Morehead City, NC
Population 9,696 · North Carolina
About Morehead City, NC
Morehead City is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 9,696 residents. The median household income is $53,718 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Morehead City is 44.1 years.
Housing in Morehead City has a median home value of $330,900 and median monthly rent of $1,122. Of the 6,254 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,375 owner-occupied and 2,642 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Morehead City is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 17.4%. 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Morehead City, NC
Compared to national averages, Morehead City has a median household income of $53,718 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $330,900, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,122 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Morehead City's income is 17% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 45% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Morehead City, NC?
Morehead City offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,122/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,718) that falls below the national average. However, Morehead City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Morehead City has a population of 9,696 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Morehead City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Morehead City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | 9,656 | $98,467 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Washington | 9,754 | $41,723 | $193,800 | Compare |
| St. Stephens | 9,409 | $57,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,308 | $106,836 | $522,300 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Rockingham | 9,094 | $36,695 | $133,900 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Morehead City
What is the population of Morehead City, NC?
The population of Morehead City, NC is 9,696 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Morehead City?
The median household income in Morehead City, NC is $53,718 per year.
What is the median home value in Morehead City?
The median home value in Morehead City, NC is $330,900.
What is the average rent in Morehead City?
The median monthly rent in Morehead City, NC is $1,122.
What is the unemployment rate in Morehead City?
The unemployment rate in Morehead City, NC is 3.6%.