Cape Carteret, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,703
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,136/yr
14.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,312
2.2% year-over-year change

Cape Carteret population

How many people live in Cape Carteret

Cape Carteret is home to 2,703 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Cape Carteret locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
2,703
4.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
1,247
Female
53.9%
1,456
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,247 46.1% 3.9%
Female 1,456 53.9% 4.2%
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 Cape Carteret is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 4.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
4.7%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 487 18% 13.0%
15 to 24 128 4.7% -17.9%
25 to 44 643 23.8% 4.9%
45 to 64 723 26.8% 10.4%
Over 65 722 26.7% -2.8%
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 Cape Carteret, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,603 96.3% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 88 3.3% 417.6%
Non-citizens 12 0.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.7%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,532 93.7%
Black or African American 8 0.3%
Two or more races 163 6%

Households in Cape Carteret

A peek inside Cape Carteret households

Cape Carteret has 1,146 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 76.3% are families, while the remaining 23.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,146
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
272
Family households
874
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 272 23.7% -12.5%
Family households 874 76.3% 8.4%
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 Cape Carteret

The housing landscape of Cape Carteret

Cape Carteret's housing consists of 1,312 units, with 94.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,312
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,241 94.6%
2 units 11 0.8%
Mobile home 60 4.6%
Homes built since 2020
13
-13.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cape Carteret

In Cape Carteret, the median construction year is 1993. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9 0.7% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.7% -59.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 126 9.6% -8.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 184 14% 33.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 292 22.3% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 114 8.7% -21.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 311 23.7% 8.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 254 19.4% 2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 13 1% -13.3%
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.

Cape Carteret occupancy rates

Out of the 1,146 occupied housing units in Cape Carteret, 79.6% are owner-occupied, while 20.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,146
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
234
Owner occupied
912
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 234 20.4% 7.8%
Owner occupied 912 79.6% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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.

Cape Carteret housing costs

Housing costs in Cape Carteret come to a median of $1,783 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,745.

Median housing costs per month
$1,783/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 Cape Carteret
$1,745/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 Cape Carteret

Cape Carteret education at a glance

About 23.5% of the population in Cape Carteret went to high school, while 29.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 19.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 41 1.9% -2.4%
High school diploma 509 23.5% -6.3%
College diploma 648 29.9% -7.7%
Associate degree 168 7.8% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 425 19.6% 6.0%
Graduate degree 377 17.4% 54.5%
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 Cape Carteret

How much people earn in Cape Carteret

The average annual household income in Cape Carteret was $101,736 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,136, reflecting a +14.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cape Carteret
$101,736/year
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cape Carteret
$86,136/year
14.4% year-over-year change

Cape Carteret income by age

In Cape Carteret, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,589. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,857 overall. Overall, 93.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $72,589 N/A
45 - 64 $112,857 11.3%
Over 65 $62,417 3.4%
Above poverty level
2,523
Below poverty level
165
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,523 93.9% 4.7%
Below poverty level 165 6.1% -12.7%

Average renter income in Cape Carteret

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cape Carteret, their median household income was $48,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,750
Rent-to-income ratio
43%
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 Cape Carteret

Workforce and job types in Cape Carteret

The job market in Cape Carteret is powered by 1,243 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 61.1% are employed by private companies, and 22.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,243
14.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,061
Blue collar
182
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,061 85.4% 21.0%
Blue collar 182 14.6% -11.7%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
61.1%
Governmental workers
22.4%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 133 10.7% 6.4%
Private companies 760 61.1% 7.5%
Governmental workers 279 22.4% 50.8%
Not for profit companies 71 5.7% 7.6%
Unemployment rate
1.4%
-32.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cape Carteret stands at 1.4%, 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 Cape Carteret

How people get around in Cape Carteret

Commuting methods vary: 91.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,163 91.1% 11.5%
Walk 13 1% -13.3%
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 Cape Carteret by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28584 14,939 6,149 $87,414 $115,034

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FAQs about Cape Carteret demographics 

What is the total population of Cape Carteret?

Cape Carteret has a total population of 2,703 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 +4.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cape Carteret?

The gender ratio in Cape Carteret is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (1,247 residents)
  • 53.9% females (1,456 residents)

What is the median age in Cape Carteret?

The median age in Cape Carteret is 46.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cape Carteret?

The age distribution in Cape Carteret is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (487 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.7% (128 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (643 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (723 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.7% (722 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Carteret?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Carteret is as follows:
  • White: 93.7% (2,532 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (8 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (163 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Cape Carteret.

How many housing units are there in Cape Carteret?

There are 1,312 housing units in Cape Carteret, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cape Carteret has a total of 1,146 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cape Carteret?

Cape Carteret has a median household income of $86,136, representing a +14.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cape Carteret?

The employment rate is 98.6% in Cape Carteret, with a workforce of 1,243 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (1,061 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (182 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (133 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.1% (760 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.4% (279 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (71 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