Median Income
$22,583
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.8%
95% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
49.2%
297% higher than US avg
How Chowan Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population407
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density2,544/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$22,583
Per Capita$15,186
Poverty49.2%
County GDP$723M
Housing
Ownership41.6%
Zillow$229,096
Housing Units181
Rent Burden28.1%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured18.4%
Smoking19.5%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Elevation28 ft (9 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.8%
High School+46.9%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Broadband21.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Chowan Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chowan Beach receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Chowan Beach faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chowan Beach is $22,583, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The poverty rate of 49.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Education
1.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 46.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Chowan Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches.
Chowan Beach has a population of 407 with a density of 2,544 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 18.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
407
Total Population
2023 Census
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chowan Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chowan Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chowan Beach is $22,583, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,186 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. 49.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 433 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chowan Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,583 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,186 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,504 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| |
| Poverty Rate | 49.2% |
| 297% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 433 |
| County GDP | $723M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 55 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,041 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 7.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,096. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 41.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 181 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $4,041. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 41.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.4% |
| Housing Units | 181 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,041 |
| 15% above US avg |
In Chowan Beach, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 18.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,372. The dentist ratio is 1:2,788. 56.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chowan Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 18.4% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,372 |
| Dentists | 1:2,788 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,588/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Chowan Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 28 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.1°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 28 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,544/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2139°N, 76.7124°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chowan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeastern Regional (EDE)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.0"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.16"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
225 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
180 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
118 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
188 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
209 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
263 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
212 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
157 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
177 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
182 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
135 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 31 fatalities, 478 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
26 km |
12 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
45 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
17 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
45 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
44 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,877 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
NCMCR-FY14-RX-MIDDLE MARSH |
1,876 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Chowan Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Chowan Beach. 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 | $569 |
| Toddler | $542 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $547 |
| Toddler | $525 |
| Preschool | $525 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chowan Beach
What is the population of Chowan Beach?
Chowan Beach has a population of 407 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 2,544 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Chowan Beach expensive to live in?
Chowan Beach 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 $22,583, 70% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Chowan Beach?
Chowan Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.0 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Chowan Beach?
The average weekly wage is $947. There are 433 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Chowan Beach?
Schools in Chowan Beach score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.8% of adults in Chowan Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 46.9% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chowan Beach?
The obesity rate in Chowan Beach is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 18.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,372.
What are the demographics of Chowan Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chowan Beach is 81.6% White, 18.4% Hispanic or Latino. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 26.8% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.