Southport, NC
Population 4,143 · North Carolina
About Southport, NC
Southport is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,143 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,792 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63 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 Southport features a median home value of $394,900, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. This places Southport in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,468, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,440 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (1,483 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (406 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Southport shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Southport have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.7% of Southport 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 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Southport Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Southport, NC
Compared to national averages, Southport has a median household income of $82,792 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $394,900, which is 61% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,468 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Southport's income is 28% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 73% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Southport, NC?
Southport offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,792, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a well-educated community where 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $394,900. However, Southport’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Southport has a population of 4,143 with a median age of 63 years. Compare Southport with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Southport
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benson | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Surf City | 4,160 | $84,833 | $478,600 | Compare |
| Wingate | 4,169 | $65,208 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Forest Oaks | 4,095 | $108,250 | $294,400 | Compare |
| Trent Woods | 4,086 | $109,097 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 4,204 | $45,869 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Spindale | 4,244 | $38,509 | $130,800 | 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 Southport With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Southport
What is the population of Southport, NC?
The population of Southport, NC is 4,143 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 Southport?
The median household income in Southport, NC is $82,792 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Southport?
The median home value in Southport, NC is $394,900, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Southport?
The median monthly rent in Southport, NC is $1,468, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Southport?
The unemployment rate in Southport, NC is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Southport, NC a good place to live?
Southport offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,143 and a median age of 63, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Southport, NC?
34.7% of residents in Southport 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 Southport?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Southport, NC: median home value is $394,900 (61% above national), median rent is $1,468/month, and median household income is $82,792. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Southport?
The poverty rate in Southport, NC is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Southport, NC?
Southport's population is 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.