Kelly, NC
Population 706 · North Carolina
About Kelly, NC
Kelly is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 706 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,155 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 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 Kelly features a median home value of $125,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kelly one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 387 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (195 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (54 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kelly shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kelly have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Kelly 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 0.0% White, 18.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kelly, NC
Compared to national averages, Kelly has a median household income of $51,155 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,200, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kelly's income is 21% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 45% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kelly, NC?
Kelly offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,155) that falls below the national average. However, Kelly’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kelly has a population of 706 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare Kelly with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kelly
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hightsville | 707 | $16,289 | $0 | Compare |
| Ocracoke | 709 | $0 | $472,200 | Compare |
| Dobbins Heights | 711 | $21,389 | $50,800 | Compare |
| North Topsail Beach | 699 | $106,818 | $453,500 | Compare |
| Grantsboro | 698 | $62,292 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Bakersville | 718 | $39,091 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Elk Park | 694 | $44,350 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Iron Station | 722 | $74,597 | $0 | 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 Kelly With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelly
What is the population of Kelly, NC?
The population of Kelly, NC is 706 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 Kelly?
The median household income in Kelly, NC is $51,155 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kelly?
The median home value in Kelly, NC is $125,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kelly?
The median monthly rent in Kelly, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kelly?
The unemployment rate in Kelly, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kelly, NC a good place to live?
Kelly offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 706 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kelly, NC?
0.0% of residents in Kelly 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 Kelly?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kelly, NC: median home value is $125,200 (49% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $51,155. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kelly?
The poverty rate in Kelly, NC is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kelly, NC?
Kelly's population is 0.0% White, 18.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 58.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.