Drexel, NC
Population 1,862 · North Carolina
About Drexel, NC
Drexel is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,862 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,824 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.5 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 Drexel features a median home value of $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Drexel in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 869 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (537 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (227 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Drexel shows an unemployment rate of 13.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Drexel have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of Drexel 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 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Drexel Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Drexel, NC
Compared to national averages, Drexel has a median household income of $58,824 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,600, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Drexel's income is 9% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 11% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Drexel, NC?
Drexel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,824) that falls below the national average. However, Drexel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Drexel has a population of 1,862 with a median age of 47.5 years. Compare Drexel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Drexel
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hildebran | 1,860 | $53,125 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 1,866 | $81,250 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Bent Creek | 1,854 | $52,485 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Manteo | 1,853 | $78,594 | $384,100 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 1,852 | $35,938 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Fairplains | 1,876 | $36,586 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Wanchese | 1,793 | $73,542 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Governors Club | 1,772 | $214,643 | $908,500 | 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 Drexel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Drexel
What is the population of Drexel, NC?
The population of Drexel, NC is 1,862 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 Drexel?
The median household income in Drexel, NC is $58,824 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Drexel?
The median home value in Drexel, NC is $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Drexel?
The median monthly rent in Drexel, NC is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Drexel?
The unemployment rate in Drexel, NC is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Drexel, NC a good place to live?
Drexel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,862 and a median age of 47.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Drexel, NC?
20.2% of residents in Drexel 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 Drexel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Drexel, NC: median home value is $204,600 (16% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $58,824. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Drexel?
The poverty rate in Drexel, NC is 12.9%, 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 Drexel, NC?
Drexel's population is 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.