Sunset Beach, NC
Population 4,326 · North Carolina
About Sunset Beach, NC
Sunset Beach is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 4,326 residents. The median household income is $84,934 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Sunset Beach is 68.3 years.
Housing in Sunset Beach has a median home value of $354,300 and median monthly rent of $541. Of the 5,220 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,077 owner-occupied and 300 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Sunset Beach is 2.1% and the poverty rate is 6.0%. 39.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.4 minutes.
How Sunset Beach Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Sunset Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Sunset Beach has a median household income of $84,934 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $354,300, which is 45% above the national median. Monthly rent at $541 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Sunset Beach's income is 32% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 55% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Sunset Beach, NC?
Sunset Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,934, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $541/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 39.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Sunset Beach has a population of 4,326 with a median age of 68.3 years. Compare Sunset Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sunset Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Wilkesboro | 4,348 | $39,288 | $231,400 | Compare |
| Spindale | 4,244 | $38,509 | $130,800 | Compare |
| Canton | 4,417 | $64,034 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,428 | $76,091 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 4,204 | $45,869 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Shallotte | 4,465 | $75,642 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Edenton | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sunset Beach
What is the population of Sunset Beach, NC?
The population of Sunset Beach, NC is 4,326 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Sunset Beach?
The median household income in Sunset Beach, NC is $84,934 per year.
What is the median home value in Sunset Beach?
The median home value in Sunset Beach, NC is $354,300.
What is the average rent in Sunset Beach?
The median monthly rent in Sunset Beach, NC is $541.
What is the unemployment rate in Sunset Beach?
The unemployment rate in Sunset Beach, NC is 2.1%.