Surf City, NC
Population 4,160 · North Carolina
About Surf City, NC
Surf City is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 4,160 residents. The median household income is $84,833 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Surf City is 39.8 years.
Housing in Surf City has a median home value of $478,600 and median monthly rent of $1,421. Of the 4,447 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,263 owner-occupied and 389 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Surf City is 1.7% and the poverty rate is 4.9%. 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.3 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Surf City?
The median household income in Surf City, NC is $84,833 per year.
What is the median home value in Surf City?
The median home value in Surf City, NC is $478,600.
What is the average rent in Surf City?
The median monthly rent in Surf City, NC is $1,421.
What is the unemployment rate in Surf City?
The unemployment rate in Surf City, NC is 1.7%.