Glen Raven, NC
Population 3,684 · North Carolina
About Glen Raven, NC
Glen Raven is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,684 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,189 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.2 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 Glen Raven features a median home value of $204,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Glen Raven in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $729, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,288 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (844 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (396 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glen Raven shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Glen Raven have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Glen Raven 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 21.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 8.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Glen Raven, NC
Compared to national averages, Glen Raven has a median household income of $64,189 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,000, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $729 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Glen Raven's income is 0% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 11% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Glen Raven, NC?
Glen Raven offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $729/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,189) that falls below the national average. However, Glen Raven’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Glen Raven has a population of 3,684 with a median age of 32.2 years. Compare Glen Raven with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Glen Raven
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamestown | 3,685 | $90,542 | $266,600 | Compare |
| Tabor City | 3,695 | $37,014 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Rutherfordton | 3,669 | $59,750 | $226,900 | Compare |
| Gamewell | 3,701 | $55,977 | $154,100 | Compare |
| Eastover | 3,666 | $80,000 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Wilkesboro | 3,664 | $41,175 | $197,600 | Compare |
| Lowell | 3,711 | $51,829 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Welcome | 3,649 | $65,342 | $171,100 | 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 Glen Raven With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glen Raven
What is the population of Glen Raven, NC?
The population of Glen Raven, NC is 3,684 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 Glen Raven?
The median household income in Glen Raven, NC is $64,189 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glen Raven?
The median home value in Glen Raven, NC is $204,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glen Raven?
The median monthly rent in Glen Raven, NC is $729, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glen Raven?
The unemployment rate in Glen Raven, NC is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Glen Raven, NC a good place to live?
Glen Raven offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,684 and a median age of 32.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Glen Raven, NC?
18.9% of residents in Glen Raven 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 Glen Raven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glen Raven, NC: median home value is $204,000 (17% below national), median rent is $729/month, and median household income is $64,189. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Glen Raven?
The poverty rate in Glen Raven, NC is 13.5%, 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 Glen Raven, NC?
Glen Raven's population is 21.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 14.5% two or more races. 8.8% of residents are foreign-born.