Lake Royale, NC
Population 2,959 · North Carolina
About Lake Royale, NC
Lake Royale is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,959 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $96,250 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 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 Royale features a median home value of $263,000, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Royale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,144, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,099 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (1,207 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (97 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Royale shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Royale have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Lake Royale 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 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake Royale, NC
Compared to national averages, Lake Royale has a median household income of $96,250 (28% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $263,000, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,144 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lake Royale's income is 49% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lake Royale, NC?
Lake Royale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $96,250, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,144/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average.
Lake Royale has a population of 2,959 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Lake Royale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lake Royale
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yadkinville | 2,986 | $43,577 | $172,800 | Compare |
| Avery Creek | 2,998 | $107,684 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Troy | 2,905 | $60,167 | $134,500 | Compare |
| Granite Quarry | 3,015 | $53,072 | $246,500 | Compare |
| Lake Junaluska | 2,903 | $82,115 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Fairfield Harbour | 2,898 | $69,661 | $278,800 | Compare |
| River Bend | 2,896 | $68,314 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 2,870 | $97,174 | $498,300 | 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 Royale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Royale
What is the population of Lake Royale, NC?
The population of Lake Royale, NC is 2,959 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 Royale?
The median household income in Lake Royale, NC is $96,250 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Royale?
The median home value in Lake Royale, NC is $263,000, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Royale?
The median monthly rent in Lake Royale, NC is $1,144, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Royale?
The unemployment rate in Lake Royale, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lake Royale, NC a good place to live?
Lake Royale offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,959 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake Royale, NC?
21.1% of residents in Lake Royale 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 Lake Royale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Royale, NC: median home value is $263,000 (7% above national), median rent is $1,144/month, and median household income is $96,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Royale?
The poverty rate in Lake Royale, NC is 6.6%, 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 Royale, NC?
Lake Royale's population is 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.