Southern Shores, NC
Population 3,119 · North Carolina
About Southern Shores, NC
Southern Shores is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 3,119 residents. The median household income is $116,859 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Southern Shores is 57.4 years.
Housing in Southern Shores has a median home value of $621,100 and median monthly rent of $2,018. Of the 2,461 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,109 owner-occupied and 153 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Southern Shores is 13.9% and the poverty rate is 0.8%. 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.6 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Southern Shores?
The median household income in Southern Shores, NC is $116,859 per year.
What is the median home value in Southern Shores?
The median home value in Southern Shores, NC is $621,100.
What is the average rent in Southern Shores?
The median monthly rent in Southern Shores, NC is $2,018.
What is the unemployment rate in Southern Shores?
The unemployment rate in Southern Shores, NC is 13.9%.