Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.8%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waves Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population147
Median Age63.4 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$59,160
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,087M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$635,717
Housing Units133
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property2,986/100K
Health
Obesity29.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking12.7%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+63.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Waves a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waves receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Waves has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waves is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waves enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Waves has a population of 147 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 63.4 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.9% female and 36.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 51.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.4yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $59,160 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,329 business establishments, including 351 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $59,160 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,329 |
| County GDP | $3,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 351 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 436 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $635,717. Homes sell for 95.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,288 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $635,717 |
| Median List Price | $569,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $569,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $310 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.3% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 14 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
In Waves, 29.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 14.6% report binge drinking. 17.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,518. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waves vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.8% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.9% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 26.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Waves has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waves receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waves vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.2/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,986.2/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waves enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 7 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5659°N, 75.4655°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dare County Regional (MEO)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.6"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 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 |
131 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 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 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
154 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
38 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
122 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
153 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
204 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
52 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
93 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 31 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1999 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1982 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1960 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1952 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2018 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
81 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 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
35 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
40 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
31 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
LONG SHOAL RIVER 2.5.2-5 |
2,333 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,877 |
38 km |
| 2002 |
BELL SLOP |
1,818 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Waves has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in February to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.1") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Waves. 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 | $997 |
| Toddler | $885 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $831 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $706 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waves
What is the population of Waves?
Waves has a population of 147 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.9% female and 36.1% male.
Is Waves expensive to live in?
Waves is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Waves safe?
Waves is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waves receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waves?
Waves enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Waves?
The job market in Waves is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 2,329 business establishments in the area, including 351 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Waves?
Schools in Waves score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Waves hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waves?
The obesity rate in Waves is 29.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 17.9% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What are the demographics of Waves?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waves is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 51.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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