| Statistic | Oak Island | North Carolina | National |
| Population | 8,118 | 10,488,084 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 421 | 218 | 91 |
| Median age | 60.0 | 38.3 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 66% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 16% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 7% | 13% |
The demographics of Oak Island offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 8,118, Oak Island exhibits a population density of 421 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 60, with 66% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 16% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Oak Island, 19% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 22% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Oak Island racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Oak Island is 97.3% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.5% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 0.6% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 98.3% reported speaking English only, while 0.8% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 0.9% of residents were considered foreign born.
Regions characterized by lower-than-average population density, such as Oak Island, offer a chance for a more relaxed lifestyle, deeper connection to nature, vibrant community bonds, enhanced affordability, and heightened safety, making them enticing options for those seeking refuge from the frenetic pace of urban life. These areas often boast a more budget-friendly cost of living, with housing prices typically more affordable and residents may benefit from reduced taxes, living expenses, and insurance rates. Low population density areas often exhibit lower crime rates than densely populated urban regions, fostering a greater sense of safety and security for residents and their families. The Oak Island population density is 421 people per square mile, which ranks below 50% of cities nationwide, presenting ample opportunities to enjoy these exceptional benefits.
Oak Island, characterized by a reduced population of children, offers several advantages suited to a demographic where families with fewer or no children seek an ideal living environment. These benefits may include a serene atmosphere, an increased emphasis on amenities tailored for adults, decreased traffic congestion and improved affordability. Importantly, one of the key advantages could be the broader availability of housing options designed to cater to adult residents or smaller households. This may encompass various housing types like condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes tailored for couples or individuals without children, providing a diverse range of choices for prospective buyers or renters. Areas with fewer children may also indicate suitability for retirees or seniors. In Oak Island, only 16% of the population have children under 18 years old, significantly lower than the national average. Moreover, 66% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic trends could suggest a favorable landscape for leveraging the advantages of a city with fewer children.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as valuable tools for guiding policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations, and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Oak Island demographics, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas requiring attention, allocate resources strategically and develop policies and initiatives that cater to the unique needs and preferences of various demographic groups. Oak Island demographic statistics can play a critical role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, enabling evidence-based decision-making, identifying priority areas, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and fostering equity and inclusivity. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can craft policies that are targeted, efficient and equitable, thereby addressing the diverse needs of communities.
Understanding Populations: The examination and analysis of Oak Island demographic data can offer valuable insights into the composition and traits of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and various socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the varied needs, preferences, and challenges faced by different demographic groups within communities. Demographics hold significant importance in understanding populations, guiding decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Oak Island population data serves as a cornerstone for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also fostering the well-being and resilience of societies.
Healthcare Planning: By analyzing the Oak Island demographic data, it can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities, and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends helps healthcare providers and policymakers allocate resources, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. By leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards achieving equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive approach to healthcare planning ensures that interventions are targeted, resources are allocated efficiently, and healthcare services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of populations.
| Race | Oak Island | North Carolina | National |
| White | 97.28% | 69.24% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.41% | 21.50% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.12% | 2.56% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.54% | 1.18% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.52% | 2.45% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.14% | 3.01% | 4.75% |
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