Kelford, NC
Population 245 · North Carolina
About Kelford, NC
Kelford is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 245 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.7 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 Kelford features a median home value of $72,900, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kelford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $722, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 168 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (118 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kelford shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 34.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kelford have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.3% of Kelford 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 8.2% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kelford Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Kelford, NC
Compared to national averages, Kelford has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,900, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $722 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kelford's income is 100% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 68% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kelford, NC?
Kelford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $722/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Kelford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kelford has a population of 245 with a median age of 50.7 years. Compare Kelford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kelford
What is the population of Kelford, NC?
The population of Kelford, NC is 245 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Kelford?
The median household income in Kelford, NC is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kelford?
The median home value in Kelford, NC is $72,900, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kelford?
The median monthly rent in Kelford, NC is $722, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kelford?
The unemployment rate in Kelford, NC is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kelford, NC a good place to live?
Kelford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 245 and a median age of 50.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kelford, NC?
5.3% of residents in Kelford 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 Kelford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kelford, NC: median home value is $72,900 (70% below national), median rent is $722/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kelford?
The poverty rate in Kelford, NC is 34.7%, 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 Kelford, NC?
Kelford's population is 8.2% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 81.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.