Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Oak Island is a small-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 8,308 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Oak Island is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Black. Oak Island is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 60, which is well beyond the United States median age average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Oak Island, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oak Island, North Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Oak Island and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.
Oak Island has a livability score of 65/100 and is ranked #264 in North Carolina and #11,715 in the USA. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Oak Island ranks well for crime (A), employment (A) and housing (A+). Oak Island does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and education (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Oak Island, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.6% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Oak Island can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Oak Island is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Oak Island come in at $472,831, which is 63.3% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oak Island, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 9.8% higher than the North Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Oak Island | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.0% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.9% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.9% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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