Lake Lure, NC
Population 1,488 · North Carolina
About Lake Lure, NC
Lake Lure is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,488 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,813 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61.8 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 Lake Lure features a median home value of $510,300, which is 108% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake Lure in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $778, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,339 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (703 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (113 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Lure shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Lure have an average one-way commute time of 38 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
58.7% of Lake Lure residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake Lure, NC
Compared to national averages, Lake Lure has a median household income of $72,813 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $510,300, which is 108% above the national median. Monthly rent at $778 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lake Lure's income is 13% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 123% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lake Lure, NC?
Lake Lure offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $778/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,813) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $510,300. However, Lake Lure’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake Lure has a population of 1,488 with a median age of 61.8 years. Compare Lake Lure with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lake Lure
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose Hill | 1,501 | $44,722 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Saxapahaw | 1,501 | $63,281 | $179,300 | Compare |
| Boonville | 1,502 | $77,500 | $167,300 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,502 | $49,583 | $99,100 | Compare |
| Millers Creek | 1,469 | $59,239 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Northlakes | 1,462 | $101,461 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Dobson | 1,521 | $44,531 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Clyde | 1,522 | $59,315 | $194,600 | 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 Lake Lure With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Lure
What is the population of Lake Lure, NC?
The population of Lake Lure, NC is 1,488 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 Lake Lure?
The median household income in Lake Lure, NC is $72,813 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Lure?
The median home value in Lake Lure, NC is $510,300, which is 108% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Lure?
The median monthly rent in Lake Lure, NC is $778, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Lure?
The unemployment rate in Lake Lure, NC is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lake Lure, NC a good place to live?
Lake Lure offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,488 and a median age of 61.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake Lure, NC?
58.7% of residents in Lake Lure aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lake Lure?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Lure, NC: median home value is $510,300 (108% above national), median rent is $778/month, and median household income is $72,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Lure?
The poverty rate in Lake Lure, NC is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Lure, NC?
Lake Lure's population is 0.0% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.