Living in Morehead City, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Morehead City · Census data 2020–2024
Morehead City has 9,806 residents with a median age of 44.2. The median household income is $56,233 (22% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $357,400, the median rent is $1,134/month.
Morehead City at a glance
- Population
- 9,806
- Median age
- 44.2State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $56,233State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $357,400State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,134/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 46.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 35.6%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Morehead City a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 18 minutes; unemployment of 2%.
Cons: Median household income 22% lower than the North Carolina median; home values 24% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 18.1%.
The weather is best in April to June and October.
Cost of living in Morehead City
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Morehead City the median home value is $357,400, 7% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,134 per month, which is 37.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,932 a month in housing costs.
Morehead City median household income
The median household income in Morehead City is $56,233 and the income per person is $43,126. 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Morehead City: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,449
- Owner-occupied
- 46.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 53.3%
- Vacant
- 19.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1984
- Average household size
- 1.86
Morehead City demographics
- Population
- 9,806
- Median age
- 44.2
- Under 18
- 17.6%
- 65 and older
- 22.7%
- Households
- 5,169
- Foreign-born
- 4%
- Veterans
- 9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Morehead City ›
Education in Morehead City
35.6% of adults 25 and older in Morehead City have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 11.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Morehead City
- Unemployment rate
- 2%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 12.1%
- Drive alone
- 81.9%
- Public transit
- 0.4%
- Walk to work
- 1.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 87.8%
Morehead City vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morehead City | 9,806 | $56,233 | $357,400 | $1,134 |
| Atlantic Beach | 1,719 | $70,402 | $498,400 | $1,206 |
| Beaufort | 4,689 | $53,321 | $354,900 | $835 |
| Brandywine Bay | 1,313 | $105,000 | $371,500 | $2,141 |
| Pine Knoll Shores | 1,351 | $109,375 | $592,300 | $1,750 |
| Newport | 4,441 | $56,351 | $233,600 | $896 |
| Indian Beach | 211 | $103,000 | $534,100 | — |
| Broad Creek | 1,836 | $57,500 | $244,200 | $908 |
| Gloucester | 385 | $64,667 | $353,800 | — |
More for people moving to Morehead City
Morehead City ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Morehead City: FAQ
What is the median household income in Morehead City, NC?
The median household income in Morehead City is $56,233, 22% lower 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 Morehead City?
The median home value in Morehead City is $357,400, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Morehead City?
The median gross rent in Morehead City is $1,134 per month, about 37.2% of household income.
Is Morehead City, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 18 minutes; unemployment of 2%. Minuses: median household income 22% lower than the North Carolina median; home values 24% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 18.1%.
What is the median age in Morehead City?
The median age in Morehead City is 44.2 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Morehead City?
The average commute to work in Morehead City is 18 minutes; 12.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Morehead City?
The unemployment rate in Morehead City is 2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Morehead City?
35.6% of adults in Morehead City 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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