Morehead City, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,806
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,233/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,449
3.1% year-over-year change

Morehead City population

How many people live in Morehead City

Morehead City is home to 9,806 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Morehead City locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
9,806
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
4,576
Female
53.3%
5,230
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,576 46.7% 4.0%
Female 5,230 53.3% -1.2%
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 Morehead City is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.8% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
25.8%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,487 15.2% -2.8%
15 to 24 1,124 11.5% -0.3%
25 to 44 2,525 25.8% 4.7%
45 to 64 2,447 25% -2.2%
Over 65 2,223 22.7% 4.6%
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 Morehead City, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,287 94.7% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 325 3.3% -9.5%
Non-citizens 194 2% 6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
78.6%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.2%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 7,704 78.6%
Black or African American 534 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 103 1%
Two or more races 1,099 11.2%
Other 356 3.6%

Households in Morehead City

A peek inside Morehead City households

Morehead City has 5,169 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.1% are families, while the remaining 51.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,169
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,685
Family households
2,484
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,685 51.9% 3.5%
Family households 2,484 48.1% 2.5%
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 Morehead City

The housing landscape of Morehead City

Morehead City's housing consists of 6,449 units, with 50.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.4% 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 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,449
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,229 50.1%
1 unit, attached 542 8.4%
2 units 313 4.8%
3 or 4 units 453 7%
5 to 9 units 510 7.9%
10 to 19 units 329 5.1%
20 to 49 units 548 8.5%
50 or more units 208 3.2%
Mobile home 312 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
104
57.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Morehead City

In Morehead City, the median construction year is 1984. About 8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 514 8% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 369 5.7% -6.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 572 8.9% 20.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 580 9% -3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 868 13.5% 11.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 719 11.2% -14.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 685 10.6% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,107 17.2% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 931 14.4% 19.5%
Built in 2020 or later 104 1.6% 57.6%
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.

Morehead City occupancy rates

Out of the 5,169 occupied housing units in Morehead City, 46.7% are owner-occupied, while 53.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,169
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,756
Owner occupied
2,413
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,756 53.3% 4.3%
Owner occupied 2,413 46.7% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
19.8%
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.

Morehead City housing costs

Housing costs in Morehead City come to a median of $1,176 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,134.

Median housing costs per month
$1,176/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 Morehead City
$1,134/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 Morehead City

Morehead City education at a glance

About 32.2% of the population in Morehead City went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 23.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 79 1% -30.1%
High school diploma 2,599 32.2% 5.5%
College diploma 1,830 22.6% -6.1%
Associate degree 855 10.6% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,917 23.7% 8.9%
Graduate degree 799 9.9% -1.6%
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 Morehead City

How much people earn in Morehead City

The average annual household income in Morehead City was $81,901 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 $56,233, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Morehead City
$81,901/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Morehead City
$56,233/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Morehead City income by age

In Morehead City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,979. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,438 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,433, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,316 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 $41,433 6.5%
25 - 44 $55,979 4.9%
45 - 64 $66,438 11.3%
Over 65 $57,316 2.3%
Above poverty level
7,829
Below poverty level
1,697
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,829 82.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 1,697 17.8% 6.1%

Employment in Morehead City

Workforce and job types in Morehead City

The job market in Morehead City is powered by 4,776 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.5% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,776
4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
4,057
Blue collar
719
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,057 85% 8.0%
Blue collar 719 15% -11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.5%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 596 12.5% 14.2%
Private companies 2,992 62.6% 0.5%
Governmental workers 727 15.2% 3.9%
Not for profit companies 461 9.6% 23.3%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
-44.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Morehead City stands at 2%, 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 Morehead City

How people get around in Morehead City

Commuting methods vary: 85.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 3,997 85.3% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 19 0.4% N/A
Motorcycle 14 0.3% 0.0%
Bicycle 2 0% -92.9%
Walk 61 1.3% 7.0%
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 Morehead City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28557 15,253 7,714 $68,528 $95,552

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FAQs about Morehead City demographics 

What is the total population of Morehead City?

Morehead City has a total population of 9,806 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Morehead City?

The gender ratio in Morehead City is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (4,576 residents)
  • 53.3% females (5,230 residents)

What is the median age in Morehead City?

The median age in Morehead City is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Morehead City?

The age distribution in Morehead City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (1,487 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (1,124 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.8% (2,525 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (2,447 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.7% (2,223 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Morehead City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Morehead City is as follows:
  • White: 78.6% (7,704 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (534 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (103 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.2% (1,099 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (356 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in Morehead City.

How many housing units are there in Morehead City?

There are 6,449 housing units in Morehead City, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Morehead City has a total of 5,169 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Morehead City?

Morehead City has a median household income of $56,233, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Morehead City?

The employment rate is 98% in Morehead City, with a workforce of 4,776 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (4,057 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (719 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.5% (596 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (2,992 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (727 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (461 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