These Budget-Friendly Island Towns Are Perfect for Families

Island living is something many of us can only dream about. Escaping to a slower, more peaceful life by the ocean seems ideal, far from the hustle, bustle, and noise of city life. And while this certainly sounds appealing island homes aren’t always budget-friendly, especially for families. But island life may be more affordable than you think, and your island dreams may be within reach.

To determine some of the best island towns for families, Moms Who Think reviewed five-year data on median household value and median household income from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey. Island cities, towns, and census-designated places were ranked based on the ratio of median home value to median household income.

Island status was determined using Census TIGER/Line place boundary definitions for 2022 and shapefile data from the Global Island Explorer database developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in partnership with Esri. Whether you prefer the North Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, or South Coast, there's a location perfect for you and your family.

This post was updated on May 8, 2025, to include data for each area from Niche.com to make the information more relevant for families and parents.

Herron Island, WA

Median home value: $310,400 (5.0 times income)
Median household income: $62,054
Rating for public schools in Island County, WA: B+
Total population: 122

Crescent Beach, FL

Median home value: $512,700 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $104,432
Rating for public schools in Crescent Beach: A-
Total population: 936

Sandwich, MA

Median home value: $486,900 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $99,333
Rating for public schools in Sandwich: B+
Total population: 2,948

Coinjock, NC

Median home value: $200,600 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $40,938
Rating of public schools in Coinjock: B
Total population: 301

Upper Grand Lagoon, FL

Median home value: $316,400 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $64,935
Rating of public schools in Upper Grand Lagoon: B+
Total population: 17,062

Wabasso Beach, FL

Median home value: $586,000 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $120,673
Rating of public schools in Wabasso Beach: A-
Total population: 2,101

Anderson Island, WA

Median home value: $449,000 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $92,933
Rating of public schools in Pierce County: B
Total population: 1,621

Manteo, NC

Median home value: $375,900 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $78,074
Rating of public schools in Manteo: B+
Total population: 1,808

Panama City Beach, FL

Median home value: $363,900 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $76,091
Rating of public schools in Panama City Beach: B+
Total population: 18,281

East Sandwich, MA

Median home value: $590,000 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $123,571
Rating of public schools in East Sandwich: B+
Total population: 3,787

Matlacha, FL

Median home value: $370,100 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $77,841
Rating of public schools in Matlacha: A-
Total population: 837

Yarmouth Port, MA

Median home value: $486,200 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $102,321
Rating of public schools in Yarmouth Port: B-
Total population: 5,971

Littlejohn Island, ME

Median home value: $446,600 (4.7 times income)
Median household income: $94,943
Rating of public schools in Cumberland County: B
Total population: 58

Big Coppitt Key, FL

Median home value: $481,200 (4.7 times income)
Median household income: $102,943
Rating of public schools in Big Coppitt Key: B+
Total population: 3,188

Tierra Verde, FL

Median home value: $666,100 (4.6 times income)
Median household income: $143,913
Rating of public schools in Tierra Verde: B-
Total population: 4,072

Pine Island Center, FL

Median home value: $252,800 (4.5 times income)
Median household income: $55,565
Rating of public schools in Pine Island Center: A-
Total population: 1,626

St. Simons, GA

Median home value: $445,500 (4.5 times income)
Median household income: $99,432
Rating of public schools in St. Simons: A
Total population: 15,983

Laguna Beach, FL

Median home value: $329,500 (4.4 times income)
Median household income: $74,911
Rating of public school in Laguna Beach: B+
Total population: 4,194

Lower Grand Lagoon, FL

Median home value: $314,200 (4.4 times income)
Median household income: $72,083
Rating of public schools in Lower Grand Lagoon: B+
Total population: 4,733

Pineland, FL

Median home value: $401,800 (4.3 times income)
Median household income: $93,594
Rating of public schools in Pineland: A-
Total population: 379

Port Royal, SC

Median home value: $292,400 (4.2 times income)
Median household income: $68,909
Rating of public schools in Port Royal: B-
Total population: 14,573

Lido Beach, NY

Median home value: $726,100 (4.2 times income)
Median household income: $172,857
Rating of public schools in Lido Beach: A
Total population: 2,615

St. James City, FL

Median home value: $251,600 (4.0 times income)
Median household income: $62,415
Rating of public schools in St. James City: A-
Total population: 3,494

Bokeelia, FL

Median home value: $263,400 (3.9 times income)
Median household income: $66,691
Rating of public schools in Bokeelia: A-
Total population: 2,230

Shell Point, SC

Median home value: $236,900 (3.9 times income)
Median household income: $60,676
Rating of public schools in Shell Point: B-
Total population: 2,026

Harkers Island, NC

Median home value: $264,300 (3.9 times income)
Median household income: $67,888
Rating of public schools in Harkers Island: B+
Total population: 1,104

Laurel Bay, SC

Median home value: $215,600 (3.9 times income)
Median household income: $55,658
Rating of public schools in Laurel Bay: B
Total population: 5,513

Mashpee Neck, MA

Median home value: $518,600 (3.8 times income)
Median household income: $135,536
Rating of public schools in Mashpee Neck: A-
Total population: 1,270

Buxton, NC

Median home value: $328,600 (3.8 times income)
Median household income: $87,344
Rating of public schools in Buxton: B
Total population: 1,477

Akutan, AK

Median home value: $106,300 (3.7 times income)
Median household income: $28,750
Rating of public schools in Akutan: B
Total population: 911

Grandy, NC

Median home value: $260,500 (3.7 times income)
Median household income: $70,610
Rating of public schools in Currituck County: B
Total population: 2,438

Cousins Island, ME

Median home value: $603,400 (3.6 times income)
Median household income: $168,571
Rating of public schools in Cousins Island: A
Total population: 504

Wanchese, NC

Median home value: $249,700 (3.5 times income)
Median household income: $71,484
Rating of public schools in Wanchese: B+
Total population: 2,005

Waves, NC

Median home value: $547,800 (3.4 times income)
Median household income: $158,860
Rating of public schools in Dare County: A-
Total population: 139

Burton, SC

Median home value: $189,200 (3.2 times income)
Median household income: $58,390
Rating of public schools in Burton: B-
Total population: 7,603

Barataria, LA

Median home value: $167,000 (3.0 times income)
Median household income: $55,313
Rating of public schools in Barataria: B
Total population: 772

Harbor Island, SC

Median home value: $295,000 (3.0 times income)
Median household income: $97,825
Rating of public schools in Beaufort County: A
Total population: 277

Daufuskie Island, SC

Median home value: $290,400 (2.0 times income)
Median household income: $146,349
Rating of public schools in Beaufort County: A
Total population: 569