Bessemer City, NC
Population 5,508 · North Carolina
About Bessemer City, NC
Bessemer City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 5,508 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,784 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 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 Bessemer City features a median home value of $173,000, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bessemer City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $942, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,397 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,198 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (944 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bessemer City shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bessemer City have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Bessemer City 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 2.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bessemer City, NC
Compared to national averages, Bessemer City has a median household income of $48,784 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,000, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $942 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bessemer City's income is 24% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 24% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bessemer City, NC?
Bessemer City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $942/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,784) that falls below the national average. However, Bessemer City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bessemer City has a population of 5,508 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Bessemer City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bessemer City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locust | 5,529 | $78,280 | $285,800 | Compare |
| Wrightsboro | 5,434 | $72,867 | $220,700 | Compare |
| Cramerton | 5,376 | $94,390 | $322,900 | Compare |
| Moyock | 5,669 | $109,700 | $391,800 | Compare |
| Nashville | 5,672 | $63,553 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Angier | 5,746 | $51,162 | $236,100 | Compare |
| Walkertown | 5,793 | $80,761 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Williamston | 5,157 | $40,556 | $108,900 | 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 Bessemer City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bessemer City
What is the population of Bessemer City, NC?
The population of Bessemer City, NC is 5,508 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 Bessemer City?
The median household income in Bessemer City, NC is $48,784 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bessemer City?
The median home value in Bessemer City, NC is $173,000, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bessemer City?
The median monthly rent in Bessemer City, NC is $942, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bessemer City?
The unemployment rate in Bessemer City, NC is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bessemer City, NC a good place to live?
Bessemer City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,508 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bessemer City, NC?
14.4% of residents in Bessemer City 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 Bessemer City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bessemer City, NC: median home value is $173,000 (29% below national), median rent is $942/month, and median household income is $48,784. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bessemer City?
The poverty rate in Bessemer City, NC is 16.3%, 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 Bessemer City, NC?
Bessemer City's population is 2.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 11.0% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.