Southport, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Southport, North Carolina had a total population of 4,205, the 202nd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $87,641, which is 21% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Southport Quick Facts
How Southport Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,143 | 4,205 | +1.5% |
| Median household income | $82,792 | $87,641 | +5.9% |
| Median home value | $394,900 | $437,700 | +10.8% |
How Southport Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Southport Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Brunswick County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leland | 29,607 | $91,977 | 6.1% | $398,900 |
| Oak Island | 9,030 | $85,872 | 8.7% | $456,500 |
| St. James | 7,072 | $116,383 | 4.3% | $636,800 |
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,347 | $62,676 | 8.6% | $292,300 |
| Carolina Shores | 5,017 | $76,087 | 4.0% | $288,600 |
| Shallotte | 4,639 | $88,367 | 10.3% | $349,500 |
| Sunset Beach | 4,351 | $81,976 | 5.8% | $410,900 |
| Belville | 2,573 | $81,944 | 10.7% | $282,600 |
| Calabash | 2,377 | $65,310 | 17.6% | $253,200 |
| Navassa | 2,039 | $62,000 | 9.2% | $187,100 |
Cities Similar to Southport
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 4,101 | $87,795 | $327,000 | 43.3% | 4.5% |
| Sunset Beach | 4,351 | $81,976 | $410,900 | 40.0% | 5.8% |
| Emerald Isle | 3,934 | $89,773 | $603,700 | 57.1% | 4.9% |
| Surf City | 4,396 | $81,433 | $512,300 | 51.6% | 5.5% |
| Seven Lakes | 4,535 | $91,085 | $394,500 | 47.8% | 8.8% |
Population Overview
Southport is a small community located in North Carolina, within Brunswick County. The total population is 4,205. It ranks as the 202nd most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Southport is 64.2 years. This is 64% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 11.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Southport is $87,641. This is 21% higher than the state median of $72,388. It is also 9% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%. This is 51% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Southport, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $437,700. Housing costs are 52% higher than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Southport has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.1% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 7.1%. The Black or African American population (7.1%) is well below the state average of 20.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 11.3%.
Education
37.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Southport, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Southport, North Carolina?
Southport, North Carolina has a population of 4,205 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Southport, NC?
The median household income in Southport is $87,641, which is 9% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Southport, NC?
The poverty rate in Southport is 6.4%. This means approximately 261 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Southport, North Carolina?
Southport's population is 88.1% White, 7.1% Black, 1.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Southport, NC?
The median home value in Southport is $437,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x.
How educated is Southport, North Carolina?
37.4% of adults (25+) in Southport hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.