Living in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Ocean Isle Beach · Census data 2020–2024
Ocean Isle Beach has 903 residents with a median age of 67.3. The median household income is $96,786 (34% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $835,500.
Ocean Isle Beach is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Ocean Isle Beach at a glance
- Population
- 903
- Median age
- 67.3State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $96,786State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $835,500State: $288,900
- Homeowners
- 96.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 65.1%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Ocean Isle Beach a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 34% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; a poverty rate of 5.3%.
Cons: Home values 189% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Ocean Isle Beach
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Ocean Isle Beach the median home value is $835,500, 151% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of — per month. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,143 a month in housing costs.
Ocean Isle Beach median household income
The median household income in Ocean Isle Beach is $96,786 and the income per person is $84,793. 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Ocean Isle Beach: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,387
- Owner-occupied
- 96.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 3.5%
- Vacant
- 84.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1996
- Average household size
- 1.76
84.8% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Ocean Isle Beach has many vacation and second homes.
Ocean Isle Beach demographics
- Population
- 903
- Median age
- 67.3
- Under 18
- 3.5%
- 65 and older
- 58.6%
- Households
- 514
- Foreign-born
- 3.1%
- Veterans
- 7.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Ocean Isle Beach ›
Education in Ocean Isle Beach
65.1% of adults 25 and older in Ocean Isle Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 29.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Ocean Isle Beach
- Unemployment rate
- 0%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 43.4%
- Drive alone
- 51%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 2.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 96.9%
Ocean Isle Beach vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | 903 | $96,786 | $835,500 | — |
| Sunset Beach | 4,351 | $81,976 | $410,900 | $537 |
| Shallotte | 4,639 | $88,367 | $349,500 | $1,256 |
| Calabash | 2,377 | $65,310 | $253,200 | $1,360 |
| Holden Beach | 962 | $116,250 | $658,900 | $1,475 |
| Carolina Shores | 5,017 | $76,087 | $288,600 | $1,973 |
| Little River | 11,771 | $65,786 | $305,800 | $1,528 |
| Varnamtown | 782 | $54,844 | $293,800 | $1,087 |
| North Myrtle Beach | 19,855 | $72,722 | $416,900 | $1,263 |
More for people moving to Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Ocean Isle Beach: FAQ
What is the median household income in Ocean Isle Beach, NC?
The median household income in Ocean Isle Beach is $96,786, 34% 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 Ocean Isle Beach?
The median home value in Ocean Isle Beach is $835,500, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
Is Ocean Isle Beach, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 34% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; a poverty rate of 5.3%. Minuses: home values 189% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Ocean Isle Beach?
The median age in Ocean Isle Beach is 67.3 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Ocean Isle Beach?
The average commute to work in Ocean Isle Beach is 23 minutes; 43.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocean Isle Beach?
The unemployment rate in Ocean Isle Beach is 0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Ocean Isle Beach?
65.1% of adults in Ocean Isle 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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