boulevard, connecting to the Islands Expressway and ultimately to I-16 and downtown Savannah.
| Commute Destination | Distance | Drive Time (AM Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Savannah | 12 miles | 22-28 min |
| Hunter Army Airfield | 9 miles | 18-24 min |
| Savannah/Hilton Head Airport | 18 miles | 25-32 min |
| Memorial Health | 10 miles | 20-26 min |
| Port of Savannah | 16 miles | 28-35 min |
Farming Strategy: Demographics-Based Targeting
How to Build a Wilmington Island Farm Using Demographic Data
Successful geographic farming on Wilmington Island requires a data-driven approach that segments the community's 6,180 households into actionable cohorts. Here is a step-by-step methodology for building a high-conversion farm.
Acquire the complete property tax roll from the Chatham County Tax Assessor. Download ownership records for all 6,650 parcels on Wilmington Island, including owner names, mailing addresses, purchase dates, and assessed values. According to the Chatham County Assessor's Office, records are updated annually in April.
Segment households by tenure length using purchase date analysis. Identify owners approaching the 7-10 year mark, which according to NAR research represents the national median ownership duration before a sale. On Wilmington Island, approximately 890 households fall within this window in 2026.
Cross-reference owner-occupied versus investor-owned parcels. According to Census Bureau data, 78.5% of Wilmington Island homes are owner-occupied. The remaining 21.5% may represent rental investors with different motivations — target these with portfolio-optimization messaging.
Overlay demographic data to identify life-stage triggers. Match property records against public data to estimate household composition. The 55-64 cohort (18.7% of residents) and 65+ cohort (20.1%) represent pre-retirement and retirement-age households likely evaluating downsizing options.
Map waterfront versus interior parcels to create tiered prospect lists. According to Chatham County GIS records, approximately 480 parcels have direct water access. These high-value prospects justify premium marketing materials — glossy mailers, drone photography showcases, and personalized market reports.
Establish monthly touch frequency using automated multi-channel sequences. According to NAR research, it takes 8-12 touches to convert a farming contact. Use US Tech Automations to coordinate direct mail, email, and digital ad touches across a 12-month campaign cycle.
Create neighborhood-specific market reports using MLS data. Pull quarterly sales data for Wilmington Island and produce one-page market snapshots showing median price trends, days on market, and inventory levels. According to Tom Ferry International, agents who distribute consistent market reports achieve 3.2x higher recall rates in their farm areas.
Track response rates and adjust segmentation quarterly. Monitor which demographic segments generate the highest engagement — open rates, website visits, and direct inquiries. According to the Real Estate Trainer, top-performing farm campaigns achieve 2-4% response rates within the first 18 months.
Implement a referral program targeting the 65+ cohort. According to NAR's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, sellers aged 65+ are 40% more likely to choose an agent through personal referral. Create a structured referral incentive program and promote it through community events.
Measure ROI against the benchmark of 2-3 listings per 100 contacts annually. According to real estate coaching organizations, a mature geographic farm should produce 2-3 listing appointments per 100 actively farmed contacts per year. For a 500-contact Wilmington Island farm, that translates to 10-15 listings annually.
Technology Platform Comparison for Farm Automation
Selecting the right technology platform determines whether your farming campaign scales efficiently or stalls under manual workload. Here is how the leading platforms compare for Wilmington Island farming.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Segmentation | Advanced AI-driven | Basic filters | Basic filters | Limited | Manual tags |
| Multi-Channel Automation | Mail + Email + Digital + SMS | Email + SMS | Email + Ads | Email + Ads | Email + SMS |
| Geographic Farm Tools | Purpose-built farming module | Generic CRM | Lead-focused | Lead-focused | Generic CRM |
| Market Report Generation | Auto-generated, branded | Manual | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| MLS Data Integration | Direct feed, real-time | IDX only | IDX only | IDX only | Manual import |
| Cost per 500 Contacts/Month | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ |
| ROI Tracking by Channel | Per-channel attribution | Basic reporting | Ad-focused | Ad-focused | Basic reporting |
| Listing-to-Close Automation | Full pipeline | Partial | Lead-to-nurture | Lead-to-nurture | Contact management |
US Tech Automations stands apart with its purpose-built geographic farming module that combines demographic segmentation, multi-channel automation, and per-channel ROI tracking — capabilities that generic CRM platforms simply do not offer for farming-specific workflows.
Lifestyle & Community Amenities
What makes Wilmington Island attractive to homebuyers?
