Oak Island, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,030
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,872/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,805
3.6% year-over-year change

Oak Island population

How many people live in Oak Island

Oak Island is home to 9,030 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Oak Island locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
9,030
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
4,290
Female
52.5%
4,740
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,290 47.5% 0.5%
Female 4,740 52.5% 2.6%
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 Oak Island is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.2% are children under 15, then 4.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 6.9% of the population, while another 41.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42% are 65 or older.

Median age
62.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.2%
15 to 24
4.6%
25 to 44
6.9%
45 to 64
41.2%
Over 65
42%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 474 5.2% -6.3%
15 to 24 419 4.6% -2.8%
25 to 44 621 6.9% -18.8%
45 to 64 3,720 41.2% -0.2%
Over 65 3,796 42% 9.7%
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 Oak Island, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,763 97% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 246 2.7% 11.8%
Non-citizens 21 0.2% -22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
94.1%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 8,500 94.1%
Black or African American 93 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 50 0.6%
Asian 61 0.7%
Two or more races 304 3.4%
Other 22 0.2%

Households in Oak Island

A peek inside Oak Island households

Oak Island has 4,602 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.3% are families, while the remaining 35.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,602
6.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,641
Family households
2,961
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,641 35.7% 12.6%
Family households 2,961 64.3% 4.0%
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 Oak Island

The housing landscape of Oak Island

Oak Island's housing consists of 10,805 units, with 86.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 6.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,805
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,366 86.7%
1 unit, attached 187 1.7%
2 units 93 0.9%
3 or 4 units 72 0.7%
5 to 9 units 18 0.2%
10 to 19 units 78 0.7%
20 to 49 units 211 2%
50 or more units 61 0.6%
Mobile home 705 6.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
421
80.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oak Island

In Oak Island, the median construction year is 1997. About 0.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9 0.1% 50.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 0.3% 12.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 288 2.7% -5.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 480 4.4% 6.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,172 10.8% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,214 20.5% -2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,614 14.9% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,111 19.5% -5.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,459 22.8% 26.1%
Built in 2020 or later 421 3.9% 80.7%
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.

Oak Island occupancy rates

Out of the 4,602 occupied housing units in Oak Island, 89.7% are owner-occupied, while 10.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 57.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,602
6.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
476
Owner occupied
4,126
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 476 10.3% -9.3%
Owner occupied 4,126 89.7% 9.2%
Unoccupied housing units
57.4%
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.

Oak Island housing costs

Housing costs in Oak Island come to a median of $1,392 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,339.

Median housing costs per month
$1,392/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 Oak Island
$1,339/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 Oak Island

Oak Island education at a glance

About 24% of the population in Oak Island went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 26.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 79 0.9% -16.0%
High school diploma 2,013 24% 1.6%
College diploma 1,664 19.8% -4.8%
Associate degree 1,065 12.7% 10.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,249 26.8% 0.8%
Graduate degree 1,322 15.8% 9.3%
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 Oak Island

How much people earn in Oak Island

The average annual household income in Oak Island was $123,118 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,872, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oak Island
$123,118/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oak Island
$85,872/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Oak Island income by age

In Oak Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $137,847. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,294 overall. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $137,847 35.1%
45 - 64 $105,294 3.1%
Over 65 $71,696 1.9%
Above poverty level
8,219
Below poverty level
779
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,219 91.3% 2.7%
Below poverty level 779 8.7% -9.8%

Average renter income in Oak Island

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oak Island, their median household income was $60,117 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,117
Rent-to-income ratio
26.7%
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 Oak Island

Workforce and job types in Oak Island

The job market in Oak Island is powered by 3,604 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.2% run their own businesses, 59.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,604
-4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
3,117
Blue collar
487
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,117 86.5% -1.7%
Blue collar 487 13.5% -18.4%
Employer type
Self employees
19.2%
Private companies
59.6%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 693 19.2% -6.7%
Private companies 2,148 59.6% 2.1%
Governmental workers 604 16.8% -18.7%
Not for profit companies 159 4.4% -10.7%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-20.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oak Island stands at 3%, 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 Oak Island

How people get around in Oak Island

Commuting methods vary: 71.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 2,530 71.4% -8.2%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.2% -22.2%
Ferryboat 38 1.1% -39.7%
Motorcycle 6 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 14 0.4% N/A
Walk 40 1.1% 11.1%
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 Oak Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28422 10,059 4,092 $69,412 $95,485
28465 8,756 4,426 $86,194 $128,304

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FAQs about Oak Island demographics 

What is the total population of Oak Island?

Oak Island has a total population of 9,030 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 +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oak Island?

The gender ratio in Oak Island is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (4,290 residents)
  • 52.5% females (4,740 residents)

What is the median age in Oak Island?

The median age in Oak Island is 62.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oak Island?

The age distribution in Oak Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.2% (474 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.6% (419 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 6.9% (621 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 41.2% (3,720 residents)
  • Over 65: 42% (3,796 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Island is as follows:
  • White: 94.1% (8,500 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (93 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (50 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (304 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (22 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oak Island are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Oak Island.

How many housing units are there in Oak Island?

There are 10,805 housing units in Oak Island, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oak Island and what is the average household size?

Oak Island has a total of 4,602 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oak Island?

Oak Island has a median household income of $85,872, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oak Island?

The employment rate is 97% in Oak Island, with a workforce of 3,604 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.5% (3,117 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.5% (487 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.2% (693 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.6% (2,148 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (604 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (159 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