Median Income
$60,048
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$202,000
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.2%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,348
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Calabash Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,397
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density329/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,048
Per Capita$34,549
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$22,774M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,000
Rent$1,348
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$351,875
Housing Units1,672
Rent Burden38.0%
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking13.1%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Elevation36 ft (11 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.2%
High School+85.3%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute18 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Calabash a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Calabash receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Calabash offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Calabash is $60,048, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Calabash is $202,000, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,348 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Calabash enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches.
Calabash has a population of 2,397 with a density of 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (75.1%), with 7.6% Hispanic, 6% Black, 1.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,397
Total Population
2023 Census
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Calabash is $60,048, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,549 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $924, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 12,484 business establishments, including 1,398 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,048 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,549 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $924 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,849 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 12,484 |
| County GDP | $22,774M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,398 |
| Healthcare | 896 |
| Retail | 1,849 |
| Manufacturing | 171 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.6% |
The median home value in Calabash is $202,000, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,875, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $400,100 with homes selling in an average of 143 days. Homes sell for 98.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,348 (16% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,672 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,541. 38.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,000 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $351,875 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $400,100 |
| Median List Price | $310,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $400,100 |
| Median List Price | $310,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $270 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 143 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.5% |
| Price Drops | 24.6% |
| Inventory | 69 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,348 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,672 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Calabash, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,603. The dentist ratio is 1:2,336. 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Calabash vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,603 |
| Dentists | 1:2,336 |
| Mental Health | 1:554 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,747/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 896 |
Calabash enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 36 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.0°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8926°N, 78.5573°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Horry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Myrtle Beach International (MYR)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.65"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0446 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 29, 1994.
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
5 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
39 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
172 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
146 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
139 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
17 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
120 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
249 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
290 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 380 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
5 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
8 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 14, 2008 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
3 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY 31 (17,004 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
29 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,111 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
21 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
40 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,870 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
LEGENDS |
1,666 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
37 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,335 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
EDNA BUCK ROAD |
1,256 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
JOE BAY |
1,124 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,109 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,077 |
30 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,005 |
21 km |
| 2007 |
EAST PENDER COMPLEX |
986 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HORNET |
882 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
COW ISLAND |
878 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Calabash has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.7") and April the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Calabash. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $596 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calabash
What is the population of Calabash?
Calabash has a population of 2,397 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Calabash expensive to live in?
Calabash is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,048, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,000 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,348 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Calabash?
Calabash enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches.
How is the job market in Calabash?
The unemployment rate in Calabash is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $924. There are 12,484 business establishments in the area, including 1,398 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 18.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Calabash?
The median home value in Calabash is $202,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,875. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $400,100, with homes typically selling within 143 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,348. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,541.
How are the schools in Calabash?
Schools in Calabash score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.2% of adults in Calabash hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Calabash?
The obesity rate in Calabash is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,603.
What is transportation like in Calabash?
The average commute in Calabash is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Calabash?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Calabash is 75.1% White, 6% Black or African American, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.