According to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington Island offers a unique combination of waterfront living, suburban convenience, and proximity to both downtown Savannah and the beach communities of Tybee Island. Key lifestyle draws include:
Boating and fishing access via multiple community docks and marinas along the Wilmington River
Proximity to Tybee Island (15-minute drive) for beach recreation
Johnny Mercer Boulevard commercial corridor with restaurants, grocery stores, and medical offices
Low crime rates — according to Chatham County Sheriff's Office data, Wilmington Island's property crime rate runs 35% below the county average
Nature and outdoor recreation including kayaking through coastal marshlands and birding along Turner Creek
According to the Savannah Morning News, Wilmington Island consistently ranks among the top five most desirable residential communities in Chatham County, driven by its waterfront access, school options, and suburban character.
Internal Linking & Related Market Data
Agents farming the Savannah metro area should also review data for adjacent communities to understand competitive dynamics and buyer flow patterns:
Isle of Hope GA Home Prices & Commission Data 2026 — premium waterfront comparison market
Thunderbolt GA Real Estate Trends & Data 2026 — adjacent waterfront village with lower price points
Historic District Savannah GA Real Estate Market Data 2026 — urban core market dynamics
Ardsley Park GA Home Prices & Commission Data 2026 — midtown Savannah comparison
Pooler GA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026 — fastest-growing Savannah suburb
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price on Wilmington Island in 2026?
The median home value on Wilmington Island reached $385,000 in early 2026, according to Zillow Home Value Index data. Interior single-family homes have a median of $345,000, while deep-water frontage properties reach $565,000. Year-over-year appreciation stands at 5.2%, according to Savannah Area Association of Realtors data.
How does Wilmington Island's median income compare to the Savannah metro?
Wilmington Island's median household income of $82,400 exceeds the Chatham County median of $59,700 by 38%, according to Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. Per capita income of $42,100 also outpaces the county figure of $32,500 by 30%.
What percentage of Wilmington Island homes are owner-occupied?
According to Census Bureau data, 78.5% of Wilmington Island housing units are owner-occupied, compared to 53.8% countywide. This high ownership rate creates a stable community with lower turnover but higher per-transaction value for listing agents.
Which employers drive housing demand on Wilmington Island?
The major employers in the Savannah metro include Memorial Health University Medical Center, the Port of Savannah logistics complex, Hunter Army Airfield, and the Savannah-Chatham County school system. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare (18.2%) and professional services (14.6%) are the top employment sectors for island residents.
How many waterfront properties exist on Wilmington Island?
According to Chatham County GIS records, approximately 480 parcels on Wilmington Island have direct waterfront access on the Wilmington River, Turner Creek, or adjacent tidal creeks. These properties carry a median premium of 47% over comparable interior homes, according to the Savannah Area Association of Realtors.
What is the annual property turnover rate on Wilmington Island?
The annual property turnover rate on Wilmington Island runs approximately 6.8%, according to MLS transaction data. This translates to roughly 420 home sales per year across the island's 6,180 households, creating a steady pipeline of listing opportunities for agents with established farm presence.
Are there new construction opportunities on Wilmington Island?
New construction on Wilmington Island is limited due to the island's geographic constraints and largely built-out status. According to Chatham County building permit data, approximately 25-35 new residential permits are issued annually, mostly for teardown-rebuild projects on older lots. Agents seeking new construction inventory should also consider nearby Pooler GA where new subdivision development is active.
What school districts serve Wilmington Island?
Wilmington Island is served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. According to GreatSchools data, Wilmington Island Elementary (7/10) and Hesse K-8 School (6/10) serve younger students, while Islands High School (5/10) serves the secondary level. Private options include St. James Catholic School and Savannah Country Day.
How does Wilmington Island compare to Tybee Island for real estate investment?
Wilmington Island offers lower entry prices ($385,000 median vs. $575,000 on Tybee Island) with more stable year-round occupancy, according to Zillow data. Tybee Island's vacation-rental market creates higher seasonal income potential but also longer days on market (52 vs. 34) and greater price volatility, according to the Savannah Area Association of Realtors.
Conclusion: Automate Your Wilmington Island Farm for Maximum ROI
Wilmington Island's demographic profile — high incomes, strong homeownership rates, and a stable waterfront housing stock — makes it an ideal geographic farm for agents willing to invest in data-driven, consistent outreach. The community's 6,180 households represent a manageable farm size that rewards systematic contact over opportunistic cold-calling.
To maximize your farming ROI on Wilmington Island, combine the demographic insights in this guide with an automated multi-channel campaign that delivers consistent monthly touches to your target segments. US Tech Automations provides the purpose-built farming automation tools — from demographic segmentation to market report generation to per-channel ROI tracking — that transform raw census and MLS data into a predictable listing pipeline.
Start building your Wilmington Island farm today at ustechautomations.com.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
