Oak Island, NC
Population 8,888 · North Carolina
About Oak Island, NC
Oak Island is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 8,888 residents. The median household income is $83,483 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Oak Island is 61.5 years.
Housing in Oak Island has a median home value of $407,400 and median monthly rent of $1,208. Of the 10,431 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,779 owner-occupied and 525 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Oak Island is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 9.7%. 43.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.8 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Oak Island?
The median household income in Oak Island, NC is $83,483 per year.
What is the median home value in Oak Island?
The median home value in Oak Island, NC is $407,400.
What is the average rent in Oak Island?
The median monthly rent in Oak Island, NC is $1,208.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Island?
The unemployment rate in Oak Island, NC is 3.6%.