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, North Carolina is a smaller city with a population of 8,118 residents. According to the most recent Census, 97% of Oak Island residents are White, 1% American Indian and Alaskan and 0% Black. With an average age of 60 years, Oak Island residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. 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, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oak Island, North Carolina could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time 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. Finding the best places to live in Oak Island and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, housing and other important metrics.
Oak Island has a livability score of 64 out of 100 and is ranked #302 in North Carolina and #12,683 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Oak Island has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), employment (A) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Oak Island. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F) and education (D).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Oak Island, the unemployment rate stands at 1.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Oak Island market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Oak Island. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Oak Island are affordable. The median home price for Oak Island homes is $259,500, which is 65.2% higher than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oak Island, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 12.1% higher than the North Carolina average.
| 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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