Bailey, NC
Population 504 · North Carolina
About Bailey, NC
Bailey is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 504 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,929 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Bailey features a median home value of $124,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bailey one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $873, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 282 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (103 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (85 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bailey shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bailey have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.4% of Bailey 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 30.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 19.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bailey, NC
Compared to national averages, Bailey has a median household income of $48,929 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,200, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $873 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bailey's income is 24% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 46% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bailey, NC?
Bailey offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $873/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,929) that falls below the national average. However, Bailey’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bailey has a population of 504 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Bailey with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bailey
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Mountain | 503 | $110,000 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Scotch Meadows | 506 | $110,694 | $233,000 | Compare |
| Ruffin | 501 | $0 | $119,700 | Compare |
| Webster | 501 | $54,444 | $330,000 | Compare |
| Kingstown | 499 | $31,625 | $87,100 | Compare |
| Fair Bluff | 513 | $29,063 | $48,900 | Compare |
| Gloucester | 514 | $78,125 | $277,000 | Compare |
| Hot Springs | 494 | $39,167 | $184,900 | 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 Bailey With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bailey
What is the population of Bailey, NC?
The population of Bailey, NC is 504 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 Bailey?
The median household income in Bailey, NC is $48,929 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bailey?
The median home value in Bailey, NC is $124,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bailey?
The median monthly rent in Bailey, NC is $873, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bailey?
The unemployment rate in Bailey, NC is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bailey, NC a good place to live?
Bailey offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 504 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bailey, NC?
12.4% of residents in Bailey 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 Bailey?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bailey, NC: median home value is $124,200 (49% below national), median rent is $873/month, and median household income is $48,929. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bailey?
The poverty rate in Bailey, NC is 25.6%, 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 Bailey, NC?
Bailey's population is 30.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 10.5% two or more races. 19.2% of residents are foreign-born.