Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocean Isle, NC
Considering a move to Ocean Isle, NC? This charming coastal town of 703 offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price around $625,000 and average rents at $1,450. Residents enjoy a sunny climate, low violent crime rates (68 per 100K), and quick commutes averaging 23 minutes. Education levels are high, with nearly 44% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Ocean Isle is ideal for those seeking beautiful beaches, a close-knit community, and tranquil living on the North Carolina coast.
Demographics - Ocean Isle, NC
Demographics - Ocean Isle, NC
Ocean Isle is a small coastal community of 703 residents, characterized by a predominantly older population with a median age of 64.1 and a strong majority identifying as White. The area is slightly more female than male, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This demographic profile creates a quiet, close-knit atmosphere ideal for retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
703
Density:
454 per sq mi
Median Age:
64.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocean Isle, NC?
Living in Ocean Isle comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $625,000 and typical rents around $1,450 per month. Utilities and groceries are close to the U.S. average, while housing is notably higher, reflecting the area’s coastal appeal. State income tax is moderate at 5.25%, making it manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$625,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$740
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.2
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
133.5
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
102.4
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Ocean Isle, NC a safe place to live?
Ocean Isle boasts a low violent crime rate of just 68 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a reassuring sense of safety for residents. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 65 chance annually. The overall crime index suggests a generally secure environment, especially appealing to families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
68
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,608
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocean Isle, NC year-round?
Residents of Ocean Isle enjoy a mild coastal climate with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and winters rarely dipping below 36°F. The area receives around 56 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 64% of the year, perfect for outdoor and beach activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making it comfortable year-round.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Ocean Isle’s households typically have a median income of $73,200, with per capita income at $48,400 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%. The workforce is highly educated, as nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and unemployment remains low at 4.1%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes, reflecting the town's relaxed pace and strong community ties.
Median Income:
$43,700
Household Income:
$73,200
Family Income:
$87,000
Per Capita Income:
$48,400
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.4%
Bachelors or More:
43.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ocean Isle, NC?
Families in Ocean Isle benefit from access to quality public education, including Union Elementary School with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Higher education is nearby at Brunswick Community College, just 19 miles away, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development. The area is committed to strong educational standards and community involvement.

Public Schools
Name:
Union Elementary School
Street:
180 Union School Rd NW
Phone:
910-579-6000
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Colleges
Name:
Brunswick Community College
City:
Bolivia
State:
NC
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ocean Isle is accessible, with the nearby Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center offering full emergency and surgical services. The town has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, supporting a high standard of well-being. The healthcare index indicates services are both available and of good quality for a community of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Address:
240 Hospital Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone:
(910) 721-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocean Isle, NC?
Ocean Isle features a robust housing market, with a median home price of $625,000 and nearly 90% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, averaging $1,450 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen healthy appreciation with a 7.6% rise in home values over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates make it an attractive place for both homebuyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$625,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Ocean Isle residents use the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office conveniently located in Shallotte. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are accessible both in-person and online. For questions or appointments, the DMV can be reached at 1-919-715-7000 or via their official website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5298 Main St, Shallotte, NC 28470
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.