Fairmont, NC
Population 2,326 · North Carolina
About Fairmont, NC
Fairmont is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,326 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,493 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 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 Fairmont features a median home value of $88,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fairmont one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $662, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,133 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (428 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (501 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 Fairmont shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairmont have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.9% of Fairmont 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 0.0% White, 20.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairmont, NC
Compared to national averages, Fairmont has a median household income of $36,493 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,500, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $662 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Fairmont's income is 43% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 61% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Fairmont, NC?
Fairmont offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $662/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,493) that falls below the national average. However, Fairmont’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairmont has a population of 2,326 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Fairmont with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Fairmont
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kure Beach | 2,323 | $102,292 | $633,800 | Compare |
| Dudley | 2,320 | $46,389 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Maggie Valley | 2,311 | $67,674 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Connelly Springs | 2,342 | $66,643 | $178,800 | Compare |
| Kenly | 2,351 | $46,229 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Icard | 2,291 | $47,825 | $136,600 | 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 Fairmont With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairmont
What is the population of Fairmont, NC?
The population of Fairmont, NC is 2,326 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 Fairmont?
The median household income in Fairmont, NC is $36,493 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairmont?
The median home value in Fairmont, NC is $88,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fairmont?
The median monthly rent in Fairmont, NC is $662, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairmont?
The unemployment rate in Fairmont, NC is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairmont, NC a good place to live?
Fairmont offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,326 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fairmont, NC?
17.9% of residents in Fairmont 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 Fairmont?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairmont, NC: median home value is $88,500 (64% below national), median rent is $662/month, and median household income is $36,493. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairmont?
The poverty rate in Fairmont, NC is 31.5%, 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 Fairmont, NC?
Fairmont's population is 0.0% White, 20.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 52.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.