Fountain, NC
Population 317 · North Carolina
About Fountain, NC
Fountain is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 317 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Fountain features a median home value of $120,600, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fountain one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 197 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (70 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (73 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 Fountain shows an unemployment rate of 25.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 53.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fountain have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Fountain 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fountain, NC
Compared to national averages, Fountain has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,600, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Fountain's income is 100% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 47% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Fountain, NC?
Fountain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Fountain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fountain has a population of 317 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Fountain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Fountain
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayview | 317 | $108,594 | $443,800 | Compare |
| East Laurinburg | 315 | $28,333 | $36,800 | Compare |
| East Arcadia | 313 | $50,595 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Light Oak | 321 | $59,583 | $87,100 | Compare |
| Vann Crossroads | 313 | $67,759 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Gatesville | 310 | $66,563 | $189,200 | Compare |
| Rodanthe | 306 | $34,066 | $431,300 | Compare |
| Saratoga | 306 | $30,662 | $95,000 | 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 Fountain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fountain
What is the population of Fountain, NC?
The population of Fountain, NC is 317 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 Fountain?
The median household income in Fountain, NC is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fountain?
The median home value in Fountain, NC is $120,600, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fountain?
The median monthly rent in Fountain, NC is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fountain?
The unemployment rate in Fountain, NC is 25.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fountain, NC a good place to live?
Fountain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 317 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fountain, NC?
21.5% of residents in Fountain 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 Fountain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fountain, NC: median home value is $120,600 (51% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fountain?
The poverty rate in Fountain, NC is 53.6%, 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 Fountain, NC?
Fountain's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 50.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.