Oak Island | Neighborhood Guide | The McKinney Group X SERHANT.

Living in Oak Island, North Carolina

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.

Overview for Oak Island, North Carolina, NC

8,252 people live in Oak Island, North Carolina, where the median age is 60.3 and the average individual income is $49,129. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,252

Total Population

60.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$49,129

Average individual Income

Around Oak Island, North Carolina, NC

There's plenty to do around Oak Island, North Carolina, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

25

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Hippie Chick Granola, Cape Fear Boil Company, and Beach Road Pizza and Wings.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Hippie Chick Granola page on Yelp Search 6402 E Oak Island Dr on Google Maps	Dining	3.01 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cape Fear Boil Company page on Yelp Search 6402 E Oak Island Dr on Google Maps	Dining	3.01 miles	30 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Beach Road Pizza and Wings page on Yelp Search 4688 Long Beach Rd SE on Google Maps	Dining	4.67 miles	15 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Sunset Slush - Oak Island page on Yelp Search 6006 E Oak Island Dr on Google Maps	Dining · $	2.82 miles	29 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Carolina Crab Brewing Company page on Yelp Search 4810 Long Beach Rd SE on Google Maps	Dining	4.8 miles	7 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Outer Banks Boil Company page on Yelp Search 5003 E Oak Island Dr on Google Maps	Dining	2.56 miles	16 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Blackbeard Scuba page on Yelp Search 5001 O'Quinn Blvd on Google Maps	Active	4.54 miles	6 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Mr Beach Rentals page on Yelp	Active	2.05 miles	12 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Oak Island Beach page on Yelp Search 5227 E Beach Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.82 miles	28 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Dutchman Creek Bait & Tackle page on Yelp Search 4019 Long Beach Rd SE on Google Maps	Active	3.84 miles	5 reviews	4.8/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Oak Island, North Carolina, NC

Population Households Employment

Oak Island, North Carolina has 3,778 households, with an average household size of 2.18. 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. 8,252 people call Oak Island, North Carolina home. The population density is 428.18 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,252

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

60.3

Median Age

49.15 / 50.85%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

3,778

Total Households

2.18

Average Household Size

$49,129

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Oak Island, North Carolina, NC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Oak Island, North Carolina. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Portfolio

For Sale
$2,250,000

1042 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 7 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 3,950 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,500,000

1610 Midland Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4,100 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$998,000

3960 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,859 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$730,000

2003 W Yacht Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,361 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$720,000

97 NE 19th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,489 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$691,783

569 Crown Pointe Drive, Hampstead, NC 28443
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,884 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$682,064

114 Summer Winds Place, Surf City, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,973 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$665,000

144 NE 4th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,474 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$644,820

4025 Watersail Drive, 128, Wilmington, NC 28409
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,636 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$572,500

790 New River Inlet Road, Unit 206a, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,237 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$550,000

1405 S Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472
- 5,070 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$425,000

4173 Englishtown Road, Wallace, NC 28466
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,310 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$366,500

126 S 13th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,529 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$349,707

919 Rosie Drive, Lot 23, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,783 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$315,000

227 NE 37th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,520 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$312,500

2403 Bloomsbury Court, Wilmington, NC 28411
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,126 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$275,000

242 Currituck Drive, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,650 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$267,000

302 Frisco Way Way, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,577 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$235,000

209 Cathay Road, Wilmington, NC 28412
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,080 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$150,000

5415 Park Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 730 Sq.Ft.
Leased
$1,249,000/mo

Private Address
- 4,620 Sq.Ft.
Leased

$352,000/mo

1003 Love Joy Road, Troy, NC 27371