Ocean Isle Beach City Demographics

Ocean Isle Beach, located in Brunswick County, NC, had a 2020 population of approximately 1,085 residents. The median age is around 62.5 years, reflecting its popularity among retirees; about 35% are 65 or older. Gender is nearly balanced, with about 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (approximately 97%), with small representations of African American (1%), Asian (0.5%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.5%) residents, reflecting limited racial and ethnic diversity in this coastal community.

Ocean Isle Beach City Housing

Ocean Isle Beach, in Brunswick County, NC, offers a mix of vacation homes and primary residences, with about 76% owner-occupied homes and median home values around $650,000 as of 2024. Rental rates average $2,100/month. The area features single-family homes, condos, and beachfront properties, particularly in neighborhoods like Ocean Ridge and Islander Resort. Home values have risen approximately 8% year-over-year. Property tax rates are about $0.18 per $100 valuation, among the lowest in the county, making Ocean Isle Beach attractive for investment and homeownership, especially for retirees and vacationers seeking coastal living.

Education in Ocean Isle Beach City

Ocean Isle Beach, located in Brunswick County, NC, is served by Brunswick County Schools, with students typically attending West Brunswick High School, which has a GreatSchools rating of 4/10. There are no colleges or universities within Ocean Isle Beach; however, 21.8% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Brunswick Community College is nearby, supporting adult education. The area offers various educational programs, including Advanced Placement and vocational training, but there are only a few schools directly within Ocean Isle Beach due to its small population.

Transportation in Ocean Isle Beach City

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, primarily relies on private vehicles for transportation—over 85% of residents drive alone to work, with public transit options virtually nonexistent. The average commute time is around 32 minutes, slightly higher than the national average. Most households own two vehicles. Transportation infrastructure includes NC Highway 179 and the Odell Williamson Bridge, connecting the island to the mainland. Employment is centered in nearby towns like Shallotte and Southport, with few local major employment hubs. Carpooling rates are modest (about 7%), and virtually no residents walk or bike to work due to limited pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

Ocean Isle Beach City Healthcare

Ocean Isle Beach, Brunswick County, NC, lacks major hospitals within city limits; the nearest is Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center (18 miles away). Several local clinics and urgent cares serve the area, with ~7 primary care providers per 10,000 residents. Approximately 12% of residents are uninsured, below the NC average (14%). The median age is 62, reflecting a large retiree population; thus, healthcare needs focus on chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease). Access to healthcare is generally good, but transportation may be a barrier for some elderly patients. Telemedicine use has risen post-2020.

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