Dana, NC
Population 3,824 · North Carolina
About Dana, NC
Dana is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,824 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,801 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dana features a median home value of $223,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dana in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $901, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,602 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (1,144 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (329 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dana shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dana have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Dana 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 32.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 15.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dana, NC
Compared to national averages, Dana has a median household income of $55,801 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,400, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $901 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Dana's income is 13% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 2% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Dana, NC?
Dana offers affordable housing with a median home value of $223,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $901/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,801) that falls below the national average. However, Dana’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dana has a population of 3,824 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Dana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Dana
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skippers Corner | 3,834 | $67,469 | $249,200 | Compare |
| Troutman | 3,813 | $76,389 | $349,100 | Compare |
| Rockfish | 3,807 | $63,046 | $191,000 | Compare |
| Hudson | 3,777 | $61,600 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Maiden | 3,777 | $52,102 | $219,300 | Compare |
| Swansboro | 3,887 | $112,382 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Lowesville | 3,737 | $117,835 | $381,600 | Compare |
| Emerald Isle | 3,915 | $89,432 | $563,600 | 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 Dana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dana
What is the population of Dana, NC?
The population of Dana, NC is 3,824 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 Dana?
The median household income in Dana, NC is $55,801 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dana?
The median home value in Dana, NC is $223,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dana?
The median monthly rent in Dana, NC is $901, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dana?
The unemployment rate in Dana, NC is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dana, NC a good place to live?
Dana offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,824 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dana, NC?
20.0% of residents in Dana 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 Dana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dana, NC: median home value is $223,400 (9% below national), median rent is $901/month, and median household income is $55,801. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dana?
The poverty rate in Dana, NC is 28.5%, 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 Dana, NC?
Dana's population is 32.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 15.8% of residents are foreign-born.