Ayden, NC
Population 5,035 · North Carolina
About Ayden, NC
Ayden is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 5,035 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,711 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ayden features a median home value of $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ayden in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $774, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,734 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,257 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,047 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ayden shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ayden have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.8% of Ayden 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 11.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ayden, NC
Compared to national averages, Ayden has a median household income of $41,711 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,200, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $774 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Ayden's income is 35% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 30% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Ayden, NC?
Ayden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $774/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,711) that falls below the national average. However, Ayden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ayden has a population of 5,035 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Ayden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Ayden
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Lodge | 5,036 | $98,170 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Sawmills | 5,027 | $56,534 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Westport | 5,079 | $132,206 | $537,800 | Compare |
| Pleasant Garden | 4,989 | $88,482 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Whispering Pines | 5,081 | $112,517 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Long View | 4,967 | $44,156 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Wadesboro | 4,966 | $34,125 | $98,600 | Compare |
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | 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 Ayden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ayden
What is the population of Ayden, NC?
The population of Ayden, NC is 5,035 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Ayden?
The median household income in Ayden, NC is $41,711 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ayden?
The median home value in Ayden, NC is $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ayden?
The median monthly rent in Ayden, NC is $774, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ayden?
The unemployment rate in Ayden, NC is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ayden, NC a good place to live?
Ayden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,035 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ayden, NC?
20.8% of residents in Ayden 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 Ayden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ayden, NC: median home value is $161,200 (34% below national), median rent is $774/month, and median household income is $41,711. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ayden?
The poverty rate in Ayden, NC is 21.6%, 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 Ayden, NC?
Ayden's population is 11.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 35.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.