| Statistic | Sunset Beach | North Carolina | National |
| Population | 3,994 | 10,488,084 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 573 | 218 | 91 |
| Median age | 64.0 | 38.3 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.7:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 77% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 9% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 0% | 7% | 13% |
The population of Sunset Beach is 3,994, with a population density of 573 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 64 and 77% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 9% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Sunset Beach goes, 18% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 18% report an income exceeding $150,000. The Sunset Beach demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
Understanding the Sunset Beach racial demographics and ethnic composition is paramount for addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and fortifying communities. In Sunset Beach, the racial breakdown indicates 97.2% White, 0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 0.5% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Notably, 98.2% of households reported speaking English only, while 0.1% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 2.1% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Areas with lower than average population density like Sunset Beach, could offer a more relaxed pace of life, closer connection to nature, extraordinary sense of community, greater affordability and tend to be safer, making them attractive options for those seeking a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. These areas often have a lower cost of living, with housing prices that are typically more affordable and residents may also benefit from lower taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas also tend to have lower crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas. This can contribute to a greater sense of safety and security for residents and their families. The Sunset Beach population density is 573 people per square mile, which is lower than 50% of the cities across the country, putting it in a position to take advantage of all these great benefits.
A city with fewer children like Sunset Beach can offer several benefits, catering to a demographic where families with fewer or no children may find an ideal environment. The advantages could include a quiet environment, increased focus on adult-oriented amenities, reduced traffic and increased affordability. Perhaps the biggest benefit could be a greater availability of housing options that cater to adult residents or smaller households. This could include more condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes designed for couples or individuals without children, providing a wider range of choices for prospective homebuyers or renters. Areas with fewer kids could also be an indication that this area could be a suitable area for retirees or seniors. In Sunset Beach, only 9% of people have kids under the age of 18, which is far less than the national average. Another 77% of residents over 15 years old are married. This bodes well for taking advantage of all the benefits of an area where less kids are present.
Social Cohesion: Analyzing demographics is vital for nurturing social cohesion and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By embracing and respecting variations in Sunset Beach demographics, societies can advance inclusivity, diversity and social unity while combatting social inequalities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics mirror the diversity within a population and can be instrumental in cultivating inclusive and inviting communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social bonds, fosters cultural appreciation and enriches society by acknowledging the contributions of individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Sunset Beach demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Sunset Beach can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Sunset Beach demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Sunset Beach demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
| Race | Sunset Beach | North Carolina | National |
| White | 97.22% | 69.24% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.00% | 21.50% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.80% | 2.56% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 1.18% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.43% | 2.45% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.55% | 3.01% | 4.75% |
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