Swansboro Town, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,973
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,195/yr
8.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,110
4.4% year-over-year change

Swansboro population

How many people live in Swansboro

Swansboro is home to 12,973 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Swansboro locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
12,973
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
6,587
Female
49.2%
6,385
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,587 50.8% 2.3%
Female 6,385 49.2% 2.5%
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 Swansboro is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 17.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
17.2%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,435 18.8% -3.5%
15 to 24 2,232 17.2% -4.7%
25 to 44 3,486 26.9% 2.1%
45 to 64 2,856 22% 8.2%
Over 65 1,964 15.1% 12.2%
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 Swansboro, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.4% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,273 94.6% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 562 4.3% -0.3%
Non-citizens 138 1.1% 7.0%
Racial breakdown
White
82.4%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 10,694 82.4%
Black or African American 586 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 0.4%
Asian 306 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 1,047 8.1%
Other 285 2.2%

Households in Swansboro

A peek inside Swansboro households

Swansboro has 5,483 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.7% are families, while the remaining 32.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,483
6.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,770
Family households
3,713
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,770 32.3% 2.1%
Family households 3,713 67.7% 9.2%
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 Swansboro

The housing landscape of Swansboro

Swansboro's housing consists of 6,110 units, with 76.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 18% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,110
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,689 76.7%
1 unit, attached 176 2.9%
2 units 22 0.4%
3 or 4 units 40 0.6%
5 to 9 units 29 0.5%
10 to 19 units 15 0.2%
20 to 49 units 8 0.1%
50 or more units 2 0%
Mobile home 1,101 18%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 28 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
284
21.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Swansboro

In Swansboro, the median construction year is 1999. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 21 0.3% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 140 2.3% -0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 104 1.7% 7.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 193 3.2% 4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 698 11.4% 19.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 623 10.2% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,374 22.5% -1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,371 22.4% -4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,303 21.3% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 284 4.6% 21.9%
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.

Swansboro occupancy rates

Out of the 5,483 occupied housing units in Swansboro, 76.8% are owner-occupied, while 23.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,483
6.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,271
Owner occupied
4,212
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,271 23.2% -4.2%
Owner occupied 4,212 76.8% 10.6%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
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.

Swansboro housing costs

Housing costs in Swansboro come to a median of $1,298 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,234.

Median housing costs per month
$1,298/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 Swansboro
$1,234/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 Swansboro

Swansboro education at a glance

About 36.6% of the population in Swansboro went to high school, while 29.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.1% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 201 2% 1.0%
High school diploma 3,673 36.6% 2.5%
College diploma 2,947 29.4% 2.7%
Associate degree 1,114 11.1% 8.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,445 14.4% 4.8%
Graduate degree 657 6.6% 22.4%
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 Swansboro

How much people earn in Swansboro

The average annual household income in Swansboro was $80,788 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,195, reflecting a +8.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Swansboro
$80,788/year
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Swansboro
$77,195/year
8.1% year-over-year change

Swansboro income by age

In Swansboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,912. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,852 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,059, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,677 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,059 4.5%
25 - 44 $81,912 3.6%
45 - 64 $95,852 11.7%
Over 65 $62,677 12.7%
Above poverty level
11,270
Below poverty level
1,487
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,270 88.3% 2.5%
Below poverty level 1,487 11.7% -2.2%

Average renter income in Swansboro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Swansboro, their median household income was $31,920 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 46.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,920
Rent-to-income ratio
46.4%
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 Swansboro

Workforce and job types in Swansboro

79.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,520
Blue collar
932
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,520 79.1% 8.1%
Blue collar 932 20.9% 4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 467 10.5% 27.9%
Private companies 2,871 64.5% 8.4%
Governmental workers 955 21.4% -2.5%
Not for profit companies 159 3.6% 1.9%

Transportation in Swansboro

How people get around in Swansboro

In Swansboro, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,903 97.6% -0.1%
Motorcycle 42 0.8% -14.3%
Walk 81 1.6% 285.7%
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 Swansboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28584 14,939 6,149 $87,414 $115,034
28539 18,351 7,794 $66,976 $81,327

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FAQs about Swansboro demographics 

What is the total population of Swansboro?

Swansboro has a total population of 12,973 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Swansboro?

The gender ratio in Swansboro is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (6,587 residents)
  • 49.2% females (6,385 residents)

What is the median age in Swansboro?

The median age in Swansboro is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Swansboro?

The age distribution in Swansboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (2,435 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.2% (2,232 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (3,486 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (2,856 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (1,964 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Swansboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Swansboro is as follows:
  • White: 82.4% (10,694 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (586 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (306 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (1,047 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (285 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Swansboro.

How many housing units are there in Swansboro?

There are 6,110 housing units in Swansboro, reflecting a +4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Swansboro has a total of 5,483 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Swansboro?

Swansboro has a median household income of $77,195, representing a +8.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Swansboro?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.1% (3,520 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.9% (932 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (467 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (2,871 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (955 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (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