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US City Data

Fairplains, NC

Population 1,876 · North Carolina

Population
1,876
Median Income
$36,586
Median Home Value
$134,300
Median Rent
$631/mo

About Fairplains, NC

Fairplains is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,876 residents. The median household income is $36,586 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Fairplains is 49 years.

Housing in Fairplains has a median home value of $134,300 and median monthly rent of $631. Of the 897 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 545 owner-occupied and 236 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Fairplains is 11.8% and the poverty rate is 32.4%. 12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.5 minutes.

How Fairplains Ranks in North Carolina

Lowest Rent Cities
#44
of 50 cities · $631/mo

Cost of Living in Fairplains, NC

Compared to national averages, Fairplains has a median household income of $36,586 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,300, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $631 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Fairplains's income is 43% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 41% below the state median of $228,922.

Income vs National
$36,586
National: $75,149
North Carolina: $64,468
Home Value vs National
$134,300
National: $244,900
North Carolina: $228,922
Rent vs National
$631
National: $1,163
North Carolina: $1,012
Unemployment vs National
11.8%
National: 3.7%
North Carolina: 7%

Why Live in Fairplains, NC?

Fairplains offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $631/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($36,586) that falls below the national average. However, Fairplains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Fairplains has a population of 1,876 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Fairplains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.

Similar Cities Near Fairplains

Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Mount Pleasant1,866$81,250$262,700Compare
Drexel1,862$58,824$204,600Compare
Hildebran1,860$53,125$194,900Compare
Bent Creek1,854$52,485$377,500Compare
Manteo1,853$78,594$384,100Compare
Jefferson1,852$35,938$186,300Compare
Sparta1,957$38,542$215,800Compare
Wanchese1,793$73,542$257,100Compare

Demographics

49
Median Age
901
Male
975
Female
8.8%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White19.6Hispanic/Latino0.9Black0Asian1.2Two or More6.4

Economy & Education

11.8%
Unemployment Rate
32.4%
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Bachelor's Degree+
23.5 min
Avg Commute

Housing

897
Total Housing Units
545
Owner Occupied
236
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in North Carolina

Carolina BeachCarolina MeadowsCarolina ShoresNorth Topsail BeachNorth WilkesboroAberdeen

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Fairplains With Other Cities

Fairplains vs Carolina BeachFairplains vs Carolina MeadowsFairplains vs Carolina ShoresFairplains vs North Topsail Beach

Frequently Asked Questions about Fairplains

What is the population of Fairplains, NC?

The population of Fairplains, NC is 1,876 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Fairplains?

The median household income in Fairplains, NC is $36,586 per year.

What is the median home value in Fairplains?

The median home value in Fairplains, NC is $134,300.

What is the average rent in Fairplains?

The median monthly rent in Fairplains, NC is $631.

What is the unemployment rate in Fairplains?

The unemployment rate in Fairplains, NC is 11.8%.

Explore More

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