Clinton, NC
Population 8,336 · North Carolina
About Clinton, NC
Clinton is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 8,336 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,344 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clinton features a median home value of $185,600, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clinton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $754, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,417 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (1,349 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (1,561 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 Clinton shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clinton have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of Clinton 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 6.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 13.9% Asian residents, with 14.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clinton, NC
Compared to national averages, Clinton has a median household income of $42,344 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,600, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $754 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Clinton's income is 34% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 19% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Clinton, NC?
Clinton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $754/month, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,344) that falls below the national average. However, Clinton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clinton has a population of 8,336 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Clinton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Clinton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden | 8,363 | $111,461 | $431,000 | Compare |
| Black Mountain | 8,462 | $70,041 | $351,700 | Compare |
| Conover | 8,491 | $57,375 | $238,300 | Compare |
| Dunn | 8,512 | $47,310 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Roxboro | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Fletcher | 8,022 | $75,117 | $324,000 | Compare |
| Butner | 7,996 | $72,917 | $225,600 | Compare |
| Zebulon | 7,961 | $58,940 | $275,400 | 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 Clinton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clinton
What is the population of Clinton, NC?
The population of Clinton, NC is 8,336 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 Clinton?
The median household income in Clinton, NC is $42,344 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clinton?
The median home value in Clinton, NC is $185,600, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clinton?
The median monthly rent in Clinton, NC is $754, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clinton?
The unemployment rate in Clinton, NC is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clinton, NC a good place to live?
Clinton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,336 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clinton, NC?
22.1% of residents in Clinton 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 Clinton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clinton, NC: median home value is $185,600 (24% below national), median rent is $754/month, and median household income is $42,344. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clinton?
The poverty rate in Clinton, NC is 23.6%, 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 Clinton, NC?
Clinton's population is 6.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 13.9% Asian, and 40.7% two or more races. 14.8% of residents are foreign-born.