Calabash, NC
Population 2,397 · North Carolina
About Calabash, NC
Calabash is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,397 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,048 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54 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 Calabash features a median home value of $202,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Calabash in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,348, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,617 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (758 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (367 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Calabash shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Calabash have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Calabash residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.3% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Calabash, NC
Compared to national averages, Calabash has a median household income of $60,048 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,000, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,348 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Calabash's income is 7% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 12% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Calabash, NC?
Calabash offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,000, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,048) that falls below the national average. However, Calabash’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Calabash has a population of 2,397 with a median age of 54 years. Compare Calabash with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Calabash
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxton | 2,398 | $22,632 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Laurel Park | 2,391 | $89,107 | $393,400 | Compare |
| Neuse Forest | 2,406 | $88,333 | $194,200 | Compare |
| Richlands | 2,387 | $61,607 | $217,800 | Compare |
| Taylorsville | 2,386 | $48,542 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Spruce Pine | 2,381 | $47,583 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 2,417 | $46,113 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Yanceyville | 2,376 | $28,662 | $132,900 | 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 Calabash With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Calabash
What is the population of Calabash, NC?
The population of Calabash, NC is 2,397 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 Calabash?
The median household income in Calabash, NC is $60,048 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Calabash?
The median home value in Calabash, NC is $202,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Calabash?
The median monthly rent in Calabash, NC is $1,348, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Calabash?
The unemployment rate in Calabash, NC is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Calabash, NC a good place to live?
Calabash offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,397 and a median age of 54, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Calabash, NC?
22.2% of residents in Calabash aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Calabash?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Calabash, NC: median home value is $202,000 (18% below national), median rent is $1,348/month, and median household income is $60,048. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Calabash?
The poverty rate in Calabash, NC is 20.7%, 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 Calabash, NC?
Calabash's population is 4.3% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.