Oak Island, NC
Population 8,888 · North Carolina
About Oak Island, NC
Oak Island is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 8,888 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,483 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61.5 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 Oak Island features a median home value of $407,400, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oak Island 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 10,431 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (3,779 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (525 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak Island 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 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oak Island have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.0% of Oak Island 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, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oak Island, NC
Compared to national averages, Oak Island has a median household income of $83,483 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $407,400, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,208 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Oak Island's income is 29% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 78% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Oak Island, NC?
Oak Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,483, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 43.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $407,400. However, Oak Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oak Island has a population of 8,888 with a median age of 61.5 years. Compare Oak Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Oak Island
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford | 8,897 | $48,135 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Wesley Chapel | 8,923 | $129,962 | $493,900 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 8,969 | $72,955 | $287,200 | Compare |
| Kings Grant | 9,061 | $60,009 | $258,200 | Compare |
| Rockingham | 9,094 | $36,695 | $133,900 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Dunn | 8,512 | $47,310 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Conover | 8,491 | $57,375 | $238,300 | 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 Oak Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Island
What is the population of Oak Island, NC?
The population of Oak Island, NC is 8,888 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 Oak Island?
The median household income in Oak Island, NC is $83,483 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak Island?
The median home value in Oak Island, NC is $407,400, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oak Island?
The median monthly rent in Oak Island, NC is $1,208, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Island?
The unemployment rate in Oak Island, 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 Oak Island, NC a good place to live?
Oak Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,888 and a median age of 61.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oak Island, NC?
43.0% of residents in Oak Island 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 Oak Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oak Island, NC: median home value is $407,400 (66% above national), median rent is $1,208/month, and median household income is $83,483. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oak Island?
The poverty rate in Oak Island, NC is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oak Island, NC?
Oak Island's population is 0.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.