Holden Beach, NC
Population 1,047 · North Carolina
About Holden Beach, NC
Holden Beach is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $110,000 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.8 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 Holden Beach features a median home value of $562,500, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. This places Holden Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,375, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,461 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (486 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (34 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Holden Beach shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Holden Beach have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
71.2% of Holden 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 0.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Holden Beach Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Holden Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Holden Beach has a median household income of $110,000 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $562,500, which is 130% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,375 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Holden Beach's income is 71% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 146% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Holden Beach, NC?
Holden Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $110,000, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and a well-educated community where 71.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $562,500. However, Holden Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Holden Beach has a population of 1,047 with a median age of 63.8 years. Compare Holden Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Holden Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Point | 1,045 | $52,591 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Norlina | 1,050 | $34,659 | $88,200 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 1,053 | $60,063 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Cypress Landing | 1,037 | $80,325 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Rhodhiss | 1,062 | $48,125 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Efland | 1,064 | $72,396 | $192,900 | Compare |
| Stem | 1,064 | $85,385 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Toast | 1,066 | $33,914 | $93,900 | 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 Holden Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Holden Beach
What is the population of Holden Beach, NC?
The population of Holden Beach, NC is 1,047 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 Holden Beach?
The median household income in Holden Beach, NC is $110,000 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Holden Beach?
The median home value in Holden Beach, NC is $562,500, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Holden Beach?
The median monthly rent in Holden Beach, NC is $1,375, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Holden Beach?
The unemployment rate in Holden Beach, NC is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Holden Beach, NC a good place to live?
Holden Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,047 and a median age of 63.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Holden Beach, NC?
71.2% of residents in Holden 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 Holden Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Holden Beach, NC: median home value is $562,500 (130% above national), median rent is $1,375/month, and median household income is $110,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Holden Beach?
The poverty rate in Holden Beach, NC is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Holden Beach, NC?
Holden Beach's population is 0.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.