Living in Surf City, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Surf City · Census data 2020–2024
Surf City has 4,396 residents with a median age of 36.9. The median household income is $81,433 (12% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $512,300, the median rent is $1,707/month.
Surf City at a glance
- Population
- 4,396
- Median age
- 36.9State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $81,433State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $512,300State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,707/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 73.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 51.6%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Surf City a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 12% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 2.8%; a poverty rate of 5.5%.
Cons: Home values 77% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Surf City
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Surf City the median home value is $512,300, 54% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,707 per month, which is 31.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,665 a month in housing costs.
Surf City median household income
The median household income in Surf City is $81,433 and the income per person is $49,611. 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Surf City: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 4,621
- Owner-occupied
- 73.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 26.1%
- Vacant
- 61.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 2002
- Average household size
- 2.46
61.4% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Surf City has many vacation and second homes.
Surf City demographics
- Population
- 4,396
- Median age
- 36.9
- Under 18
- 21.9%
- 65 and older
- 17.4%
- Households
- 1,784
- Foreign-born
- 2.8%
- Veterans
- 11.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Surf City ›
Education in Surf City
51.6% of adults 25 and older in Surf City have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 20.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Surf City
- Unemployment rate
- 2.8%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 26.6%
- Drive alone
- 65.7%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.8%
Surf City vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf City | 4,396 | $81,433 | $512,300 | $1,707 |
| Holly Ridge | 4,904 | $104,788 | $360,300 | $1,315 |
| Topsail Beach | 406 | $93,250 | $691,200 | — |
| North Topsail Beach | 784 | $121,250 | $473,600 | $1,268 |
| Sneads Ferry | 2,728 | $79,594 | $269,300 | — |
| Hampstead | 9,292 | $91,745 | $402,100 | $1,216 |
| Porters Neck | 7,654 | $119,979 | $569,700 | $1,503 |
| Bayshore | 2,949 | $94,632 | $525,800 | $1,532 |
| Ogden | 8,249 | $121,338 | $463,700 | $2,867 |
More for people moving to Surf City
Surf City ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Surf City: FAQ
What is the median household income in Surf City, NC?
The median household income in Surf City is $81,433, 12% 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 Surf City?
The median home value in Surf City is $512,300, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Surf City?
The median gross rent in Surf City is $1,707 per month, about 31.4% of household income.
Is Surf City, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 12% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 2.8%; a poverty rate of 5.5%. Minuses: home values 77% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Surf City?
The median age in Surf City is 36.9 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Surf City?
The average commute to work in Surf City is 23 minutes; 26.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Surf City?
The unemployment rate in Surf City is 2.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Surf City?
51.6% of adults in Surf 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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