Hope Mills, NC
Population 17,823 · North Carolina
About Hope Mills, NC
Hope Mills is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 17,823 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,671 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 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 Hope Mills features a median home value of $176,300, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hope Mills in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,097, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,872 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,101 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,364 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hope Mills shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hope Mills have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Hope Mills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hope Mills, NC
Compared to national averages, Hope Mills has a median household income of $60,671 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $176,300, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,097 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hope Mills's income is 6% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 23% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hope Mills, NC?
Hope Mills offers affordable housing with a median home value of $176,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,097/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,671) that falls below the national average. However, Hope Mills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hope Mills has a population of 17,823 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Hope Mills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hope Mills
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Holly | 17,928 | $75,928 | $286,400 | Compare |
| Pinehurst | 17,992 | $104,955 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Morganton | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Graham | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Murraysville | 17,307 | $75,720 | $281,600 | Compare |
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | 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 Hope Mills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hope Mills
What is the population of Hope Mills, NC?
The population of Hope Mills, NC is 17,823 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 Hope Mills?
The median household income in Hope Mills, NC is $60,671 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hope Mills?
The median home value in Hope Mills, NC is $176,300, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hope Mills?
The median monthly rent in Hope Mills, NC is $1,097, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hope Mills?
The unemployment rate in Hope Mills, NC is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hope Mills, NC a good place to live?
Hope Mills offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,823 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hope Mills, NC?
23.6% of residents in Hope Mills 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 Hope Mills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hope Mills, NC: median home value is $176,300 (28% below national), median rent is $1,097/month, and median household income is $60,671. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hope Mills?
The poverty rate in Hope Mills, NC is 15.0%, 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 Hope Mills, NC?
Hope Mills's population is 4.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 33.7% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.