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

Total population
44,780
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,306/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,196
3.7% year-over-year change

Cape Fear population

How many people live in Cape Fear

Cape Fear is home to 44,780 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Cape Fear locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
44,780
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
21,210
Female
52.6%
23,570
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,210 47.4% 2.1%
Female 23,570 52.6% 1.5%
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 Fear is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,896 15.4% 2.3%
15 to 24 5,413 12.1% 2.4%
25 to 44 11,951 26.7% 2.2%
45 to 64 11,384 25.4% -0.7%
Over 65 9,136 20.4% 3.8%
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 Fear, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.4% of locals are Caucasian, 19.6% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 41,529 92.7% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,412 3.2% -10.3%
Non-citizens 1,839 4.1% 5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
66.4%
Black or African American
19.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 29,755 66.4%
Black or African American 8,758 19.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 94 0.2%
Asian 502 1.1%
Two or more races 3,281 7.3%
Other 2,391 5.3%

Households in Cape Fear

A peek inside Cape Fear households

Cape Fear has 20,363 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,363
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,417
Family households
10,946
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,417 46.2% 4.1%
Family households 10,946 53.8% 2.1%
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 Fear

The housing landscape of Cape Fear

Cape Fear's housing consists of 23,196 units, with 64.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,196
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,885 64.2%
1 unit, attached 935 4%
2 units 1,217 5.2%
3 or 4 units 1,257 5.4%
5 to 9 units 797 3.4%
10 to 19 units 876 3.8%
20 to 49 units 882 3.8%
50 or more units 1,458 6.3%
Mobile home 886 3.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,214
61.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cape Fear

In Cape Fear, the median construction year is 1993. About 12.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,849 12.3% -3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,031 8.8% 6.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,108 4.8% -8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,335 5.8% 12.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,062 13.2% 8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,072 8.9% -9.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,394 14.6% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,529 15.2% 4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,600 11.2% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1,214 5.2% 61.6%
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 Fear occupancy rates

Out of the 20,363 occupied housing units in Cape Fear, 60.1% are owner-occupied, while 39.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,363
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,127
Owner occupied
12,236
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,127 39.9% 2.8%
Owner occupied 12,236 60.1% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.2%
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 Fear housing costs

Housing costs in Cape Fear come to a median of $1,346 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,357.

Median housing costs per month
$1,346/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 Fear
$1,357/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 Fear

Cape Fear education at a glance

About 30.2% of the population in Cape Fear went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 23.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,074 2.9% -2.6%
High school diploma 11,032 30.2% 1.7%
College diploma 7,701 21.1% 2.3%
Associate degree 4,038 11% 5.6%
Bachelor's degree 8,530 23.3% 1.2%
Graduate degree 4,169 11.4% 1.7%
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 Cape Fear

How much people earn in Cape Fear

The average annual household income in Cape Fear was $86,801 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,306, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cape Fear
$86,801/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cape Fear
$71,306/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Cape Fear income by age

In Cape Fear, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,237. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,642 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $69,721, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,788 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $69,721 32.9%
25 - 44 $79,237 1.8%
45 - 64 $86,642 2.9%
Over 65 $62,788 -6.1%
Above poverty level
36,934
Below poverty level
6,303
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,934 85.4% 3.2%
Below poverty level 6,303 14.6% -5.3%

Employment in Cape Fear

Workforce and job types in Cape Fear

82.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
18,762
Blue collar
4,039
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,762 82.3% 6.4%
Blue collar 4,039 17.7% 2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,040 13.3% 1.2%
Private companies 15,672 68.7% 6.8%
Governmental workers 2,653 11.6% 8.7%
Not for profit companies 1,436 6.3% -0.6%

Transportation in Cape Fear

How people get around in Cape Fear

In Cape Fear, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
20.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,123 95.4% 1.4%
Taxicab 50 0.3% 38.9%
Bus or trolleybus 69 0.4% 0.0%
Bicycle 174 1% 24.3%
Walk 535 3% 31.1%
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 Fear by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28401 22,007 11,085 $57,968 $76,158
28405 35,467 15,899 $70,274 $109,255
28411 37,233 15,924 $97,387 $118,944
28429 9,662 3,896 $72,337 $81,433

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FAQs about Cape Fear demographics 

What is the total population of Cape Fear?

Cape Fear has a total population of 44,780 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 +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cape Fear?

The gender ratio in Cape Fear is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (21,210 residents)
  • 52.6% females (23,570 residents)

What is the median age in Cape Fear?

The median age in Cape Fear is 42.

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

The age distribution in Cape Fear is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (6,896 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (5,413 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (11,951 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (11,384 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (9,136 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Fear?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Fear is as follows:
  • White: 66.4% (29,755 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.6% (8,758 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (94 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (502 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (3,281 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (2,391 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Cape Fear.

How many housing units are there in Cape Fear?

There are 23,196 housing units in Cape Fear, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cape Fear has a total of 20,363 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cape Fear?

Cape Fear has a median household income of $71,306, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Cape Fear?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.3% (18,762 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.7% (4,039 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (3,040 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (15,672 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (2,653 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (1,436 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