Topsail Beach, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
406
-8.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$93,250/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,330
2.7% year-over-year change

Topsail Beach population

How many people live in Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach is home to 406 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Topsail Beach locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
406
-8.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
184
Female
54.7%
222
Value Percent YoY change
Male 184 45.3% -8.0%
Female 222 54.7% -9.0%
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 Topsail Beach is 68, with the population distributed as follows: about 2.5% are children under 15, then 2.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 6.9% of the population, while another 30.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 57.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
68.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.5%
15 to 24
2.5%
25 to 44
6.9%
45 to 64
30.3%
Over 65
57.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10 2.5% -52.4%
15 to 24 10 2.5% -23.1%
25 to 44 28 6.9% -20.0%
45 to 64 123 30.3% -12.1%
Over 65 235 57.9% 0.0%
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 Topsail Beach, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 404 99.5% -8.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.5% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
100%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 406 100%

Households in Topsail Beach

A peek inside Topsail Beach households

Topsail Beach has 220 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
220
-5.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
87
Family households
133
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 87 39.6% -4.4%
Family households 133 60.4% -5.7%
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 Topsail Beach

The housing landscape of Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach's housing consists of 1,330 units, with 87.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,330
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,168 87.8%
1 unit, attached 37 2.8%
2 units 83 6.2%
3 or 4 units 6 0.4%
5 to 9 units 9 0.7%
10 to 19 units 20 1.5%
20 to 49 units 7 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
4
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Topsail Beach

In Topsail Beach, the median construction year is 1985. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 16 1.2% -5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 25 1.9% 177.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 113 8.5% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 141 10.6% 2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 236 17.7% 5.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 264 19.8% 4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 275 20.7% -7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 156 11.7% 6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 100 7.5% 9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.3% 33.3%
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.

Topsail Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 220 occupied housing units in Topsail Beach, 96.4% are owner-occupied, while 3.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 83.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
220
-5.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8
Owner occupied
212
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8 3.6% -38.5%
Owner occupied 212 96.4% -3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
83.5%
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.

Topsail Beach housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,420/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 Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach education at a glance

About 8.6% of the population in Topsail Beach went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 33.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 33 8.6% -19.5%
College diploma 87 22.5% 16.0%
Associate degree 38 9.8% 8.6%
Bachelor's degree 129 33.4% -15.1%
Graduate degree 99 25.6% -9.2%
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 Topsail Beach

How much people earn in Topsail Beach

The average annual household income in Topsail Beach was $132,333 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $93,250, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Topsail Beach
$132,333/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Topsail Beach
$93,250/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Topsail Beach income by age

In Topsail Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $172,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,250 overall. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $172,917 -4.6%
45 - 64 $151,250 15.2%
Over 65 $71,125 3.5%
Above poverty level
375
Below poverty level
31
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 375 92.4% -5.5%
Below poverty level 31 7.6% -34.0%

Employment in Topsail Beach

Workforce and job types in Topsail Beach

The job market in Topsail Beach is powered by 162 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 96.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 3.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.1% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
162
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
156
Blue collar
6
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 156 96.3% 0.0%
Blue collar 6 3.7% 20.0%
Employer type
Self employees
24.1%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
8%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 39 24.1% -22.0%
Private companies 100 61.7% 14.9%
Governmental workers 13 8% -13.3%
Not for profit companies 10 6.2% 11.1%
Unemployment rate
0.6%
-75.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Topsail Beach stands at 0.6%, 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 Topsail Beach

How people get around in Topsail Beach

Commuting methods vary: 60.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 96 60.8% 6.7%
Bicycle 8 5.1% 60.0%
Walk 2 1.3% 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Topsail Beach?

Topsail Beach has a total population of 406 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 -8.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Topsail Beach?

The gender ratio in Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (184 residents)
  • 54.7% females (222 residents)

What is the median age in Topsail Beach?

The median age in Topsail Beach is 68.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Topsail Beach?

The age distribution in Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.5% (10 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.5% (10 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 6.9% (28 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.3% (123 residents)
  • Over 65: 57.9% (235 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Topsail Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Topsail Beach is as follows:
  • White: 100% (406 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Topsail Beach.

How many housing units are there in Topsail Beach?

There are 1,330 housing units in Topsail Beach, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Topsail Beach has a total of 220 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Topsail Beach?

Topsail Beach has a median household income of $93,250, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Topsail Beach?

The employment rate is 99.4% in Topsail Beach, with a workforce of 162 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 96.3% (156 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 3.7% (6 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.1% (39 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (100 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8% (13 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (10 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