Cost of Living in Southport, NC
Population 4,143 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Southport skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 63. Reported household income of $82,792 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. An unemployment rate of 0.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Southport sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Wilmington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Southport
The median home value in Southport is $394,900 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,468/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,792/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 74.4°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Southport has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.
Southport has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 60 | 67 | 75 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 76 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 38 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 45 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.47 | 3.97 | 3.07 | 4.54 | 5.67 | 6.86 | 8.16 | 8.69 | 4.66 | 3.56 | 3.69 |
| Snow" | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Southport, NC?
Southport has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.
What is average rent in Southport, NC?
The median gross rent in Southport is $1,468 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Southport?
The median home value in Southport is $394,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Southport?
The median household income in Southport is $82,792 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Southport, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Southport is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Southport, NC affordable?
Southport is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Southport?
Southport has average high temperatures of 74.4°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 60.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Southport at a Glance
- Population
- 4,143
- Median Income
- $82,792
- Home Value
- $394,900
- Median Rent
- $1,468/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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