Atkinson, NC
Population 487 · North Carolina
About Atkinson, NC
Atkinson is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 487 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atkinson features a median home value of $135,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Atkinson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,688, 45% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 186 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (146 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atkinson shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Atkinson have an average one-way commute time of 32.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Atkinson 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 23.2% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Atkinson Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Atkinson, NC
Compared to national averages, Atkinson has a median household income of $60,000 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,900, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,688 is 45% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Atkinson's income is 7% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 41% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Atkinson, NC?
Atkinson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,900, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,000) that falls below the national average. However, Atkinson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atkinson has a population of 487 with a median age of 33.8 years. Compare Atkinson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Atkinson
What is the population of Atkinson, NC?
The population of Atkinson, NC is 487 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Atkinson?
The median household income in Atkinson, NC is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atkinson?
The median home value in Atkinson, NC is $135,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atkinson?
The median monthly rent in Atkinson, NC is $1,688, which is 45% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atkinson?
The unemployment rate in Atkinson, NC is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Atkinson, NC a good place to live?
Atkinson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 487 and a median age of 33.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Atkinson, NC?
11.6% of residents in Atkinson 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 Atkinson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atkinson, NC: median home value is $135,900 (45% below national), median rent is $1,688/month, and median household income is $60,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Atkinson?
The poverty rate in Atkinson, NC is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Atkinson, NC?
Atkinson's population is 23.2% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.