Sunset Beach, NC
Population 4,326 · North Carolina
About Sunset Beach, NC
Sunset Beach is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,326 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,934 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 68.3 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 Sunset Beach features a median home value of $354,300, which is 45% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sunset Beach in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $541, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,220 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (2,077 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (300 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sunset Beach shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sunset Beach have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.7% of Sunset Beach 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 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Sunset Beach With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Sunset Beach?
The median household income in Sunset Beach, NC is $84,934 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sunset Beach?
The median home value in Sunset Beach, NC is $354,300, which is 45% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sunset Beach?
The median monthly rent in Sunset Beach, NC is $541, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sunset Beach?
The unemployment rate in Sunset Beach, NC is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sunset Beach, NC a good place to live?
Sunset Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,326 and a median age of 68.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sunset Beach, NC?
39.7% of residents in Sunset 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 Sunset Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sunset Beach, NC: median home value is $354,300 (45% above national), median rent is $541/month, and median household income is $84,934. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sunset Beach?
The poverty rate in Sunset Beach, NC is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sunset Beach, NC?
Sunset Beach's population is 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.