North Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Southern Shores is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 3,119. Residents earn $116,859 per year, which is 56% above the national average.
Based on current data, Southern Shores receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Southern Shores stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Southern Shores is $116,859, which is significantly higher than the national average — 56% above $75,149. This places Southern Shores among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
The median home value in Southern Shores is $621,100, making it a premium housing market at 120% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,018 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Southern Shores is a highly educated community — 56.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Southern Shores enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $116,859 |
| 56% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $58,891 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,026 |
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 995 |
| County GDP | $1,150M |
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,994 |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.48% |
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |
| Census Median | $621,100 |
| 120% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $783,677 |
| Median List Price | $737,475 |
| Median List Price | $737,475 |
| $/Sq Ft | $303 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,018 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,994 |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.48% |
| Obesity | 28.0% |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 8.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,918/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg | |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 46.6 inches |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 790/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1167°N, 75.7330°W |
| County FIPS | 37053 |
Winner: Republican by 47.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 56.7% |
| 68% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 98.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 790/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.0 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Retail Stores | 135 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Commute | 24.6 min |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |