Laurinburg, NC
Population 15,079 · North Carolina
About Laurinburg, NC
Laurinburg is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 15,079 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,258 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurinburg features a median home value of $121,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Laurinburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $766, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,289 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (2,475 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (2,939 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurinburg shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurinburg have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Laurinburg 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 1.3% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laurinburg, NC
Compared to national averages, Laurinburg has a median household income of $39,258 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $766 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Laurinburg's income is 39% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 47% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Laurinburg, NC?
Laurinburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $766/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,258) that falls below the national average. However, Laurinburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurinburg has a population of 15,079 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Laurinburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Laurinburg
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke Rapids | 15,024 | $53,981 | $129,400 | Compare |
| Belmont | 15,140 | $86,442 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Henderson | 14,922 | $38,780 | $116,800 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | Compare |
| Davidson | 14,852 | $152,969 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Eden | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Reidsville | 14,547 | $42,702 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Piney Green | 14,205 | $65,179 | $220,000 | 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 Laurinburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurinburg
What is the population of Laurinburg, NC?
The population of Laurinburg, NC is 15,079 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Laurinburg?
The median household income in Laurinburg, NC is $39,258 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurinburg?
The median home value in Laurinburg, NC is $121,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Laurinburg?
The median monthly rent in Laurinburg, NC is $766, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurinburg?
The unemployment rate in Laurinburg, NC is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurinburg, NC a good place to live?
Laurinburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,079 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurinburg, NC?
18.8% of residents in Laurinburg 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 Laurinburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurinburg, NC: median home value is $121,500 (50% below national), median rent is $766/month, and median household income is $39,258. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurinburg?
The poverty rate in Laurinburg, NC is 32.0%, 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 Laurinburg, NC?
Laurinburg's population is 1.3% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 48.0% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.