Wrightsville Beach, NC
Population 2,679 · North Carolina
About Wrightsville Beach, NC
Wrightsville Beach is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,679 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $167,273 per year, which is 123% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.1 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 Wrightsville Beach features a median home value of $1,041,800, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wrightsville Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,892, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,926 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (1,035 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (243 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wrightsville Beach shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wrightsville Beach have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
71.6% of Wrightsville 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, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wrightsville Beach Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Wrightsville Beach, NC
Compared to national averages, Wrightsville Beach has a median household income of $167,273 (123% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,041,800, which is 325% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,892 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach's income is 159% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 355% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wrightsville Beach, NC?
Wrightsville Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $167,273, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and a well-educated community where 71.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,041,800. However, Wrightsville Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wrightsville Beach has a population of 2,679 with a median age of 56.1 years. Compare Wrightsville Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wrightsville Beach
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 2,678 | $39,293 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Rockwell | 2,688 | $64,141 | $218,800 | Compare |
| Wentworth | 2,670 | $67,455 | $165,700 | Compare |
| La Grange | 2,692 | $49,475 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Cajah's Mountain | 2,696 | $53,714 | $175,900 | Compare |
| Grifton | 2,661 | $36,664 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Edneyville | 2,698 | $59,349 | $283,900 | Compare |
| Wilson's Mills | 2,652 | $61,677 | $228,700 | 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 Wrightsville Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrightsville Beach
What is the population of Wrightsville Beach, NC?
The population of Wrightsville Beach, NC is 2,679 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 Wrightsville Beach?
The median household income in Wrightsville Beach, NC is $167,273 per year, which is 123% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wrightsville Beach?
The median home value in Wrightsville Beach, NC is $1,041,800, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wrightsville Beach?
The median monthly rent in Wrightsville Beach, NC is $1,892, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wrightsville Beach?
The unemployment rate in Wrightsville Beach, NC is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wrightsville Beach, NC a good place to live?
Wrightsville Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,679 and a median age of 56.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wrightsville Beach, NC?
71.6% of residents in Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wrightsville Beach, NC: median home value is $1,041,800 (325% above national), median rent is $1,892/month, and median household income is $167,273. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wrightsville Beach?
The poverty rate in Wrightsville Beach, NC is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wrightsville Beach, NC?
Wrightsville Beach's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.