Atlantic Beach, NC
Population 1,705 · North Carolina
About Atlantic Beach, NC
Atlantic Beach is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,056 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atlantic Beach features a median home value of $466,400, which is 90% above the national median of $244,900. This places Atlantic Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $995, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,166 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (634 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (346 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atlantic Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Atlantic Beach have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.7% of Atlantic Beach residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Atlantic Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Atlantic Beach has a median household income of $58,056 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $466,400, which is 90% above the national median. Monthly rent at $995 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Atlantic Beach's income is 10% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 104% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Atlantic Beach, NC?
Atlantic Beach offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $995/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,056) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $466,400. However, Atlantic Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atlantic Beach has a population of 1,705 with a median age of 60.5 years. Compare Atlantic Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Atlantic Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertford | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Horse Shoe | 1,699 | $67,703 | $396,400 | Compare |
| Tryon | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Pinebluff | 1,723 | $75,188 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Foxfire | 1,730 | $75,163 | $352,300 | Compare |
| Sea Breeze | 1,731 | $57,379 | $398,800 | Compare |
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Atlantic Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic Beach
What is the population of Atlantic Beach, NC?
The population of Atlantic Beach, NC is 1,705 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Atlantic Beach?
The median household income in Atlantic Beach, NC is $58,056 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atlantic Beach?
The median home value in Atlantic Beach, NC is $466,400, which is 90% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atlantic Beach?
The median monthly rent in Atlantic Beach, NC is $995, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atlantic Beach?
The unemployment rate in Atlantic Beach, NC is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Atlantic Beach, NC a good place to live?
Atlantic Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,705 and a median age of 60.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Atlantic Beach, NC?
51.7% of residents in Atlantic Beach aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Atlantic Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atlantic Beach, NC: median home value is $466,400 (90% above national), median rent is $995/month, and median household income is $58,056. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Atlantic Beach?
The poverty rate in Atlantic Beach, NC is 18.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Atlantic Beach, NC?
Atlantic Beach's population is 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.