Albemarle, NC
Population 16,527 · North Carolina
About Albemarle, NC
Albemarle is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 16,527 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,825 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Albemarle features a median home value of $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Albemarle in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,095 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,877 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,845 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Albemarle shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Albemarle have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Albemarle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Albemarle, NC
Compared to national averages, Albemarle has a median household income of $52,825 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,100, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Albemarle's income is 18% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 19% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Albemarle, NC?
Albemarle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,825) that falls below the national average. However, Albemarle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Albemarle has a population of 16,527 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Albemarle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Albemarle
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stallings | 16,495 | $106,074 | $381,700 | Compare |
| Havelock | 16,471 | $64,433 | $186,800 | Compare |
| Southern Pines | 16,052 | $83,681 | $416,300 | Compare |
| Murraysville | 17,307 | $75,720 | $281,600 | Compare |
| Graham | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Morganton | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Eden | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Albemarle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Albemarle
What is the population of Albemarle, NC?
The population of Albemarle, NC is 16,527 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Albemarle?
The median household income in Albemarle, NC is $52,825 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Albemarle?
The median home value in Albemarle, NC is $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Albemarle?
The median monthly rent in Albemarle, NC is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Albemarle?
The unemployment rate in Albemarle, NC is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Albemarle, NC a good place to live?
Albemarle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,527 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Albemarle, NC?
21.5% of residents in Albemarle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Albemarle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Albemarle, NC: median home value is $186,100 (24% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $52,825. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Albemarle?
The poverty rate in Albemarle, NC is 22.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Albemarle, NC?
Albemarle's population is 6.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 22.3% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.