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US City Data

Carolina Beach, NC

Population 6,665 · North Carolina

Population
6,665
Median Income
$88,239
Median Home Value
$487,800
Median Rent
$1,544/mo

About Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 6,665 residents. The median household income is $88,239 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Carolina Beach is 52.2 years.

Housing in Carolina Beach has a median home value of $487,800 and median monthly rent of $1,544. Of the 6,006 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,350 owner-occupied and 610 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Carolina Beach is 9.0% and the poverty rate is 8.4%. 47.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24 minutes.

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.

Income vs National
$88,239
National: $75,149
North Carolina: $64,468
Home Value vs National
$487,800
National: $244,900
North Carolina: $228,922
Rent vs National
$1,544
National: $1,163
North Carolina: $1,012
Unemployment vs National
9%
National: 3.7%
North Carolina: 7%

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.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Selma6,611$37,440$161,100Compare
Marvin6,542$250,001$860,600Compare
Unionville6,826$92,009$312,200Compare
East Flat Rock6,468$59,679$207,400Compare
St. James6,901$113,670$599,300Compare
Trinity7,066$80,349$187,700Compare
Silver Lake6,242$73,277$287,500Compare
Porters Neck7,102$115,417$525,100Compare

Demographics

52.2
Median Age
3,322
Male
3,343
Female
4.6%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White3Hispanic/Latino1.6Black1.4Asian1.7Two or More0

Economy & Education

9%
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
Poverty Rate
47.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
24 min
Avg Commute

Housing

6,006
Total Housing Units
2,350
Owner Occupied
610
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in North Carolina

North Topsail BeachArrowhead BeachAtlantic BeachCarolina MeadowsCarolina ShoresCaswell Beach

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Carolina Beach With Other Cities

Carolina Beach vs North Topsail BeachCarolina Beach vs Arrowhead BeachCarolina Beach vs Atlantic BeachCarolina Beach vs Carolina Meadows

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 Census data.

What is the median household income in Carolina Beach?

The median household income in Carolina Beach, NC is $88,239 per year.

What is the median home value in Carolina Beach?

The median home value in Carolina Beach, NC is $487,800.

What is the average rent in Carolina Beach?

The median monthly rent in Carolina Beach, NC is $1,544.

What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Beach?

The unemployment rate in Carolina Beach, NC is 9.0%.

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