Black Mountain, NC
Population 8,462 · North Carolina
About Black Mountain, NC
Black Mountain is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 8,462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.6 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 Black Mountain features a median home value of $351,700, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Black Mountain in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,334, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,046 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,459 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,315 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Black Mountain shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Black Mountain have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.7% of Black Mountain residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Black Mountain, NC
Compared to national averages, Black Mountain has a median household income of $70,041 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $351,700, which is 44% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,334 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Black Mountain's income is 9% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 54% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Black Mountain, NC?
Black Mountain offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,041) that falls below the national average. However, Black Mountain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Black Mountain has a population of 8,462 with a median age of 60.6 years. Compare Black Mountain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Black Mountain
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conover | 8,491 | $57,375 | $238,300 | Compare |
| Dunn | 8,512 | $47,310 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Ogden | 8,363 | $111,461 | $431,000 | Compare |
| Clinton | 8,336 | $42,344 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Roxboro | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Oak Island | 8,888 | $83,483 | $407,400 | Compare |
| Oxford | 8,897 | $48,135 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Fletcher | 8,022 | $75,117 | $324,000 | 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 Black Mountain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Mountain
What is the population of Black Mountain, NC?
The population of Black Mountain, NC is 8,462 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 Black Mountain?
The median household income in Black Mountain, NC is $70,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Black Mountain?
The median home value in Black Mountain, NC is $351,700, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Black Mountain?
The median monthly rent in Black Mountain, NC is $1,334, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Black Mountain?
The unemployment rate in Black Mountain, NC is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Black Mountain, NC a good place to live?
Black Mountain offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,462 and a median age of 60.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Black Mountain, NC?
58.7% of residents in Black Mountain 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 Black Mountain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Black Mountain, NC: median home value is $351,700 (44% above national), median rent is $1,334/month, and median household income is $70,041. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Black Mountain?
The poverty rate in Black Mountain, NC is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Black Mountain, NC?
Black Mountain's population is 0.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.