Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
The current estimated population of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, is 1,575, with 48% male and 52% female. The population experiences seasonal fluctuations due to the influx of tourists during the summer months.
City Facts
- Year Founded: 1937
- County Affiliation: Carteret County
- Land Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population Density: 583 people per square mile
- Area Code: 252
- Zip Codes: 28512
Geography and Location
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, is a small coastal town located on Bogue Banks, a barrier island in Carteret County. The town is part of the Crystal Coast, a popular vacation destination known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. Atlantic Beach is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Bogue Sound to the north, providing ample opportunities for water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
The town’s geography is characterized by its flat, sandy terrain, coastal dunes, and maritime forests. It is located within a region prone to hurricanes and coastal storms, but the barrier island setting provides some natural protection from storm surges. Atlantic Beach’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, with the summer months bringing a significant increase in the population as visitors flock to its beaches and resort amenities.
Atlantic Beach enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination for tourists and vacation homeowners. The town’s small size and close-knit community, combined with its scenic coastal beauty, make it a desirable place to live for those seeking a quiet, beachside lifestyle.
Demographics
Median resident age: 48.7 years
Median household income: $38,312
Median house value: $207,800
Population by Race
Races in Atlantic Beach:
- White Non-Hispanic (97.4%)
- Hispanic (0.7%)
- Black (0.6%)
Ancestries: English (18.6%), German (13.4%), United States (12.7%), Irish (12.3%), Scotch-Irish (8.0%), Scottish (3.5%).
Elevation: 8 feet
Land area: 2.1 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Atlantic Beach
- High school or higher: 90.0%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.1%
- Unemployed: 5.4%
- Mean travel time to work: 21.2 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Atlantic Beach town
- Never married: 19.6%
- Now married: 55.1%
- Separated: 3.3%
- Widowed: 4.9%
- Divorced: 17.2%
1.5% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: -162 (-8.3%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Atlantic Beach:
- CARTERET GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 3 miles; MOREHEAD CITY, NC)
- CRAVEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 35 miles; NEW BERN, NC)
- BRYNN MARR HOSP (about 50 miles; JACKSONVILLE, NC)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atlantic Beach:
- CHERRY POINT MCAS /CUNNINGHAM FIELD/ (about 17 miles; CHERRY POINT, NC; Abbreviation: NKT)
- CRAVEN COUNTY REGIONAL (about 33 miles; NEW BERN, NC; Abbreviation: EWN)
- ALBERT J ELLIS (about 60 miles; JACKSONVILLE, NC; Abbreviation: OAJ)
Other public-use airports nearest to Atlantic Beach:
- MICHAEL J. SMITH FIELD (about 7 miles; BEAUFORT, NC; Abbreviation: MRH)
- HOLLY RIDGE/TOPSAIL ISLAND (about 56 miles; HOLLY RIDGE, NC; Abbreviation: N21)
- SKY MANOR (about 59 miles; JACKSONVILLE, NC; Abbreviation: N22)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atlantic Beach:
- COASTAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 45 miles; JACKSONVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,237)
- EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; GREENVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 16,633)
- PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 75 miles; GREENVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,072)
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-WILMINGTON (about 86 miles; WILMINGTON, NC; Full-time enrollment: 8,996)
- CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 89 miles; WILMINGTON, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,550)
- CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY INC (about 147 miles; BUIES CREEK, NC; Full-time enrollment: 5,286)
- FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 148 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,506)