Oak Island City Demographics

Oak Island, located in Brunswick County, NC, has a population of approximately 9,150. The median age is about 59, reflecting a predominantly older demographic. Females slightly outnumber males, comprising around 51% of residents. The city is predominantly White (about 94%), with smaller Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), and other racial or ethnic groups making up the remainder of the population.

Oak Island City Housing

Oak Island, Brunswick, NC, features a homeownership rate of around 77%, with median home values near $420,000 as of early 2024. Rental occupancy is about 23%, and median rents average $1,700/month. The housing market shows steady appreciation, with property values up 5% year-over-year. Housing types mainly include single-family homes and beachfront cottages, especially in neighborhoods like Yaupon Beach and Caswell Beach. Oak Island’s property tax rate is approximately 0.56%, among the lowest in North Carolina, making it attractive for both residents and investors seeking coastal living.

Education in Oak Island City

Oak Island, Brunswick County, NC, is served primarily by Brunswick County Schools, including South Brunswick High School located nearby. The city itself does not have its own high schools or colleges; however, approximately 89% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, while about 32% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Brunswick County schools score around 6/10 on GreatSchools. School safety measures are actively implemented. For higher education and adult programs, residents access campuses like Brunswick Community College within 20 miles. The area offers various educational programs, including STEM and vocational training.

Transportation in Oak Island City

Oak Island, Brunswick County, NC, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 90% of residents commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate of around 96% of households owning at least one vehicle. Public transit options are extremely limited, and less than 1% use public transportation for work. The average one-way commute time is about 29 minutes. The city’s infrastructure comprises mainly local roads and NC Highway 133, with no direct access to major highways or rail. Most residents commute to nearby employment hubs in Southport, Wilmington, and other Brunswick County towns.

Oak Island City Healthcare

Oak Island, in Brunswick County, NC, lacks a full-service hospital but is served by local clinics such as Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine; the nearest hospitals are in Southport (Dosher Memorial Hospital, ~10 miles away). The city’s population is predominantly older (median age ~60), with common health concerns including chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Healthcare provider density is lower than state averages, and as of 2022, approximately 85% of Brunswick residents had health insurance. Access challenges persist, particularly for specialized care, due to limited local facilities and transportation barriers for the elderly population.

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