North Topsail Beach, NC
Population 699 · North Carolina
About North Topsail Beach, NC
North Topsail Beach is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,818 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.6 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 North Topsail Beach features a median home value of $453,500, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places North Topsail Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,208, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,791 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (347 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in North Topsail Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in North Topsail Beach have an average one-way commute time of 44.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
52.7% of North Topsail 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 1.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in North Topsail Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, North Topsail Beach has a median household income of $106,818 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $453,500, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,208 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, North Topsail Beach's income is 66% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 98% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in North Topsail Beach, NC?
North Topsail Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,818, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $453,500. However, North Topsail Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
North Topsail Beach has a population of 699 with a median age of 60.6 years. Compare North Topsail Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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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 North Topsail Beach
What is the population of North Topsail Beach, NC?
The population of North Topsail Beach, NC is 699 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 North Topsail Beach?
The median household income in North Topsail Beach, NC is $106,818 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in North Topsail Beach?
The median home value in North Topsail Beach, NC is $453,500, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in North Topsail Beach?
The median monthly rent in North Topsail Beach, NC is $1,208, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in North Topsail Beach?
The unemployment rate in North Topsail Beach, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is North Topsail Beach, NC a good place to live?
North Topsail Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 699 and a median age of 60.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is North Topsail Beach, NC?
52.7% of residents in North Topsail 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 North Topsail Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for North Topsail Beach, NC: median home value is $453,500 (85% above national), median rent is $1,208/month, and median household income is $106,818. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in North Topsail Beach?
The poverty rate in North Topsail Beach, NC is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is North Topsail Beach, NC?
North Topsail Beach's population is 1.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.