Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Topsail Beach, NC
Considering a move to Topsail Beach, NC? This peaceful coastal town of just 420 residents offers relaxed, small-town living with stunning ocean views. Homes here have a median price of around $748,000, with rents averaging $1,800. Topsail Beach boasts low crime rates (violent crime just 75 per 100K), a high owner-occupied rate, and beautiful weather featuring 62% sunny days. Commute times are short, schools are highly rated nearby, and the community enjoys a laid-back, friendly coastal lifestyle.
Demographics - Topsail Beach, NC
Demographics - Topsail Beach, NC
Topsail Beach is a small coastal community with a population of about 420, characterized by a predominantly older demographic—the median age is over 60. The town is mostly White (96%), with nearly equal numbers of men and women, and a low percentage of non-English speakers. This tranquil setting appeals to retirees and those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Population:
420
Density:
180 per sq mi
Median Age:
60.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Topsail Beach, NC?
The cost of living in Topsail Beach is higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $748,000 and a housing cost index of 158. Everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities are close to average, but homeownership and rent reflect the area's desirable coastal location. Residents also benefit from moderate state income taxes at 5.25%.
Median House Value:
$748,000
Gross Rent:
$1,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$890
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
101.5
Housing:
158.0
Utilities:
103.0
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
102.4
Miscellaneous:
98.9
Crime
Is Topsail Beach, NC a safe place to live?
Topsail Beach offers a notably safe environment, with violent crime rates at just 75 incidents per 100,000 residents and a very low chance of being involved in such events. Property crime is also below national averages, making this town a secure choice for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
970
Crime Index:
1,045
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 103
Weather
What is the weather like in Topsail Beach, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate, with summer highs reaching 87°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 36°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, perfect for year-round outdoor activities and beach living.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community enjoys a comfortable median household income of $96,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Educational attainment is high, with nearly half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment is below the national average. Most residents commute by car, with an average drive time of 27.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$96,500
Family Income:
$105,000
Per Capita Income:
$59,500
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,800
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.0%
Bachelors or More:
46.5%
Education
How are the schools in Topsail Beach, NC?
Families have access to highly rated public schools in nearby Hampstead, with favorable student-teacher ratios and a strong reputation for academic achievement. Private school options and higher education, including the University of North Carolina Wilmington just 32 miles away, offer a range of educational opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Topsail Elementary School
Street:
17385 US Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC
Phone:
910-270-1977
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Topsail Middle School
Street:
17445 US Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC
Phone:
910-270-2612
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Topsail High School
Street:
245 N St Johns Church Rd, Hampstead, NC
Phone:
910-270-2755
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cape Fear Academy
Street:
3900 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC
Phone:
910-791-0287
Students:
670
Colleges
Name:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
18,000
Healthcare
Topsail Beach residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Novant Health Pender Medical Center and New Hanover Regional Medical Center nearby. Health insurance coverage is strong at nearly 90%, and the local healthcare index indicates above-average access and quality for a town of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health Pender Medical Center
Address:
507 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone:
(910) 259-5451
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Address:
2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone:
(910) 667-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Topsail Beach, NC?
The housing market is robust, featuring a median home price of $748,000 and an owner-occupied rate above 80%. Rents average $1,800 for a two-bedroom, and home values have appreciated by 6.7% over the past year. The market is stable, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$748,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Topsail Beach residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest major office located in Raleigh. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, can also be accessed online through the NCDMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
NCDMV
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.