Oak Island is one of coastal North Carolina’s most beloved beach towns—a barrier island community where life moves at a gentler pace and every day feels like a vacation. With over 60 public beach accesses, miles of sandy shoreline, and a classic coastal vibe, Oak Island offers the rare blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and year-round livability.
From fishing off the iconic Oak Island Pier to boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, the island is built for those who appreciate the outdoors and a lifestyle rooted in the rhythm of the tides. Its family-friendly appeal, walkable neighborhoods, and welcoming spirit make it a top destination for second-home buyers, retirees, and investors alike.
Real estate on Oak Island ranges from oceanfront cottages and canal-front homes to new construction and mainland communities just over the bridge. Whether you're searching for a low-maintenance vacation property or a primary residence with water views, the island offers a wide variety of options—all with strong long-term value in one of the fastest-growing coastal regions in the Carolinas.
The community itself is vibrant and close-knit, with locally owned restaurants, surf shops, markets, and seasonal events that bring residents and visitors together. Located just minutes from Southport and under an hour from Wilmington, Oak Island provides easy access to city amenities while maintaining its quiet, laid-back character.
At The McKinney Group, we specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Oak Island market with precision and care. Our local expertise, elevated marketing, and personalized approach ensure your coastal real estate journey is as seamless—and enjoyable—as a day at the beach.
8,888 people live in Oak Island, North Carolina, where the median age is 61.5 and the average individual income is $59,851. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Oak Island, North Carolina, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Hippie Chick Granola, Cape Fear Boil Company, and Sunset Slush - Oak Island.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.01 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.01 miles | 34 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 2.82 miles | 35 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.74 miles | 8 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.8 miles | 16 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.54 miles | 8 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.84 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.55 miles | 10 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Oak Island, North Carolina has 4,304 households, with an average household size of 2.07. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Oak Island, North Carolina do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 8,888 people call Oak Island, North Carolina home. The population density is 461.18 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
16405 Northcross Dr Ste C Huntersville NC 28078
16405 Northcross Dr Ste C Huntersville NC 28078
