North Topsail Beach, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
784
12.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$121,250/yr
13.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,785
-0.2% year-over-year change

North Topsail Beach population

How many people live in North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach is home to 784 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of North Topsail Beach locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
784
12.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
391
Female
50.1%
393
Value Percent YoY change
Male 391 49.9% 12.0%
Female 393 50.1% 12.3%
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 North Topsail Beach is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.3% are children under 15, then 3.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12% of the population, while another 44.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
60.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.3%
15 to 24
3.3%
25 to 44
12%
45 to 64
44.5%
Over 65
36.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 26 3.3% 52.9%
15 to 24 26 3.3% -16.1%
25 to 44 94 12% 16.1%
45 to 64 349 44.5% 12.9%
Over 65 289 36.9% 10.7%
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 North Topsail Beach, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 775 98.8% 12.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 1.2% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.1%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 714 91.1%
Black or African American 15 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.4%
Two or more races 47 6%
Other 5 0.6%

Households in North Topsail Beach

A peek inside North Topsail Beach households

North Topsail Beach has 416 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.3% are families, while the remaining 32.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
416
10.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
136
Family households
280
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 136 32.7% -6.2%
Family households 280 67.3% 21.2%
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 North Topsail Beach

The housing landscape of North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach's housing consists of 2,785 units, with 41.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 20.8% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,785
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,156 41.5%
1 unit, attached 578 20.8%
2 units 99 3.6%
3 or 4 units 29 1%
5 to 9 units 39 1.4%
10 to 19 units 21 0.8%
20 to 49 units 219 7.9%
50 or more units 535 19.2%
Mobile home 109 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
4
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Topsail Beach

In North Topsail Beach, the median construction year is 1989. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.3% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 1.6% -10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 201 7.2% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,312 47.1% 8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 305 11% -20.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 650 23.3% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 260 9.3% -8.4%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.1% 33.3%
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.

North Topsail Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 416 occupied housing units in North Topsail Beach, 94.5% are owner-occupied, while 5.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 85.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
416
10.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23
Owner occupied
393
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23 5.5% -20.7%
Owner occupied 393 94.5% 13.3%
Unoccupied housing units
85.1%
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.

North Topsail Beach housing costs

Housing costs in North Topsail Beach come to a median of $1,709 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,268.

Median housing costs per month
$1,709/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 North Topsail Beach
$1,268/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 North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach education at a glance

About 21.4% of the population in North Topsail Beach went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 34.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 160 21.4% 11.9%
College diploma 126 16.9% 5.0%
Associate degree 58 7.8% -6.5%
Bachelor's degree 260 34.8% 13.5%
Graduate degree 143 19.1% 19.2%
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 North Topsail Beach

How much people earn in North Topsail Beach

The average annual household income in North Topsail Beach was $145,903 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $121,250, reflecting a +13.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Topsail Beach
$145,903/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Topsail Beach
$121,250/year
13.5% year-over-year change

North Topsail Beach income by age

In North Topsail Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $127,386. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,417 overall. Overall, 93.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $127,386 5.2%
45 - 64 $130,417 13.8%
Over 65 $98,333 51.3%
Above poverty level
730
Below poverty level
51
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 730 93.5% 12.1%
Below poverty level 51 6.5% 13.3%

Average renter income in North Topsail Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in North Topsail Beach, their median household income was $60,583 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,583
Rent-to-income ratio
25.1%
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 North Topsail Beach

Workforce and job types in North Topsail Beach

The job market in North Topsail Beach is powered by 374 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 74.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
374
18.7% year-over-year change
White collar
331
Blue collar
43
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 331 88.5% 14.9%
Blue collar 43 11.5% 59.3%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
74.9%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 25 6.7% 0.0%
Private companies 280 74.9% 25.0%
Governmental workers 36 9.6% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 33 8.8% 6.5%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-9.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in North Topsail Beach stands at 2.6%, 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 North Topsail Beach

How people get around in North Topsail Beach

Commuting methods vary: 56.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 213 56.4% 20.3%
Walk 1 0.3% N/A
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 North Topsail Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28460 13,532 6,121 $88,908 $108,554

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about North Topsail Beach demographics 

What is the total population of North Topsail Beach?

North Topsail Beach has a total population of 784 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 +12.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Topsail Beach?

The gender ratio in North Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (391 residents)
  • 50.1% females (393 residents)

What is the median age in North Topsail Beach?

The median age in North Topsail Beach is 60.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Topsail Beach?

The age distribution in North Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.3% (26 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.3% (26 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12% (94 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 44.5% (349 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.9% (289 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Topsail Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • White: 91.1% (714 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (15 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (47 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (5 residents)

What percentage of the population in North Topsail Beach are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in North Topsail Beach.

How many housing units are there in North Topsail Beach?

There are 2,785 housing units in North Topsail Beach, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in North Topsail Beach and what is the average household size?

North Topsail Beach has a total of 416 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Topsail Beach?

North Topsail Beach has a median household income of $121,250, representing a +13.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for North Topsail Beach?

The employment rate is 97.4% in North Topsail Beach, with a workforce of 374 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.5% (331 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.5% (43 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (25 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.9% (280 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (36 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (33 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