Henderson, NC
Population 14,922 · North Carolina
About Henderson, NC
Henderson is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 14,922 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,780 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Henderson features a median home value of $116,800, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Henderson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $835, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,148 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (2,414 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (3,689 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 Henderson shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Henderson have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Henderson 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 8.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Henderson, NC
Compared to national averages, Henderson has a median household income of $38,780 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,800, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $835 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Henderson's income is 40% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 49% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Henderson, NC?
Henderson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $835/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,780) that falls below the national average. However, Henderson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Henderson has a population of 14,922 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Henderson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Henderson
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson | 14,852 | $152,969 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Roanoke Rapids | 15,024 | $53,981 | $129,400 | Compare |
| Laurinburg | 15,079 | $39,258 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Belmont | 15,140 | $86,442 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | Compare |
| Reidsville | 14,547 | $42,702 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Eden | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Piney Green | 14,205 | $65,179 | $220,000 | 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 Henderson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Henderson
What is the population of Henderson, NC?
The population of Henderson, NC is 14,922 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Henderson?
The median household income in Henderson, NC is $38,780 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Henderson?
The median home value in Henderson, NC is $116,800, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Henderson?
The median monthly rent in Henderson, NC is $835, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Henderson?
The unemployment rate in Henderson, NC is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Henderson, NC a good place to live?
Henderson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,922 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Henderson, NC?
16.2% of residents in Henderson 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 Henderson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Henderson, NC: median home value is $116,800 (52% below national), median rent is $835/month, and median household income is $38,780. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Henderson?
The poverty rate in Henderson, NC is 27.4%, 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 Henderson, NC?
Henderson's population is 8.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 61.7% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.