Sunset Beach City Demographics

Sunset Beach, located in Brunswick County, NC, has a population of approximately 4,200. The median age is about 66 years, indicating a predominantly older community. Females make up around 53% of the population, while males account for 47%. The city is largely White (over 93%), with African American residents around 3%, Asian about 2%, and Hispanic or Latino approximately 1%. This demographic profile highlights Sunset Beach as a retirement-friendly, predominantly White, small coastal town.

Sunset Beach City Housing

Sunset Beach, Brunswick County, NC, features a median home value of around $480,000 in 2024, with median rents near $1,700/month. The market has shown a steady 3% annual appreciation. Housing options range from single-family homes and condos to beachfront cottages, located in neighborhoods like Sea Trail and Cape Side. About 75% of homes are owner-occupied. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging $0.16 per $100 of assessed value, making Sunset Beach an appealing choice for both homeowners and renters seeking coastal living.

Education in Sunset Beach City

Sunset Beach, Brunswick County, NC, is served primarily by Brunswick County Schools, with the nearest high school being West Brunswick High (enrollment ~1,600; GreatSchools score: 5/10). The area lacks its own colleges, but nearby Brunswick Community College offers adult education and associate/bachelor’s transfer programs. Approximately 29% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are robust, with resource officers present. Educational programs include Advanced Placement and vocational training. There are 3 public schools in the broader area. Overall, Sunset Beach is considered moderately strong in educational opportunities and adult education access.

Transportation in Sunset Beach City

Sunset Beach, Brunswick County, NC, primarily relies on personal vehicles, with over 90% of residents commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate exceeding 95% of households. Public transit options are minimal, with less than 1% using buses or similar modes. The average one-way commute time is around 26 minutes, close to state averages. Transportation infrastructure includes NC Highway 179, linking to regional hubs. Most major employment centers are in nearby Shallotte and Myrtle Beach, SC, influencing commuting patterns toward these cities. Biking and walking constitute less than 4% of daily commutes in the area.

Sunset Beach City Healthcare

Sunset Beach, Brunswick County, NC, lacks a major hospital but is served by nearby Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center (approximately 15 miles away) and local clinics such as Sea Trail Medical Center. Brunswick County’s uninsured rate is about 13%. The area has a significant senior population (median age ~68), leading to prevalent issues like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Primary care provider density is about 1 per 2,000 residents. Access to healthcare is moderate, with rural distances impacting some residents. Most patients rely on Medicare (28.7%) or private insurance (50.2%), with Medicaid covering about 13%.

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