Dobbins Heights, NC
Population 711 · North Carolina
About Dobbins Heights, NC
Dobbins Heights is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 711 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $21,389 per year, which is 72% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.9 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 Dobbins Heights features a median home value of $50,800, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dobbins Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $665, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 459 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (194 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (168 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dobbins Heights shows an unemployment rate of 31.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dobbins Heights have an average one-way commute time of 39.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
2.6% of Dobbins Heights 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 1.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dobbins Heights Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Dobbins Heights, NC
Compared to national averages, Dobbins Heights has a median household income of $21,389 (72% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $50,800, which is 79% below the national median. Monthly rent at $665 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Dobbins Heights's income is 67% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 78% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Dobbins Heights, NC?
Dobbins Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $50,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $665/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($21,389) that falls below the national average. However, Dobbins Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dobbins Heights has a population of 711 with a median age of 48.9 years. Compare Dobbins Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Dobbins Heights
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocracoke | 709 | $0 | $472,200 | Compare |
| Hightsville | 707 | $16,289 | $0 | Compare |
| Kelly | 706 | $51,155 | $125,200 | Compare |
| Bakersville | 718 | $39,091 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Iron Station | 722 | $74,597 | $0 | Compare |
| North Topsail Beach | 699 | $106,818 | $453,500 | Compare |
| Grantsboro | 698 | $62,292 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Elk Park | 694 | $44,350 | $145,000 | 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 Dobbins Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dobbins Heights
What is the population of Dobbins Heights, NC?
The population of Dobbins Heights, NC is 711 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Dobbins Heights?
The median household income in Dobbins Heights, NC is $21,389 per year, which is 72% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dobbins Heights?
The median home value in Dobbins Heights, NC is $50,800, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dobbins Heights?
The median monthly rent in Dobbins Heights, NC is $665, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dobbins Heights?
The unemployment rate in Dobbins Heights, NC is 31.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dobbins Heights, NC a good place to live?
Dobbins Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 711 and a median age of 48.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dobbins Heights, NC?
2.6% of residents in Dobbins Heights 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 Dobbins Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dobbins Heights, NC: median home value is $50,800 (79% below national), median rent is $665/month, and median household income is $21,389. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dobbins Heights?
The poverty rate in Dobbins Heights, NC is 40.2%, 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 Dobbins Heights, NC?
Dobbins Heights's population is 1.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 81.4% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.