Chowan Beach, NC
Population 407 · North Carolina
About Chowan Beach, NC
Chowan Beach is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 407 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $22,583 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chowan Beach features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chowan Beach one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 231 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (96 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (135 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chowan Beach shows an unemployment rate of 32.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 55.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chowan Beach have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
1.8% of Chowan Beach 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 18.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chowan Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Chowan Beach has a median household income of $22,583 (70% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Chowan Beach's income is 65% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 100% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Chowan Beach, NC?
Chowan Beach offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($22,583) that falls below the national average. However, Chowan Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chowan Beach has a population of 407 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Chowan Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Chowan Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chowan Beach
What is the population of Chowan Beach, NC?
The population of Chowan Beach, NC is 407 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Chowan Beach?
The median household income in Chowan Beach, NC is $22,583 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chowan Beach?
The median home value in Chowan Beach, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chowan Beach?
The median monthly rent in Chowan Beach, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chowan Beach?
The unemployment rate in Chowan Beach, NC is 32.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chowan Beach, NC a good place to live?
Chowan Beach offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 407 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chowan Beach, NC?
1.8% of residents in Chowan Beach 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 Chowan Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chowan Beach, NC: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $22,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chowan Beach?
The poverty rate in Chowan Beach, NC is 55.8%, 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 Chowan Beach, NC?
Chowan Beach's population is 18.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.