Waves, NC
Population 147 · North Carolina
About Waves, NC
Waves is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.4 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 Waves features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waves one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 86 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (61 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waves shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waves have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Waves residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waves, NC
Compared to national averages, Waves has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Waves's income is 100% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 100% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Waves, NC?
Waves offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Waves’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waves has a population of 147 with a median age of 63.4 years. Compare Waves with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Waves
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 147 | $47,596 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Bald Head Island | 149 | $205,000 | $1,375,000 | Compare |
| Hallsboro | 145 | $82,292 | $129,800 | Compare |
| White Oak | 145 | $93,200 | $185,500 | Compare |
| Stonewall | 151 | $0 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Askewville | 152 | $57,500 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Powellsville | 141 | $43,125 | $120,800 | Compare |
| Love Valley | 155 | $26,750 | $92,500 | 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 Waves With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waves
What is the population of Waves, NC?
The population of Waves, NC is 147 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 Waves?
The median household income in Waves, NC is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waves?
The median home value in Waves, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waves?
The median monthly rent in Waves, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waves?
The unemployment rate in Waves, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waves, NC a good place to live?
Waves offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 147 and a median age of 63.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waves, NC?
0.0% of residents in Waves aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waves?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waves, NC: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is NaNx, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waves?
The poverty rate in Waves, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waves, NC?
Waves's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% 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.