Morehead City, NC
Population 9,696 · North Carolina
About Morehead City, NC
Morehead City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 9,696 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,718 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 Morehead City features a median home value of $330,900, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Morehead City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,122, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,254 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (2,375 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (2,642 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 Morehead City shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Morehead City have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.6% of Morehead City 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 3.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Morehead City With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Morehead City?
The median household income in Morehead City, NC is $53,718 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Morehead City?
The median home value in Morehead City, NC is $330,900, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Morehead City?
The median monthly rent in Morehead City, NC is $1,122, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Morehead City?
The unemployment rate in Morehead City, NC is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Morehead City, NC a good place to live?
Morehead City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,696 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Morehead City, NC?
34.6% of residents in Morehead City 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 Morehead City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Morehead City, NC: median home value is $330,900 (35% above national), median rent is $1,122/month, and median household income is $53,718. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Morehead City?
The poverty rate in Morehead City, NC is 17.4%, 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 Morehead City, NC?
Morehead City's population is 3.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 5.5% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.