Carolina Beach, NC
Population 6,665 · North Carolina
About Carolina Beach, NC
Carolina Beach is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,665 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,239 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.2 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 Carolina Beach features a median home value of $487,800, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carolina Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,544, 33% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,006 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (2,350 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (610 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carolina Beach shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carolina Beach have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.5% of Carolina 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 3.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carolina Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Carolina Beach has a median household income of $88,239 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $487,800, which is 99% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,544 is 33% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Carolina Beach's income is 37% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 113% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Carolina Beach, NC?
Carolina Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,239, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $487,800. However, Carolina Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carolina Beach has a population of 6,665 with a median age of 52.2 years. Compare Carolina Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Carolina Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selma | 6,611 | $37,440 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Marvin | 6,542 | $250,001 | $860,600 | Compare |
| Unionville | 6,826 | $92,009 | $312,200 | Compare |
| East Flat Rock | 6,468 | $59,679 | $207,400 | Compare |
| St. James | 6,901 | $113,670 | $599,300 | Compare |
| Trinity | 7,066 | $80,349 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 6,242 | $73,277 | $287,500 | Compare |
| Porters Neck | 7,102 | $115,417 | $525,100 | 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 Carolina Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina Beach
What is the population of Carolina Beach, NC?
The population of Carolina Beach, NC is 6,665 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 Carolina Beach?
The median household income in Carolina Beach, NC is $88,239 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carolina Beach?
The median home value in Carolina Beach, NC is $487,800, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carolina Beach?
The median monthly rent in Carolina Beach, NC is $1,544, which is 33% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Beach?
The unemployment rate in Carolina Beach, NC is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carolina Beach, NC a good place to live?
Carolina Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,665 and a median age of 52.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carolina Beach, NC?
47.5% of residents in Carolina 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 Carolina Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carolina Beach, NC: median home value is $487,800 (99% above national), median rent is $1,544/month, and median household income is $88,239. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carolina Beach?
The poverty rate in Carolina Beach, NC is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carolina Beach, NC?
Carolina Beach's population is 3.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.