Carolina Shores, NC
Population 4,843 · North Carolina
About Carolina Shores, NC
Carolina Shores is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,843 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,310 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 65.6 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 Shores features a median home value of $276,000, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Carolina Shores in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,948, 67% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,848 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (2,374 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (140 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carolina Shores shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carolina Shores have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of Carolina Shores residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carolina Shores, NC
Compared to national averages, Carolina Shores has a median household income of $74,310 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $276,000, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,948 is 67% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Carolina Shores's income is 15% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 21% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Carolina Shores, NC?
Carolina Shores offers a low poverty rate of 3.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,310) that falls below the national average. However, Carolina Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carolina Shores has a population of 4,843 with a median age of 65.6 years. Compare Carolina Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Carolina Shores
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James City | 4,859 | $63,835 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Midway | 4,826 | $75,208 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Seven Lakes | 4,823 | $91,495 | $365,500 | Compare |
| Ahoskie | 4,798 | $40,762 | $123,800 | Compare |
| Granite Falls | 4,921 | $74,250 | $203,100 | Compare |
| Midland | 4,758 | $85,551 | $342,700 | Compare |
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Whiteville | 4,721 | $38,004 | $173,100 | 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 Shores With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina Shores
What is the population of Carolina Shores, NC?
The population of Carolina Shores, NC is 4,843 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 Shores?
The median household income in Carolina Shores, NC is $74,310 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carolina Shores?
The median home value in Carolina Shores, NC is $276,000, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carolina Shores?
The median monthly rent in Carolina Shores, NC is $1,948, which is 67% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Shores?
The unemployment rate in Carolina Shores, NC is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carolina Shores, NC a good place to live?
Carolina Shores offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,843 and a median age of 65.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carolina Shores, NC?
27.7% of residents in Carolina Shores 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 Carolina Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carolina Shores, NC: median home value is $276,000 (13% above national), median rent is $1,948/month, and median household income is $74,310. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carolina Shores?
The poverty rate in Carolina Shores, NC is 3.0%, 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 Shores, NC?
Carolina Shores's population is 0.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.