Living in Holden Beach, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Holden Beach · Census data 2020–2024
Holden Beach has 962 residents with a median age of 64.4. The median household income is $116,250 (61% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $658,900, the median rent is $1,475/month.
Holden Beach is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Holden Beach at a glance
- Population
- 962
- Median age
- 64.4State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $116,250State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $658,900State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,475/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 94.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 69.5%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Holden Beach a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 61% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 1.6%; a poverty rate of 4.9%.
Cons: Home values 128% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Holden Beach
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Holden Beach the median home value is $658,900, 98% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,475 per month, which is 45% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,750 a month in housing costs.
Holden Beach median household income
The median household income in Holden Beach is $116,250 and the income per person is $76,771. 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Holden Beach: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,486
- Owner-occupied
- 94.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 5.4%
- Vacant
- 80.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1992
- Average household size
- 1.99
80.5% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Holden Beach has many vacation and second homes.
Holden Beach demographics
- Population
- 962
- Median age
- 64.4
- Under 18
- 2.1%
- 65 and older
- 46.4%
- Households
- 484
- Foreign-born
- 1.1%
- Veterans
- 8.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Holden Beach ›
Education in Holden Beach
69.5% of adults 25 and older in Holden Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 24.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Holden Beach
- Unemployment rate
- 1.6%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 24.5%
- Drive alone
- 70.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.5%
Holden Beach vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holden Beach | 962 | $116,250 | $658,900 | $1,475 |
| Shallotte | 4,639 | $88,367 | $349,500 | $1,256 |
| Varnamtown | 782 | $54,844 | $293,800 | $1,087 |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 903 | $96,786 | $835,500 | — |
| Sunset Beach | 4,351 | $81,976 | $410,900 | $537 |
| Oak Island | 9,030 | $85,872 | $456,500 | $1,339 |
| St. James | 7,072 | $116,383 | $636,800 | — |
| Calabash | 2,377 | $65,310 | $253,200 | $1,360 |
| Carolina Shores | 5,017 | $76,087 | $288,600 | $1,973 |
More for people moving to Holden Beach
Holden Beach ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Holden Beach: FAQ
What is the median household income in Holden Beach, NC?
The median household income in Holden Beach is $116,250, 61% 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 Holden Beach?
The median home value in Holden Beach is $658,900, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Holden Beach?
The median gross rent in Holden Beach is $1,475 per month, about 45% of household income.
Is Holden Beach, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 61% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 1.6%; a poverty rate of 4.9%. Minuses: home values 128% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Holden Beach?
The median age in Holden Beach is 64.4 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Holden Beach?
The average commute to work in Holden Beach is 23 minutes; 24.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Holden Beach?
The unemployment rate in Holden Beach is 1.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Holden Beach?
69.5% of adults in Holden 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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