James City, NC
Population 4,859 · North Carolina
About James City, NC
James City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,859 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,835 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in James City features a median home value of $175,700, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions James City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,028, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,295 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (1,663 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (366 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in James City shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in James City have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of James City 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 3.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How James City Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in James City, NC
Compared to national averages, James City has a median household income of $63,835 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $175,700, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,028 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, James City's income is 1% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 23% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in James City, NC?
James City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $175,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,028/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,835) that falls below the national average. However, James City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
James City has a population of 4,859 with a median age of 51.3 years. Compare James City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near James City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Shores | 4,843 | $74,310 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Midway | 4,826 | $75,208 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Seven Lakes | 4,823 | $91,495 | $365,500 | Compare |
| Ahoskie | 4,798 | $40,762 | $123,800 | Compare |
| Granite Falls | 4,921 | $74,250 | $203,100 | Compare |
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Midland | 4,758 | $85,551 | $342,700 | Compare |
| Wadesboro | 4,966 | $34,125 | $98,600 | 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 James City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about James City
What is the population of James City, NC?
The population of James City, NC is 4,859 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 James City?
The median household income in James City, NC is $63,835 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in James City?
The median home value in James City, NC is $175,700, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in James City?
The median monthly rent in James City, NC is $1,028, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in James City?
The unemployment rate in James City, NC is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is James City, NC a good place to live?
James City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,859 and a median age of 51.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is James City, NC?
24.2% of residents in James City 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 James City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for James City, NC: median home value is $175,700 (28% below national), median rent is $1,028/month, and median household income is $63,835. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in James City?
The poverty rate in James City, NC is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is James City, NC?
James City's population is 3.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 15.2% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.