Community

North Myrtle Beach is more than a vacation destination. It’s a vibrant community where residents enjoy a high quality of life, thanks in part to a strong tourism economy that enhances public services and local amenities. Tourism plays a vital role in making all of this possible. 

A Growing, Balanced Community 

As of 2024, North Myrtle Beach is home to approximately 20,772 residents, marking growth from 18,900 in 2020. Our community is characterized by a balanced gender distribution—49.82% male and 50.18% female—and a median age of 60.2 years, reflecting a mature and stable population. 

Diversity and Education 

While the community is predominantly white (91.27%), North Myrtle Beach is steadily becoming more diverse, with an increasing number of residents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. We also boast a highly educated population, with a noteworthy percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. 

Household Life and Economic Strength 

North Myrtle Beach features an average household size of 2.11 persons, and an impressive 84% homeownership rate—a reflection of our community's commitment to long-term living. Residents enjoy financial stability, with a median household income of $66,553 and an average household income of $104,438. 

The Tourism Advantage: Supporting Our Quality of Life 

Tourism in North Myrtle Beach does more than power our economy, it directly enhances daily life for residents.  

Though our permanent resident population is around 21,000, our city services, including police, fire, water, and public infrastructure, are designed to accommodate a much larger population. On any given day, our community can serve the needs of 100,000 to 150,000 people, due to the significant influx of visitors. This dynamic creates unique advantages for our residents, supported in large part by a thriving tourism sector. 

Revenue generated by tourism helps fund beach maintenance and lifeguards, public parks and beautification projects, and free community events such as festivals and concerts.  

These are amenities that residents enjoy year-round, made possible by the visitors who help support the infrastructure we all share. 

Investing in Our Community 

When we support tourism, we’re not just welcoming guests—we're investing in our quality of life. Tourism reduces the tax burden on residents, creates local jobs, and enables the city to offer a higher level of services and amenities than many communities of similar size.