North Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Surf City is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 4,160. Residents earn $84,833 per year, which is 13% above the national average.
Based on current data, Surf City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Surf City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Surf City is $84,833, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
The median home value in Surf City is $478,600, making it a premium housing market at 70% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,421 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
With 611 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,642 per 100,000, 188% above the national average.
Surf City is a highly educated community — 50.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Surf City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 91.9% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 8.1% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $84,833 |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $47,445 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,055 |
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,964 |
| County GDP | $2,516M |
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 125 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.85% |
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Work from Home | 25.0% |
| Census Median | $478,600 |
| 70% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $617,228 |
| Median List Price | $719,999 |
| Median List Price | $719,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $253 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 17.8% |
| Inventory | 118 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,421 |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,804 |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.85% |
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 125 |
| Total Violent | 611.2/100K |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 47.0/100K |
| Assault | 564.2/100K |
| Total Property | 5,641.8/100K |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 564.2/100K |
| Theft | 4,936.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 141.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 62.1°F |
| 15% above US avg | |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (19.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 541/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4373°N, 77.5349°W |
| County FIPS | 37141 |
Winner: Republican by 35 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 50.8% |
| 51% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.6% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 541/sq mi |
| Total Area | 7.7 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 125 |
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Retail Stores | 175 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Commute | 23.3 min |
| Work from Home | 25.0% |