Median Income
$53,718
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$330,900
17% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
493/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.6%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,122
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.6%
18% higher than US avg
How Morehead City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,696
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,309/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,718
Per Capita$40,605
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty14.6%
County GDP$3,739M
Commute18 min
Housing
B
Home Value$330,900
Rent$1,122
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$404,442
Crime
F
Violent493/100K
Property4,641/100K
Murder10.7/100K
Assault407/100K
Burglary772/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.2 in/yr
Elevation10 ft
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.6%
High School+90.3%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute18 min
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Morehead City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morehead City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Morehead City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morehead City is $53,718, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 14.6% 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 Morehead City is $330,900, 17% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,122 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 493 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,641 per 100,000, 137% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Morehead City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Morehead City has a population of 9,696 with a density of 1,309 people per square mile. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 5.6% Black.
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Morehead City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 92.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Spanish | 7.5% |
| 44% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Morehead City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Morehead City is $53,718, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes.
Income: Morehead City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,718 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,605 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,892 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.6% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,721 |
| County GDP | $3,739M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 264 |
| Healthcare | 197 |
| Retail | 365 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Morehead City is $330,900, 17% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,122 (4% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $404,442.
Home Values
| Census Median | $330,900 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $404,442 |
| Median List Price | $685,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $685,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $367 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 7.0% |
| Inventory | 71 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,122 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,675 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.19% |
In Morehead City, 34.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.5% report depression. 21.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Morehead City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,599/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 197 |
Morehead City has a violent crime rate of 493 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,641 per 100,000 (137% above US avg). The murder rate is 10.7 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Morehead City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 493.0/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| Murder | 10.7/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
| Rape | 10.7/100K |
| Robbery | 64.3/100K |
| Assault | 407.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,640.9/100K |
| 137% above US avg |
| Burglary | 771.7/100K |
| Theft | 3,740.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 128.6/100K |
| Arson | 32.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morehead City has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 61.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 61.2 inches |
| 61% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,309/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7279°N, 76.7391°W |
| County FIPS | 37031 |