At a Glance
Median Income
$53,718
$40,605 per capita
Home Value
$330,900
Zillow: $415,862
Median Rent
$1,122/mo
37.0% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
34.6%
90.3% high school+
Unemployment
3.6%
14.6% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
34.9%
13.9% smoking rate
How Morehead City Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Morehead City's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Morehead City a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.5 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Morehead City residents earn a median household income of $53,718 , which is 29% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $40,605. The unemployment rate stands at 3.6% (0% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 2,721 business establishments, including 264 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Morehead City is $330,900 , 17% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $415,862. Median rent is $1,122/month, with 37.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 94.3 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1985.
Education
34.6% of adults in Morehead City hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(3% above the national average).
90.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Morehead City has 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 55.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Data Overview
People
Population9,696
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,309/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Foreign Born4.3%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,718
Per Capita$40,605
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty14.6%
County GDP$3,739M
Avg Weekly Wage$879
Housing
B
Home Value$330,900
Rent$1,122
Ownership47.3%
Zillow$415,862
Housing Units6,320
Rent Burden37.0%
Health
Obesity34.9%
Diabetes9.5%
Smoking13.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Premature Death10,599/100K
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
Rain55.7 in/yr
AQI35 (Good)
Elevation10 ft
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.6%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+13.5%
School Score6.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.4%
Internet Speed147 Mbps
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Did You Know?
Morehead City was founded in 1855.
The median home in Morehead City was built in 1985.
The nearest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional (29 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.452 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
18.2% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 147 Mbps.
There are 264 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 12 fatal vehicle crashes.