Grifton, NC
Population 2,661 · North Carolina
About Grifton, NC
Grifton is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,661 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,664 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grifton features a median home value of $122,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Grifton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,356 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (461 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (710 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 Grifton shows an unemployment rate of 16.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grifton have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.1% of Grifton 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 12.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Grifton, NC
Compared to national averages, Grifton has a median household income of $36,664 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,100, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Grifton's income is 43% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 47% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Grifton, NC?
Grifton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,664) that falls below the national average. However, Grifton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grifton has a population of 2,661 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Grifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Grifton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wentworth | 2,670 | $67,455 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Wilson's Mills | 2,652 | $61,677 | $228,700 | Compare |
| Liberty | 2,678 | $39,293 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Wrightsville Beach | 2,679 | $167,273 | $1,041,800 | Compare |
| Rockwell | 2,688 | $64,141 | $218,800 | Compare |
| Tobaccoville | 2,632 | $78,591 | $227,200 | Compare |
| La Grange | 2,692 | $49,475 | $78,500 | Compare |
| St. Pauls | 2,628 | $33,667 | $118,300 | 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 Grifton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grifton
What is the population of Grifton, NC?
The population of Grifton, NC is 2,661 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 Grifton?
The median household income in Grifton, NC is $36,664 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grifton?
The median home value in Grifton, NC is $122,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Grifton?
The median monthly rent in Grifton, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grifton?
The unemployment rate in Grifton, NC is 16.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grifton, NC a good place to live?
Grifton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,661 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grifton, NC?
14.1% of residents in Grifton 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 Grifton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grifton, NC: median home value is $122,100 (50% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $36,664. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grifton?
The poverty rate in Grifton, NC is 31.3%, 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 Grifton, NC?
Grifton's population is 12.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 42.1% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.