Barker Heights, NC
Population 1,025 · North Carolina
About Barker Heights, NC
Barker Heights is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,025 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,929 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.6 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 Barker Heights features a median home value of $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Barker Heights in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 538 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (177 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (345 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barker Heights shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 41.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Barker Heights have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.3% of Barker Heights 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 37.3% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 28.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Barker Heights, NC
Compared to national averages, Barker Heights has a median household income of $28,929 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,700, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Barker Heights's income is 55% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 13% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Barker Heights, NC?
Barker Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,929) that falls below the national average. However, Barker Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barker Heights has a population of 1,025 with a median age of 45.6 years. Compare Barker Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Barker Heights
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Marion | 1,018 | $38,523 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Moravian Falls | 1,015 | $57,262 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Cypress Landing | 1,037 | $80,325 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Roseboro | 1,007 | $39,345 | $110,500 | Compare |
| Middlesex | 1,005 | $49,931 | $213,800 | Compare |
| Rocky Point | 1,045 | $52,591 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Holden Beach | 1,047 | $110,000 | $562,500 | Compare |
| Jackson Heights | 1,002 | $36,975 | $132,300 | 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 Barker Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barker Heights
What is the population of Barker Heights, NC?
The population of Barker Heights, NC is 1,025 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 Barker Heights?
The median household income in Barker Heights, NC is $28,929 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barker Heights?
The median home value in Barker Heights, NC is $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Barker Heights?
The median monthly rent in Barker Heights, NC is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barker Heights?
The unemployment rate in Barker Heights, NC is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Barker Heights, NC a good place to live?
Barker Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,025 and a median age of 45.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Barker Heights, NC?
3.3% of residents in Barker Heights 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 Barker Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barker Heights, NC: median home value is $199,700 (18% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $28,929. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Barker Heights?
The poverty rate in Barker Heights, NC is 41.3%, 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 Barker Heights, NC?
Barker Heights's population is 37.3% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 9.8% two or more races. 28.9% of residents are foreign-born.