Topsail Beach, NC
Population 444 · North Carolina
About Topsail Beach, NC
Topsail Beach is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 444 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,833 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 66.2 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 Topsail Beach features a median home value of $630,500, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. This places Topsail Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,250, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,295 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (219 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (13 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Topsail Beach shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Topsail Beach have an average one-way commute time of 37.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
63.2% of Topsail Beach 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 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Topsail Beach Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Topsail Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Topsail Beach has a median household income of $90,833 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $630,500, which is 157% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,250 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Topsail Beach's income is 41% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 175% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Topsail Beach, NC?
Topsail Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,833, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and a well-educated community where 63.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $630,500. However, Topsail Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Topsail Beach has a population of 444 with a median age of 66.2 years. Compare Topsail Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Topsail Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
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 Topsail Beach
What is the population of Topsail Beach, NC?
The population of Topsail Beach, NC is 444 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Topsail Beach?
The median household income in Topsail Beach, NC is $90,833 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Topsail Beach?
The median home value in Topsail Beach, NC is $630,500, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Topsail Beach?
The median monthly rent in Topsail Beach, NC is $1,250, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Topsail Beach?
The unemployment rate in Topsail Beach, NC is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Topsail Beach, NC a good place to live?
Topsail Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 444 and a median age of 66.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Topsail Beach, NC?
63.2% of residents in Topsail 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 Topsail Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Topsail Beach, NC: median home value is $630,500 (157% above national), median rent is $1,250/month, and median household income is $90,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Topsail Beach?
The poverty rate in Topsail Beach, NC is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Topsail Beach, NC?
Topsail Beach's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.