Haw River, NC
Population 2,581 · North Carolina
About Haw River, NC
Haw River is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,581 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,366 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Haw River features a median home value of $142,200, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Haw River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,115 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (736 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (249 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Haw River 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 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Haw River have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Haw River 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 15.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Haw River, NC
Compared to national averages, Haw River has a median household income of $67,366 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $142,200, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Haw River's income is 4% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 38% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Haw River, NC?
Haw River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $142,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,366) that falls below the national average. However, Haw River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Haw River has a population of 2,581 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Haw River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Haw River
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngsville | 2,581 | $61,813 | $404,500 | Compare |
| Marshville | 2,586 | $60,784 | $147,100 | Compare |
| Cape Carteret | 2,598 | $75,313 | $347,500 | Compare |
| Franklinton | 2,562 | $64,053 | $195,800 | Compare |
| Sylva | 2,600 | $41,926 | $195,500 | Compare |
| Sneads Ferry | 2,556 | $59,783 | $233,500 | Compare |
| Valley Hill | 2,540 | $87,250 | $296,500 | Compare |
| Fearrington Village | 2,535 | $101,384 | $439,900 | 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 Haw River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Haw River
What is the population of Haw River, NC?
The population of Haw River, NC is 2,581 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 Haw River?
The median household income in Haw River, NC is $67,366 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Haw River?
The median home value in Haw River, NC is $142,200, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Haw River?
The median monthly rent in Haw River, NC is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Haw River?
The unemployment rate in Haw River, 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 Haw River, NC a good place to live?
Haw River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,581 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Haw River, NC?
21.5% of residents in Haw River 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 Haw River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Haw River, NC: median home value is $142,200 (42% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $67,366. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Haw River?
The poverty rate in Haw River, NC is 17.0%, 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 Haw River, NC?
Haw River's population is 15.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 8.3% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.