Bladenboro, NC
Population 2,181 · North Carolina
About Bladenboro, NC
Bladenboro is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,181 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,517 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29 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 Bladenboro features a median home value of $89,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bladenboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $646, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 844 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (308 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (400 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 Bladenboro shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bladenboro have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Bladenboro 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 6.1% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 15.9% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bladenboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Bladenboro has a median household income of $55,517 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,800, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $646 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bladenboro's income is 14% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 61% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bladenboro, NC?
Bladenboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $646/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,517) that falls below the national average. However, Bladenboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bladenboro has a population of 2,181 with a median age of 29 years. Compare Bladenboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bladenboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 2,198 | $49,964 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Badin | 2,163 | $43,068 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Governors Village | 2,148 | $124,857 | $565,500 | Compare |
| Navassa | 2,148 | $57,571 | $196,300 | Compare |
| Burnsville | 2,143 | $47,576 | $223,800 | Compare |
| Mulberry | 2,134 | $52,416 | $164,000 | Compare |
| Biscoe | 2,259 | $43,773 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Snow Hill | 2,102 | $41,125 | $121,300 | 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 Bladenboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bladenboro
What is the population of Bladenboro, NC?
The population of Bladenboro, NC is 2,181 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 Bladenboro?
The median household income in Bladenboro, NC is $55,517 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bladenboro?
The median home value in Bladenboro, NC is $89,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bladenboro?
The median monthly rent in Bladenboro, NC is $646, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bladenboro?
The unemployment rate in Bladenboro, NC is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bladenboro, NC a good place to live?
Bladenboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,181 and a median age of 29, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bladenboro, NC?
11.9% of residents in Bladenboro 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 Bladenboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bladenboro, NC: median home value is $89,800 (63% below national), median rent is $646/month, and median household income is $55,517. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bladenboro?
The poverty rate in Bladenboro, NC is 22.2%, 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 Bladenboro, NC?
Bladenboro's population is 6.1% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 15.9% Asian, and 18.8% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.