Southern Shores, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,139
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$131,429/yr
12.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,544
3.4% year-over-year change

Southern Shores population

How many people live in Southern Shores

Southern Shores is home to 3,139 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Southern Shores locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
3,139
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
1,507
Female
52%
1,632
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,507 48% -4.3%
Female 1,632 52% 5.7%
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 Southern Shores is 59, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.8% are children under 15, then 7.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.1% of the population, while another 31.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.8%
15 to 24
7.1%
25 to 44
20.1%
45 to 64
31.3%
Over 65
31.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 308 9.8% -12.0%
15 to 24 222 7.1% 4.2%
25 to 44 631 20.1% -4.5%
45 to 64 982 31.3% 7.6%
Over 65 996 31.7% 1.4%
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 Southern Shores, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,992 95.3% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 147 4.7% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
96.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,026 96.4%
Asian 8 0.2%
Two or more races 105 3.4%

Households in Southern Shores

A peek inside Southern Shores households

Southern Shores has 1,306 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 80.6% are families, while the remaining 19.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,306
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
253
Family households
1,053
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 253 19.4% -2.3%
Family households 1,053 80.6% 5.0%
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 Southern Shores

The housing landscape of Southern Shores

Southern Shores's housing consists of 2,544 units, with 98.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,544
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,517 98.9%
3 or 4 units 7 0.3%
Mobile home 20 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
50
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southern Shores

In Southern Shores, the median construction year is 1990. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 172 6.8% 65.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 77 3% -43.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 230 9% 9.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 818 32.2% -8.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 623 24.5% 39.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 490 19.3% -17.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 84 3.3% 12.0%
Built in 2020 or later 50 2% N/A
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.

Southern Shores occupancy rates

Out of the 1,306 occupied housing units in Southern Shores, 91.4% are owner-occupied, while 8.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 48.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,306
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
113
Owner occupied
1,193
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 113 8.6% -26.1%
Owner occupied 1,193 91.4% 7.6%
Unoccupied housing units
48.7%
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.

Southern Shores housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,871/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 Southern Shores

Southern Shores education at a glance

About 25.4% of the population in Southern Shores went to high school, while 12.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 33.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 703 25.4% 11.9%
College diploma 357 12.9% -15.8%
Associate degree 161 5.8% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 929 33.6% 11.0%
Graduate degree 613 22.2% 0.2%
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 Southern Shores

How much people earn in Southern Shores

The average annual household income in Southern Shores was $154,208 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $131,429, reflecting a +12.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southern Shores
$154,208/year
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southern Shores
$131,429/year
12.5% year-over-year change

Southern Shores income by age

In Southern Shores, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $151,176. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $150,521 overall. Overall, 99.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $151,176 -12.4%
45 - 64 $150,521 29.0%
Over 65 $116,786 6.7%
Above poverty level
3,080
Below poverty level
18
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,080 99.4% 0.3%
Below poverty level 18 0.6% -30.8%

Average renter income in Southern Shores

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Southern Shores, their median household income was $62,667 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$62,667
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Southern Shores

Workforce and job types in Southern Shores

The job market in Southern Shores is powered by 1,395 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.8% run their own businesses, 48.5% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,395
10.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,225
Blue collar
170
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,225 87.8% 13.9%
Blue collar 170 12.2% -10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
25.8%
Private companies
48.5%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 360 25.8% 19.2%
Private companies 677 48.5% -3.4%
Governmental workers 236 16.9% 10.8%
Not for profit companies 122 8.8% 149.0%
Unemployment rate
13.2%
3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Southern Shores stands at 13.2%, 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 Southern Shores

How people get around in Southern Shores

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,021 74.6% -1.4%
Bicycle 21 1.5% 5.0%
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 Southern Shores by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27949 8,251 3,589 $120,662 $157,773

Explore more communities

FAQs about Southern Shores demographics 

What is the total population of Southern Shores?

Southern Shores has a total population of 3,139 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Southern Shores?

The gender ratio in Southern Shores is as follows:
  • 48% males (1,507 residents)
  • 52% females (1,632 residents)

What is the median age in Southern Shores?

The median age in Southern Shores is 58.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southern Shores?

The age distribution in Southern Shores is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.8% (308 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.1% (222 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.1% (631 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.3% (982 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.7% (996 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southern Shores?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southern Shores is as follows:
  • White: 96.4% (3,026 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (105 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Southern Shores are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Southern Shores.

How many housing units are there in Southern Shores?

There are 2,544 housing units in Southern Shores, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Southern Shores and what is the average household size?

Southern Shores has a total of 1,306 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southern Shores?

Southern Shores has a median household income of $131,429, representing a +12.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Southern Shores?

The employment rate is 86.8% in Southern Shores, with a workforce of 1,395 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (1,225 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (170 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.8% (360 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.5% (677 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (236 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (122 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