Barbecue, NC
Population 5,933 · North Carolina
About Barbecue, NC
Barbecue is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 5,933 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,380 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.2 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 Barbecue features a median home value of $199,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Barbecue in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,419, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,896 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,330 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (493 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barbecue shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Barbecue have an average one-way commute time of 35.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Barbecue 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 9.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Barbecue, NC
Compared to national averages, Barbecue has a median household income of $80,380 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,300, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,419 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Barbecue's income is 25% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 13% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Barbecue, NC?
Barbecue offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,380, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $199,300, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average.
Barbecue has a population of 5,933 with a median age of 33.2 years. Compare Barbecue with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Barbecue
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stokesdale | 5,943 | $135,389 | $368,600 | Compare |
| Northchase | 5,879 | $56,659 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Hamlet | 6,000 | $38,500 | $103,800 | Compare |
| Mocksville | 6,001 | $55,544 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Dallas | 6,012 | $57,755 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Swannanoa | 6,043 | $72,978 | $270,800 | Compare |
| Walkertown | 5,793 | $80,761 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Briar Chapel | 6,084 | $154,583 | $508,300 | 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 Barbecue With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barbecue
What is the population of Barbecue, NC?
The population of Barbecue, NC is 5,933 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 Barbecue?
The median household income in Barbecue, NC is $80,380 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barbecue?
The median home value in Barbecue, NC is $199,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barbecue?
The median monthly rent in Barbecue, NC is $1,419, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barbecue?
The unemployment rate in Barbecue, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Barbecue, NC a good place to live?
Barbecue offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,933 and a median age of 33.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Barbecue, NC?
21.1% of residents in Barbecue 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 Barbecue?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barbecue, NC: median home value is $199,300 (19% below national), median rent is $1,419/month, and median household income is $80,380. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Barbecue?
The poverty rate in Barbecue, NC is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Barbecue, NC?
Barbecue's population is 9.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 26.7% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.