Ocean Isle Beach, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
903
13.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,786/yr
-2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,387
3.0% year-over-year change

Ocean Isle Beach population

How many people live in Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is home to 903 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.5% of Ocean Isle Beach locals are male, and 56.5% are female.

Total population
903
13.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.5%
393
Female
56.5%
510
Value Percent YoY change
Male 393 43.5% 10.7%
Female 510 56.5% 15.7%
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 Ocean Isle Beach is 67, with the population distributed as follows: about 1.9% are children under 15, then 4.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 3.2% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 58.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
67.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
1.9%
15 to 24
4.1%
25 to 44
3.2%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
58.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17 1.9% 240.0%
15 to 24 37 4.1% 32.1%
25 to 44 29 3.2% 52.6%
45 to 64 291 32.2% 9.4%
Over 65 529 58.6% 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 Ocean Isle Beach, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 867 96% 13.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 28 3.1% 21.7%
Non-citizens 8 0.9% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
98.7%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 891 98.7%
Black or African American 5 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.1%
Other 6 0.7%

Households in Ocean Isle Beach

A peek inside Ocean Isle Beach households

Ocean Isle Beach has 514 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
514
16.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
186
Family households
328
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 186 36.2% 33.8%
Family households 328 63.8% 8.2%
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 Ocean Isle Beach

The housing landscape of Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach's housing consists of 3,387 units, with 70.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,387
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,373 70.1%
1 unit, attached 76 2.2%
2 units 38 1.1%
3 or 4 units 369 10.9%
5 to 9 units 258 7.6%
10 to 19 units 98 2.9%
20 to 49 units 63 1.9%
50 or more units 59 1.7%
Mobile home 53 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
102
32.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocean Isle Beach

In Ocean Isle Beach, the median construction year is 1996. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 28.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 0.7% 13.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 2% -5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 281 8.3% 2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 922 27.2% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 702 20.7% -4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 960 28.3% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 329 9.7% 28.0%
Built in 2020 or later 102 3% 32.5%
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.

Ocean Isle Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 514 occupied housing units in Ocean Isle Beach, 96.5% are owner-occupied, while 3.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 84.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
514
16.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18
Owner occupied
496
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18 3.5% 125.0%
Owner occupied 496 96.5% 14.3%
Unoccupied housing units
84.8%
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.

Ocean Isle Beach housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,444/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.

Education in Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach education at a glance

About 11% of the population in Ocean Isle Beach went to high school, while 15.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 35.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 0.7% -40.0%
High school diploma 96 11% 14.3%
College diploma 132 15.2% 7.3%
Associate degree 77 8.8% 11.6%
Bachelor's degree 312 35.8% 1.0%
Graduate degree 248 28.5% 33.3%
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 Ocean Isle Beach

How much people earn in Ocean Isle Beach

The average annual household income in Ocean Isle Beach was $148,619 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $96,786, reflecting a -2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ocean Isle Beach
$148,619/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocean Isle Beach
$96,786/year
-2.5% year-over-year change

Ocean Isle Beach income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $131,250 overall. Overall, 94.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $131,250 18.0%
Over 65 $87,813 -8.8%
Above poverty level
853
Below poverty level
48
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 853 94.7% 13.9%
Below poverty level 48 5.3% 2.1%

Employment in Ocean Isle Beach

Workforce and job types in Ocean Isle Beach

The job market in Ocean Isle Beach is powered by 302 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.2% run their own businesses, 52.3% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
302
28.0% year-over-year change
White collar
283
Blue collar
19
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 283 93.7% 29.8%
Blue collar 19 6.3% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
25.2%
Private companies
52.3%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 25.2% 22.6%
Private companies 158 52.3% 35.0%
Governmental workers 49 16.2% 36.1%
Not for profit companies 19 6.3% -9.5%

Transportation in Ocean Isle Beach

How people get around in Ocean Isle Beach

Commuting methods vary: 54.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 164 54.3% 11.6%
Walk 7 2.3% 40.0%
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 Ocean Isle Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28469 10,404 4,719 $90,684 $109,775

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FAQs about Ocean Isle Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach has a total population of 903 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 +13.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocean Isle Beach?

The gender ratio in Ocean Isle Beach is as follows:
  • 43.5% males (393 residents)
  • 56.5% females (510 residents)

What is the median age in Ocean Isle Beach?

The median age in Ocean Isle Beach is 67.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocean Isle Beach?

The age distribution in Ocean Isle Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 1.9% (17 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.1% (37 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 3.2% (29 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (291 residents)
  • Over 65: 58.6% (529 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean Isle Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean Isle Beach is as follows:
  • White: 98.7% (891 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (6 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ocean Isle Beach are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Ocean Isle Beach.

How many housing units are there in Ocean Isle Beach?

There are 3,387 housing units in Ocean Isle Beach, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ocean Isle Beach and what is the average household size?

Ocean Isle Beach has a total of 514 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach has a median household income of $96,786, representing a -2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Ocean Isle Beach?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.7% (283 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.3% (19 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.2% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.3% (158 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (49 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (19 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