Holly Ridge, Onslow County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,904
8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,788/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,361
-0.6% year-over-year change

Holly Ridge population

How many people live in Holly Ridge

Holly Ridge is home to 4,904 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Holly Ridge locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
4,904
8.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
2,531
Female
48.4%
2,373
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,531 51.6% 10.6%
Female 2,373 48.4% 5.8%
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 Holly Ridge is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 2.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 41.9% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
2.1%
25 to 44
41.9%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 921 18.8% 7.5%
15 to 24 105 2.1% -48.8%
25 to 44 2,054 41.9% 7.3%
45 to 64 1,231 25.1% 11.6%
Over 65 593 12.1% 30.9%
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 Holly Ridge, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,790 97.7% 10.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 102 2.1% -16.4%
Non-citizens 12 0.2% -85.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.6%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 4,396 89.6%
Black or African American 92 1.9%
Asian 76 1.6%
Two or more races 340 6.9%

Households in Holly Ridge

A peek inside Holly Ridge households

Holly Ridge has 1,913 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.7% are families, while the remaining 28.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,913
8.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
541
Family households
1,372
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 541 28.3% 12.7%
Family households 1,372 71.7% 6.3%
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 Holly Ridge

The housing landscape of Holly Ridge

Holly Ridge's housing consists of 2,361 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.6% 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 5.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,361
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,818 77%
1 unit, attached 320 13.6%
3 or 4 units 86 3.6%
Mobile home 137 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
618
47.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Holly Ridge

In Holly Ridge, the median construction year is 2015. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 51% between 2010 and 2019, and 26.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 45 1.9% -13.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 83 3.5% -2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 51 2.2% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 53 2.2% 341.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 46 2% -54.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 137 5.8% -46.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 123 5.2% -44.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,205 51% 2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 618 26.2% 47.1%
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.

Holly Ridge occupancy rates

Out of the 1,913 occupied housing units in Holly Ridge, 88.6% are owner-occupied, while 11.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,913
8.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
218
Owner occupied
1,695
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 218 11.4% -13.2%
Owner occupied 1,695 88.6% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
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.

Holly Ridge housing costs

Housing costs in Holly Ridge come to a median of $1,752 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,315.

Median housing costs per month
$1,752/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 Holly Ridge
$1,315/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 Holly Ridge

Holly Ridge education at a glance

About 18.7% of the population in Holly Ridge went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 32.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 22 0.6% -35.3%
High school diploma 727 18.7% -0.6%
College diploma 856 22% 16.1%
Associate degree 290 7.5% -7.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,250 32.1% 17.5%
Graduate degree 745 19.2% 9.7%
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 Holly Ridge

How much people earn in Holly Ridge

The average annual household income in Holly Ridge was $158,648 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +22.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $104,788, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Holly Ridge
$158,648/year
22.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Holly Ridge
$104,788/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Holly Ridge income by age

In Holly Ridge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $114,153. Overall, 99.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $114,153 23.6%
Over 65 $74,848 9.6%
Above poverty level
4,781
Below poverty level
38
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,781 99.2% 7.9%
Below poverty level 38 0.8% 0.0%

Average renter income in Holly Ridge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Holly Ridge, their median household income was $79,940 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 19.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$79,940
Rent-to-income ratio
19.7%
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 Holly Ridge

Workforce and job types in Holly Ridge

The job market in Holly Ridge is powered by 2,578 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.5% run their own businesses, 73.6% are employed by private companies, and 6.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,578
12.6% year-over-year change
White collar
2,132
Blue collar
446
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,132 82.7% 23.3%
Blue collar 446 17.3% -20.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.5%
Private companies
73.6%
Governmental workers
6.5%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 373 14.5% 38.1%
Private companies 1,896 73.6% 15.5%
Governmental workers 167 6.5% -45.8%
Not for profit companies 142 5.5% 102.9%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-10.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Holly Ridge stands at 1.6%, 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 Holly Ridge

How people get around in Holly Ridge

Commuting methods vary: 67.3% 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 2,026 67.3% -0.6%
Walk 8 0.3% 0.0%
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 Holly Ridge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28445 10,797 4,625 $84,016 $125,406

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FAQs about Holly Ridge demographics 

What is the total population of Holly Ridge?

Holly Ridge has a total population of 4,904 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 +8.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Holly Ridge?

The gender ratio in Holly Ridge is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (2,531 residents)
  • 48.4% females (2,373 residents)

What is the median age in Holly Ridge?

The median age in Holly Ridge is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Holly Ridge?

The age distribution in Holly Ridge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (921 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.1% (105 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 41.9% (2,054 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (1,231 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.1% (593 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Holly Ridge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Holly Ridge is as follows:
  • White: 89.6% (4,396 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (92 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (76 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (340 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Holly Ridge are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Holly Ridge.

How many housing units are there in Holly Ridge?

There are 2,361 housing units in Holly Ridge, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Holly Ridge and what is the average household size?

Holly Ridge has a total of 1,913 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Holly Ridge?

Holly Ridge has a median household income of $104,788, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Holly Ridge?

The employment rate is 98.4% in Holly Ridge, with a workforce of 2,578 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (2,132 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (446 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.5% (373 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.6% (1,896 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.5% (167 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (142 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