Surf City, NC
Population 4,160 · North Carolina
About Surf City, NC
Surf City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,160 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,833 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Surf City features a median home value of $478,600, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. This places Surf City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,421, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,447 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,263 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (389 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Surf City shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Surf City have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.8% of Surf City 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 3.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Surf City, NC
Compared to national averages, Surf City has a median household income of $84,833 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $478,600, which is 95% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,421 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Surf City's income is 32% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 109% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Surf City, NC?
Surf City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,833, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $478,600. However, Surf City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Surf City has a population of 4,160 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Surf City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Surf City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wingate | 4,169 | $65,208 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Benson | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Southport | 4,143 | $82,792 | $394,900 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 4,204 | $45,869 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Forest Oaks | 4,095 | $108,250 | $294,400 | Compare |
| Trent Woods | 4,086 | $109,097 | $294,200 | 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 Surf City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Surf City
What is the population of Surf City, NC?
The population of Surf City, NC is 4,160 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 Surf City?
The median household income in Surf City, NC is $84,833 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Surf City?
The median home value in Surf City, NC is $478,600, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Surf City?
The median monthly rent in Surf City, NC is $1,421, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Surf City?
The unemployment rate in Surf City, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Surf City, NC a good place to live?
Surf City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,160 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Surf City, NC?
50.8% of residents in Surf City 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 Surf City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Surf City, NC: median home value is $478,600 (95% above national), median rent is $1,421/month, and median household income is $84,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Surf City?
The poverty rate in Surf City, NC is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Surf City, NC?
Surf City's population is 3.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.