Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bald Head Island, NC
Thinking of moving to Bald Head Island, NC? With a population of just 268, this exclusive coastal community offers a serene, low-crime environment and stunning natural beauty. Homes are upscale, with a median price around $960,000 and average rents of $2,050, reflecting the island’s unique lifestyle. Residents enjoy excellent weather with 67% sunny days, high educational attainment, and quick 18-minute commutes—plus easy access to nearby schools and quality healthcare in Southport. Explore the details below to see if this one-of-a-kind island fits your next chapter!
Demographics - Bald Head Island, NC
Demographics - Bald Head Island, NC
Bald Head Island is home to a small, close-knit community of 268 residents, with a median age of 61.2, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a balanced gender ratio and a very low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
268
Density:
90 per sq mi
Median Age:
61.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bald Head Island, NC?
Living on Bald Head Island comes with a premium, as the median home value is $960,000 and the cost of living index is 39% above the national average. Residents can expect higher housing and grocery expenses, but benefit from relatively moderate utility costs and North Carolina’s flat state income tax rate.
Median House Value:
$960,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
139
Grocery:
110
Housing:
185
Utilities:
105
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
103
Miscellaneous:
102
Crime
Is Bald Head Island, NC a safe place to live?
Bald Head Island is considered exceptionally safe, with a violent crime rate of just 50 per 100,000 people and a low property crime risk. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to a crime index well below national averages, making it ideal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
340
Crime Index:
390
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 294
Weather
What is the weather like in Bald Head Island, NC year-round?
The island enjoys a mild coastal climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and winters rarely dipping below 38°F. With 67% sunny days and about 55 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are accessible nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of Bald Head Island enjoy a high quality of life, with typical household incomes around $110,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.2%. The community is highly educated—65% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and short 18-minute commutes make for a relaxed daily pace.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$110,000
Family Income:
$124,000
Per Capita Income:
$73,500
Income Male:
$75,000
Income Female:
$54,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
18 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.0%
Bachelors or More:
65.0%
Education
How are the schools in Bald Head Island, NC?
Families benefit from access to well-rated public schools like Southport Elementary and proximity to higher education at Brunswick Community College and UNC Wilmington. The community’s high educational attainment underscores the value placed on learning and growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Southport Elementary School
Street:
701 W 9th St
Phone:
910-457-6036
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
Brunswick Community College
City:
Bolivia
State:
NC
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
UNC Wilmington
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
17,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with the nearby Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport offering comprehensive services and emergency care. Most residents are insured, and physician availability is in line with national standards, supporting a healthy community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dosher Memorial Hospital
Address:
924 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461
Phone:
(910) 457-3800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.5%
Health Care Index:
77
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bald Head Island, NC?
The housing market features upscale options, with a median home price of $960,000 and 94% owner occupancy. Home values have seen strong appreciation, while the rental market remains small but stable, reflecting the island’s exclusivity and desirability.
Median Home Price:
$960,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
94.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
15.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Bald Head Island residents are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Raleigh and accessible resources online. North Carolina offers straightforward vehicle registration and licensing processes for new arrivals.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.