Lake Waccamaw, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,770
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,500/yr
-9.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
951
0.0% year-over-year change

Lake Waccamaw population

How many people live in Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw is home to 1,770 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Lake Waccamaw locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
1,770
6.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
836
Female
52.8%
934
Value Percent YoY change
Male 836 47.2% 7.9%
Female 934 52.8% 4.8%
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 Lake Waccamaw is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.1% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
19.1%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
28.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 305 17.2% 0.0%
15 to 24 236 13.3% 27.6%
25 to 44 338 19.1% 40.2%
45 to 64 394 22.3% -3.9%
Over 65 497 28.1% -5.3%
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 Lake Waccamaw, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,737 98.1% 5.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 0.4% -63.6%
Non-citizens 25 1.4% 1,150.0%
Racial breakdown
White
69.6%
Black or African American
15%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 1,231 69.6%
Black or African American 265 15%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 1.2%
Two or more races 185 10.4%
Other 68 3.8%

Households in Lake Waccamaw

A peek inside Lake Waccamaw households

Lake Waccamaw has 624 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.4% are families, while the remaining 26.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
624
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
166
Family households
458
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 166 26.6% 16.1%
Family households 458 73.4% 0.4%
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 Lake Waccamaw

The housing landscape of Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw's housing consists of 951 units, with 86.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% 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 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
951
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 820 86.2%
1 unit, attached 14 1.5%
2 units 20 2.1%
3 or 4 units 56 5.9%
Mobile home 41 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Waccamaw

In Lake Waccamaw, the median construction year is 1977. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 67 7% 34.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 0.7% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 140 14.7% 10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 93 9.8% 111.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 231 24.3% -7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 180 18.9% 3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 124 13% -28.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 78 8.2% -13.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 31 3.3% -18.4%
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.

Lake Waccamaw occupancy rates

Out of the 624 occupied housing units in Lake Waccamaw, 70.2% are owner-occupied, while 29.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 34.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
624
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
186
Owner occupied
438
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 186 29.8% 102.2%
Owner occupied 438 70.2% -13.6%
Unoccupied housing units
34.4%
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.

Lake Waccamaw housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Waccamaw come to a median of $1,090 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $928.

Median housing costs per month
$1,090/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 Lake Waccamaw
$928/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 Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Lake Waccamaw went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 19.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 32 2.3% -8.6%
High school diploma 511 36.9% 20.5%
College diploma 292 21.1% 15.9%
Associate degree 141 10.2% 12.8%
Bachelor's degree 267 19.3% -2.9%
Graduate degree 142 10.2% -19.8%
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 Lake Waccamaw

How much people earn in Lake Waccamaw

The average annual household income in Lake Waccamaw was $130,928 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,500, reflecting a -9.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Waccamaw
$130,928/year
-7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Waccamaw
$72,500/year
-9.2% year-over-year change

Lake Waccamaw income by age

In Lake Waccamaw, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,098. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,000 overall. Overall, 90.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,098 2.8%
45 - 64 $108,000 -9.1%
Over 65 $51,917 -34.3%
Above poverty level
1,420
Below poverty level
145
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,420 90.7% 4.3%
Below poverty level 145 9.3% 45.0%

Average renter income in Lake Waccamaw

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake Waccamaw, their median household income was $47,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,500
Rent-to-income ratio
23.4%
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 Lake Waccamaw

Workforce and job types in Lake Waccamaw

The job market in Lake Waccamaw is powered by 761 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17% run their own businesses, 49% are employed by private companies, and 21.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
761
17.8% year-over-year change
White collar
664
Blue collar
97
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 664 87.2% 13.3%
Blue collar 97 12.8% 61.7%
Employer type
Self employees
17%
Private companies
49%
Governmental workers
21.9%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 129 17% 16.2%
Private companies 373 49% 25.6%
Governmental workers 167 21.9% 3.1%
Not for profit companies 92 12.1% 21.1%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
88.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake Waccamaw stands at 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 Lake Waccamaw

How people get around in Lake Waccamaw

Commuting methods vary: 79.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 603 79.4% 10.0%
Walk 21 2.8% 162.5%
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 Lake Waccamaw by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28450 2,337 846 $69,554 $114,711

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FAQs about Lake Waccamaw demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Waccamaw?

Lake Waccamaw has a total population of 1,770 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 +6.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Waccamaw?

The gender ratio in Lake Waccamaw is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (836 residents)
  • 52.8% females (934 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Waccamaw?

The median age in Lake Waccamaw is 46.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lake Waccamaw?

The age distribution in Lake Waccamaw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (305 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (236 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.1% (338 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (394 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.1% (497 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Waccamaw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Waccamaw is as follows:
  • White: 69.6% (1,231 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15% (265 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (185 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (68 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Lake Waccamaw.

How many housing units are there in Lake Waccamaw?

There are 951 housing units in Lake Waccamaw, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake Waccamaw has a total of 624 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Waccamaw?

Lake Waccamaw has a median household income of $72,500, representing a -9.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lake Waccamaw?

The employment rate is 96% in Lake Waccamaw, with a workforce of 761 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.2% (664 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.8% (97 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17% (129 residents)
  • Private companies: 49% (373 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.9% (167 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (92 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