Dudley, NC
Population 2,320 · North Carolina
About Dudley, NC
Dudley is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,320 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,389 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.5 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 Dudley features a median home value of $100,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dudley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 733 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (420 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (232 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dudley shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 28.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dudley have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Dudley 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 15.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 39.2% Asian residents, with 33.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dudley Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Dudley, NC
Compared to national averages, Dudley has a median household income of $46,389 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,700, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Dudley's income is 28% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 56% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Dudley, NC?
Dudley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,389) that falls below the national average. However, Dudley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dudley has a population of 2,320 with a median age of 27.5 years. Compare Dudley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Dudley
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kure Beach | 2,323 | $102,292 | $633,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 2,326 | $36,493 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Maggie Valley | 2,311 | $67,674 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Connelly Springs | 2,342 | $66,643 | $178,800 | Compare |
| Icard | 2,291 | $47,825 | $136,600 | Compare |
| Kenly | 2,351 | $46,229 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Four Oaks | 2,372 | $69,974 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Yanceyville | 2,376 | $28,662 | $132,900 | 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 Dudley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dudley
What is the population of Dudley, NC?
The population of Dudley, NC is 2,320 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 Dudley?
The median household income in Dudley, NC is $46,389 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dudley?
The median home value in Dudley, NC is $100,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dudley?
The median monthly rent in Dudley, NC is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dudley?
The unemployment rate in Dudley, NC is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dudley, NC a good place to live?
Dudley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,320 and a median age of 27.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Dudley, NC?
18.7% of residents in Dudley 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 Dudley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dudley, NC: median home value is $100,700 (59% below national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $46,389. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dudley?
The poverty rate in Dudley, NC is 28.7%, 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 Dudley, NC?
Dudley's population is 15.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 39.2% Asian, and 42.1% two or more races. 33.0% of residents are foreign-born.