Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Population 796 · North Carolina
About Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Ocean Isle Beach is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 796 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $99,231 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 67.9 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 Ocean Isle Beach features a median home value of $754,300, which is 208% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ocean Isle Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,290 total housing units, 98% are owner-occupied (434 units) and 2% are renter-occupied (8 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocean Isle Beach shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ocean Isle Beach have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.4% of Ocean Isle 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 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ocean Isle Beach Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Ocean Isle Beach has a median household income of $99,231 (32% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $754,300, which is 208% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach's income is 54% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 230% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Ocean Isle Beach, NC?
Ocean Isle Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $99,231, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 64.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $754,300. However, Ocean Isle Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ocean Isle Beach has a population of 796 with a median age of 67.9 years. Compare Ocean Isle Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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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 Ocean Isle Beach
What is the population of Ocean Isle Beach, NC?
The population of Ocean Isle Beach, NC is 796 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 Ocean Isle Beach?
The median household income in Ocean Isle Beach, NC is $99,231 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocean Isle Beach?
The median home value in Ocean Isle Beach, NC is $754,300, which is 208% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocean Isle Beach?
The median monthly rent in Ocean Isle Beach, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocean Isle Beach?
The unemployment rate in Ocean Isle Beach, NC is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ocean Isle Beach, NC a good place to live?
Ocean Isle Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 796 and a median age of 67.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ocean Isle Beach, NC?
64.4% of residents in Ocean Isle 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 Ocean Isle Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocean Isle Beach, NC: median home value is $754,300 (208% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $99,231. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ocean Isle Beach?
The poverty rate in Ocean Isle Beach, NC is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ocean Isle Beach, NC?
Ocean Isle Beach's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.