TOPSAIL ISLAND
Three distinct towns. One beautiful Island.
Three distinct towns. One beautiful Island.
13,405 people live in TOPSAIL ISLAND, where the median age is 30.9 and the average individual income is $43,282. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
Topsail Island is long and narrow, stretching 26 miles in length and between 500 and 1,500 feet in width. The island includes three distinct towns — each with its own character, charm, and community.
26 mi
Island length
3
Distinct towns
2
Counties
13,405
Population
Each town offers a unique island experience
On the north tip of Topsail Island is North Topsail Beach. The town was incorporated in 1990 and has less than 1,000 year-round residents. The northernmost tip joins the New River Inlet Channel, where vehicles are permitted to drive out onto the shore. North Topsail Beach is in Onslow County.
Surf City, incorporated in 1949, is situated between North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. With land in both Pender and Onslow counties and spanning the island and the mainland, the town is home to most of the island's year-round residents. The majority of the commercial development on Topsail Island is found here. It is now home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where thousands of tourists visit rescued turtles every summer.
Topsail Beach, incorporated in 1963, is the smallest of the three towns and is situated on the southern end of the island. Although Topsail Beach only has about 500 permanent residents living here year-round, it is a very desirable location due in part to the lack of commercialization and the natural beauty of the southernmost tip of the island, Serenity Point.
Did you know?
The name "Topsail" dates back to the age of pirates. Scavengers would hide in the inlets between Topsail Island and the mainland, ambushing passing ships. Word spread quickly, and approaching vessels learned to watch for the tips of pirate ships' "top sails" peeking above the island. If a top sail was visible, they'd retreat to protect their cargo. Today the pirates are gone — but the name and the adventure remain.
The most popular attraction for residents and visitors to Topsail Island are the beaches. Pristine white sandy beaches stretch for miles in both directions. Although the summer season brings thousands of visitors, it's not hard to find your own quiet place along the shore from which to relax and watch the waves roll in.
Other popular destinations include the Missiles and More Museum on Channel Boulevard, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center on Tortuga Road and the Patio Playground on S. Anderson Boulevard in Topsail Beach.
Residents living in the Topsail Island area are served by Pender County Schools. Topsail Elementary, Topsail Middle and Topsail High School are the three primary schools of choice. Students living two or more miles from the school are bused at no charge.
Pender Early College
Middle school students have the option of applying for the Pender Early College High School, which enables students to take college courses while earning their high school diploma — at no cost for courses or books.
After graduating from high school, students can earn college credits at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) or Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC). Most credits are transferable to four-year universities in North Carolina, including the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), less than an hour's drive away.
Topsail Island and the surrounding communities contain enough fabulous restaurants, nightlife, home goods, and grocery stores to meet your needs all year round. For a change of pace, you are conveniently located close to additional shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in Wilmington or Jacksonville, NC.
You can enjoy quaint shops, pampering yourself at one of our local spas, dining in one of several local eateries, relaxing on the beach, and a myriad of water sports, including surfing, boating, fishing, jet skis and more. If you're a golfer, don't forget to check out some of our fantastic golf courses, like the North Shore Country Club in Sneads Ferry at the base of the high-rise bridge.
Topsail Island real estate has managed to withstand the economic downturn with steady home prices. Whether you want an oceanfront, sound side, marsh front, or inland home, Topsail Island has something for you. Many homes are used as vacation rental properties during the peak season, and they can generate a significant yearly income for their owners.
Topsail Island offers something for everyone. Young couples enjoy the beach, the local nightlife, and the close proximity to metropolitan areas. Families find fantastic school systems, family-friendly fun, and inexpensive, comfortable living. Retirees can sit back and relax in the warm summer sun without worrying about cold winter nights.
TOPSAIL ISLAND has 5,642 households, with an average household size of 2.38. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in TOPSAIL ISLAND do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,405 people call TOPSAIL ISLAND home. The population density is 480.71 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
There's plenty to do around TOPSAIL ISLAND, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Davis Seafood, Kinetic Nutrition, and Mason-Dixon.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 3.53 miles | 26 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.85 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.85 miles | 27 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.85 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.56 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.02 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure team is a group of trusted local experts who know the area intimately and who help their clients find just the right place for a second home, investment property, or year round residence. Using our vast knowledge of the rules and regulations of living along the coast, we work diligently to educate our buyers and sellers to ensure they have the smoothest transaction possible. Other services include commercial real estate and long term rental property management. Contact us today!
