Beaufort, NC
Population 4,613 · North Carolina
About Beaufort, NC
Beaufort is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,613 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,111 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 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 Beaufort features a median home value of $319,700, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Beaufort in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $862, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,112 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,154 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,250 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 Beaufort shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Beaufort have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.0% of Beaufort residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Beaufort, NC
Compared to national averages, Beaufort has a median household income of $48,111 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $319,700, which is 31% above the national median. Monthly rent at $862 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Beaufort's income is 25% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 40% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Beaufort, NC?
Beaufort offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $862/month, and a well-educated community where 36.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,111) that falls below the national average. However, Beaufort’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beaufort has a population of 4,613 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare Beaufort with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Beaufort
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randleman | 4,611 | $51,852 | $164,100 | Compare |
| Erwin | 4,617 | $50,077 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Weaverville | 4,618 | $90,000 | $452,700 | Compare |
| Boiling Springs | 4,625 | $98,796 | $236,800 | Compare |
| Pittsboro | 4,640 | $64,792 | $342,800 | Compare |
| Ranlo | 4,556 | $75,843 | $184,500 | Compare |
| Raeford | 4,545 | $43,311 | $177,900 | Compare |
| Lillington | 4,683 | $63,393 | $219,600 | 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 Beaufort With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beaufort
What is the population of Beaufort, NC?
The population of Beaufort, NC is 4,613 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 Beaufort?
The median household income in Beaufort, NC is $48,111 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beaufort?
The median home value in Beaufort, NC is $319,700, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Beaufort?
The median monthly rent in Beaufort, NC is $862, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beaufort?
The unemployment rate in Beaufort, NC is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Beaufort, NC a good place to live?
Beaufort offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,613 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Beaufort, NC?
36.0% of residents in Beaufort aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Beaufort?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beaufort, NC: median home value is $319,700 (31% above national), median rent is $862/month, and median household income is $48,111. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Beaufort?
The poverty rate in Beaufort, NC is 14.2%, 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 Beaufort, NC?
Beaufort's population is 0.5% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 11.5% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.