Lake Waccamaw, NC
Population 1,666 · North Carolina
About Lake Waccamaw, NC
Lake Waccamaw is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,666 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,844 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 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 Lake Waccamaw features a median home value of $294,800, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Waccamaw in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,069, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 951 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (507 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (92 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Waccamaw shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Waccamaw have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.8% of Lake Waccamaw 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 0.3% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake Waccamaw, NC
Compared to national averages, Lake Waccamaw has a median household income of $79,844 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $294,800, which is 20% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,069 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lake Waccamaw's income is 24% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 29% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lake Waccamaw, NC?
Lake Waccamaw offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,844, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,069/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average.
Lake Waccamaw has a population of 1,666 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Lake Waccamaw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lake Waccamaw
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Plain View | 1,647 | $75,058 | $205,700 | Compare |
| Horse Shoe | 1,699 | $67,703 | $396,400 | Compare |
| Cherokee | 1,631 | $48,173 | $192,700 | Compare |
| Hertford | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Sharpsburg | 1,629 | $39,792 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Atlantic Beach | 1,705 | $58,056 | $466,400 | 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 Lake Waccamaw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Waccamaw
What is the population of Lake Waccamaw, NC?
The population of Lake Waccamaw, NC is 1,666 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 Lake Waccamaw?
The median household income in Lake Waccamaw, NC is $79,844 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Waccamaw?
The median home value in Lake Waccamaw, NC is $294,800, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Waccamaw?
The median monthly rent in Lake Waccamaw, NC is $1,069, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Waccamaw?
The unemployment rate in Lake Waccamaw, NC is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lake Waccamaw, NC a good place to live?
Lake Waccamaw offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,666 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake Waccamaw, NC?
36.8% of residents in Lake Waccamaw 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 Lake Waccamaw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Waccamaw, NC: median home value is $294,800 (20% above national), median rent is $1,069/month, and median household income is $79,844. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Waccamaw?
The poverty rate in Lake Waccamaw, NC is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Waccamaw, NC?
Lake Waccamaw's population is 0.3% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 9.2% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.