China Grove, NC
Population 4,487 · North Carolina
About China Grove, NC
China Grove is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,487 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,717 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 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 China Grove features a median home value of $207,500, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions China Grove in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $955, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,009 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,331 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (662 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in China Grove shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in China Grove have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.1% of China Grove 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 11.2% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 8.8% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in China Grove, NC
Compared to national averages, China Grove has a median household income of $53,717 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $207,500, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $955 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, China Grove's income is 17% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 9% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in China Grove, NC?
China Grove offers affordable housing with a median home value of $207,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $955/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,717) that falls below the national average. However, China Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
China Grove has a population of 4,487 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare China Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near China Grove
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmville | 4,493 | $50,870 | $184,900 | Compare |
| Edenton | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | Compare |
| Shallotte | 4,465 | $75,642 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Royal Pines | 4,528 | $105,956 | $369,500 | Compare |
| Holly Ridge | 4,532 | $106,230 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Raeford | 4,545 | $43,311 | $177,900 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,428 | $76,091 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Ranlo | 4,556 | $75,843 | $184,500 | 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 China Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about China Grove
What is the population of China Grove, NC?
The population of China Grove, NC is 4,487 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 China Grove?
The median household income in China Grove, NC is $53,717 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in China Grove?
The median home value in China Grove, NC is $207,500, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in China Grove?
The median monthly rent in China Grove, NC is $955, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in China Grove?
The unemployment rate in China Grove, NC is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is China Grove, NC a good place to live?
China Grove offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,487 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is China Grove, NC?
13.1% of residents in China Grove 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 China Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for China Grove, NC: median home value is $207,500 (15% below national), median rent is $955/month, and median household income is $53,717. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in China Grove?
The poverty rate in China Grove, NC is 18.4%, 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 China Grove, NC?
China Grove's population is 11.2% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 8.8% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.