Southern Shores, NC
Population 3,119 · North Carolina
About Southern Shores, NC
Southern Shores is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,119 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $116,859 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.4 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 Southern Shores features a median home value of $621,100, which is 154% above the national median of $244,900. This places Southern Shores in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,018, 74% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,461 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (1,109 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (153 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Southern Shores shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Southern Shores have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.7% of Southern Shores 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 0.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Southern Shores Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Southern Shores, NC
Compared to national averages, Southern Shores has a median household income of $116,859 (56% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $621,100, which is 154% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,018 is 74% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Southern Shores's income is 81% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 171% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Southern Shores, NC?
Southern Shores offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $116,859, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 0.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $621,100. However, Southern Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Southern Shores has a population of 3,119 with a median age of 57.4 years. Compare Southern Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Southern Shores
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisburg | 3,128 | $31,827 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Norwood | 3,110 | $57,953 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Red Springs | 3,107 | $19,752 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Wallburg | 3,104 | $78,821 | $292,500 | Compare |
| Nags Head | 3,164 | $87,619 | $451,100 | Compare |
| Bermuda Run | 3,166 | $66,800 | $309,800 | Compare |
| Mountain View | 3,068 | $60,938 | $187,100 | Compare |
| East Rockingham | 3,177 | $33,206 | $102,700 | 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 Southern Shores With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Shores
What is the population of Southern Shores, NC?
The population of Southern Shores, NC is 3,119 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 Southern Shores?
The median household income in Southern Shores, NC is $116,859 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Southern Shores?
The median home value in Southern Shores, NC is $621,100, which is 154% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Southern Shores?
The median monthly rent in Southern Shores, NC is $2,018, which is 74% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Southern Shores?
The unemployment rate in Southern Shores, NC is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Southern Shores, NC a good place to live?
Southern Shores offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,119 and a median age of 57.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Southern Shores, NC?
56.7% of residents in Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Southern Shores, NC: median home value is $621,100 (154% above national), median rent is $2,018/month, and median household income is $116,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Southern Shores?
The poverty rate in Southern Shores, NC is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Southern Shores, NC?
Southern Shores's population is 0.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.