Calabash, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,377
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,310/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,768
9.3% year-over-year change

Calabash population

How many people live in Calabash

Calabash is home to 2,377 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.1% of Calabash locals are male, and 57.9% are female.

Total population
2,377
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.1%
1,000
Female
57.9%
1,377
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,000 42.1% -4.2%
Female 1,377 57.9% 1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Calabash is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.5% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 11.6% of the population, while another 36.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
56
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.5%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
11.6%
45 to 64
36.4%
Over 65
32.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 179 7.5% -10.9%
15 to 24 294 12.4% -31.3%
25 to 44 276 11.6% 0.7%
45 to 64 865 36.4% 0.8%
Over 65 763 32.1% 20.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Calabash, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.7% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,248 94.6% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 104 4.4% 11.8%
Non-citizens 25 1% -37.5%
Racial breakdown
White
80.6%
Black or African American
5.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.1%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 1,915 80.6%
Black or African American 136 5.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 35 1.5%
Two or more races 240 10.1%
Other 50 2.1%

Households in Calabash

A peek inside Calabash households

Calabash has 1,142 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.3% are families, while the remaining 39.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,142
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
453
Family households
689
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 453 39.7% -6.2%
Family households 689 60.3% 7.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Calabash

The housing landscape of Calabash

Calabash's housing consists of 1,768 units, with 53.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 25.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,768
9.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 942 53.3%
1 unit, attached 12 0.7%
5 to 9 units 73 4.1%
10 to 19 units 142 8%
20 to 49 units 149 8.4%
50 or more units 5 0.3%
Mobile home 445 25.2%
Homes built since 2020
74
7.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Calabash

In Calabash, the median construction year is 1995. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8 0.4% -52.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 52 2.9% 4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 58 3.3% -13.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 8.3% -21.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 346 19.6% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 586 33.1% 45.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 264 14.9% -6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 234 13.2% 20.0%
Built in 2020 or later 74 4.2% 7.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Calabash occupancy rates

Out of the 1,142 occupied housing units in Calabash, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 35.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,142
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
346
Owner occupied
796
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 346 30.3% -5.7%
Owner occupied 796 69.7% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
35.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Calabash housing costs

Housing costs in Calabash come to a median of $1,110 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,360.

Median housing costs per month
$1,110/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Calabash
$1,360/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Calabash

Calabash education at a glance

About 55.2% of the population in Calabash went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 11.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28 1.3% 3.7%
High school diploma 1,172 55.2% 8.5%
College diploma 311 14.6% -5.5%
Associate degree 193 9.1% -25.8%
Bachelor's degree 240 11.3% 15.9%
Graduate degree 180 8.5% -2.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Calabash

How much people earn in Calabash

The average annual household income in Calabash was $76,639 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,310, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Calabash
$76,639/year
6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Calabash
$65,310/year
8.8% year-over-year change

Calabash income by age

In Calabash, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $35,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,801 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,722, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,239 in earnings. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,722 N/A
25 - 44 $35,000 -12.9%
45 - 64 $66,801 5.3%
Over 65 $64,239 16.0%
Above poverty level
1,936
Below poverty level
418
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,936 82.2% 3.2%
Below poverty level 418 17.8% -14.3%

Average renter income in Calabash

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Calabash, their median household income was $31,775 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 51.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,775
Rent-to-income ratio
51.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Calabash

Workforce and job types in Calabash

The job market in Calabash is powered by 1,155 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 76.4% are employed by private companies, and 6.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,155
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
801
Blue collar
354
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 801 69.4% -2.0%
Blue collar 354 30.6% 8.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
76.4%
Governmental workers
6.8%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 122 10.6% 17.3%
Private companies 882 76.4% -0.5%
Governmental workers 79 6.8% -12.2%
Not for profit companies 72 6.2% 12.5%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-33.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Calabash stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Calabash

How people get around in Calabash

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 935 83% 3.9%
Bicycle 7 0.6% 16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Calabash by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28467 13,313 6,917 $75,341 $87,989
28468 5,154 2,642 $83,358 $102,986

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FAQs about Calabash demographics 

What is the total population of Calabash?

Calabash has a total population of 2,377 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Calabash?

The gender ratio in Calabash is as follows:
  • 42.1% males (1,000 residents)
  • 57.9% females (1,377 residents)

What is the median age in Calabash?

The median age in Calabash is 56.

What is the age distribution of the population in Calabash?

The age distribution in Calabash is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.5% (179 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (294 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 11.6% (276 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 36.4% (865 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.1% (763 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Calabash?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Calabash is as follows:
  • White: 80.6% (1,915 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.7% (136 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.1% (240 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (50 residents)

What percentage of the population in Calabash are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Calabash.

How many housing units are there in Calabash?

There are 1,768 housing units in Calabash, reflecting a +9.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Calabash and what is the average household size?

Calabash has a total of 1,142 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Calabash?

Calabash has a median household income of $65,310, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Calabash?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Calabash, with a workforce of 1,155 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (801 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (354 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (122 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.4% (882 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.8% (79 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (72 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025