Living in Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Carolina Beach · Census data 2020–2024
Carolina Beach has 6,745 residents with a median age of 53.2. The median household income is $94,398 (30% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $566,200, the median rent is $1,513/month.
Carolina Beach at a glance
- Population
- 6,745
- Median age
- 53.2State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $94,398State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $566,200State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,513/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 84.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 50.5%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Carolina Beach a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 30% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; a poverty rate of 6%.
Cons: Home values 96% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.8%.
The weather is best in April–May and October–November.
Cost of living in Carolina Beach
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Carolina Beach the median home value is $566,200, 70% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,513 per month, which is 24.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,303 a month in housing costs.
Carolina Beach median household income
The median household income in Carolina Beach is $94,398 and the income per person is $66,446. 6% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Carolina Beach: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,266
- Owner-occupied
- 84.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 15.6%
- Vacant
- 51%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1988
- Average household size
- 2.19
51% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Carolina Beach has many vacation and second homes.
Carolina Beach demographics
- Population
- 6,745
- Median age
- 53.2
- Under 18
- 13.4%
- 65 and older
- 20%
- Households
- 3,073
- Foreign-born
- 3.4%
- Veterans
- 8.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Carolina Beach ›
Education in Carolina Beach
50.5% of adults 25 and older in Carolina Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 15.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Carolina Beach
- Unemployment rate
- 7.8%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 19.7%
- Drive alone
- 68.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 98%
Carolina Beach vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Beach | 6,745 | $94,398 | $566,200 | $1,513 |
| Sea Breeze | 1,849 | $69,942 | $405,100 | — |
| Kure Beach | 2,466 | $104,149 | $735,100 | $1,436 |
| Myrtle Grove | 12,637 | $113,463 | $439,100 | $1,463 |
| Silver Lake | 6,563 | $76,756 | $325,500 | $1,416 |
| Southport | 4,205 | $87,641 | $437,700 | $1,426 |
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,347 | $62,676 | $292,300 | $1,385 |
| Wilmington | 120,805 | $66,738 | $383,800 | $1,395 |
| Caswell Beach | 491 | $130,750 | $648,400 | — |
More for people moving to Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Carolina Beach: FAQ
What is the median household income in Carolina Beach, NC?
The median household income in Carolina Beach is $94,398, 30% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Carolina Beach?
The median home value in Carolina Beach is $566,200, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Carolina Beach?
The median gross rent in Carolina Beach is $1,513 per month, about 24.7% of household income.
Is Carolina Beach, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 30% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; a poverty rate of 6%. Minuses: home values 96% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.8%.
What is the median age in Carolina Beach?
The median age in Carolina Beach is 53.2 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Carolina Beach?
The average commute to work in Carolina Beach is 22 minutes; 19.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Beach?
The unemployment rate in Carolina Beach is 7.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Carolina Beach?
50.5% of adults in Carolina Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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