Hamlet, NC
Population 6,000 · North Carolina
About Hamlet, NC
Hamlet is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,500 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hamlet features a median home value of $103,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hamlet one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $553, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,992 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,393 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,107 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hamlet shows an unemployment rate of 12.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hamlet have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Hamlet 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 1.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hamlet Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Hamlet, NC
Compared to national averages, Hamlet has a median household income of $38,500 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $553 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hamlet's income is 40% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 55% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hamlet, NC?
Hamlet offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $553/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,500) that falls below the national average. However, Hamlet’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hamlet has a population of 6,000 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Hamlet with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hamlet
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mocksville | 6,001 | $55,544 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Dallas | 6,012 | $57,755 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Swannanoa | 6,043 | $72,978 | $270,800 | Compare |
| Stokesdale | 5,943 | $135,389 | $368,600 | Compare |
| Barbecue | 5,933 | $80,380 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Briar Chapel | 6,084 | $154,583 | $508,300 | Compare |
| Northchase | 5,879 | $56,659 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Cherryville | 6,154 | $58,701 | $198,000 | 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 Hamlet With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamlet
What is the population of Hamlet, NC?
The population of Hamlet, NC is 6,000 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 Hamlet?
The median household income in Hamlet, NC is $38,500 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hamlet?
The median home value in Hamlet, NC is $103,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hamlet?
The median monthly rent in Hamlet, NC is $553, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hamlet?
The unemployment rate in Hamlet, NC is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hamlet, NC a good place to live?
Hamlet offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,000 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hamlet, NC?
9.8% of residents in Hamlet 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 Hamlet?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hamlet, NC: median home value is $103,800 (58% below national), median rent is $553/month, and median household income is $38,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hamlet?
The poverty rate in Hamlet, NC is 22.1%, 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 Hamlet, NC?
Hamlet's population is 1.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 41.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.