Belhaven, NC
Population 1,421 · North Carolina
About Belhaven, NC
Belhaven is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,421 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,958 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Belhaven features a median home value of $98,200, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Belhaven one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $859, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 827 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (334 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (224 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belhaven shows an unemployment rate of 17.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 45.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Belhaven have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.1% of Belhaven 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 7.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Belhaven, NC
Compared to national averages, Belhaven has a median household income of $33,958 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,200, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $859 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Belhaven's income is 47% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 57% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Belhaven, NC?
Belhaven offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $859/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,958) that falls below the national average. However, Belhaven’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belhaven has a population of 1,421 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Belhaven with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Belhaven
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway | 1,429 | $62,679 | $236,100 | Compare |
| Star | 1,430 | $37,135 | $131,600 | Compare |
| Cherry Branch | 1,406 | $111,930 | $278,800 | Compare |
| Beulaville | 1,438 | $40,900 | $123,400 | Compare |
| Brandywine Bay | 1,404 | $88,125 | $330,900 | Compare |
| Robbins | 1,398 | $50,023 | $102,900 | Compare |
| Gorman | 1,447 | $56,094 | $248,000 | Compare |
| Buxton | 1,451 | $67,054 | $385,400 | 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 Belhaven With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belhaven
What is the population of Belhaven, NC?
The population of Belhaven, NC is 1,421 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 Belhaven?
The median household income in Belhaven, NC is $33,958 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belhaven?
The median home value in Belhaven, NC is $98,200, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belhaven?
The median monthly rent in Belhaven, NC is $859, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belhaven?
The unemployment rate in Belhaven, NC is 17.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belhaven, NC a good place to live?
Belhaven offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,421 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Belhaven, NC?
12.1% of residents in Belhaven 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 Belhaven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belhaven, NC: median home value is $98,200 (60% below national), median rent is $859/month, and median household income is $33,958. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belhaven?
The poverty rate in Belhaven, NC is 45.5%, 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 Belhaven, NC?
Belhaven's population is 7.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 48.6% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.