Light Oak, NC
Population 321 · North Carolina
About Light Oak, NC
Light Oak is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 321 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,583 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.5 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 Light Oak features a median home value of $87,100, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Light Oak 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 242 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (78 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (36 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Light Oak 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 28.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Light Oak have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Light Oak 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 31.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Light Oak Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Light Oak, NC
Compared to national averages, Light Oak has a median household income of $59,583 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,100, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Light Oak's income is 8% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 62% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Light Oak, NC?
Light Oak offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,100, 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 short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,583) that falls below the national average. However, Light Oak’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Light Oak has a population of 321 with a median age of 57.5 years. Compare Light Oak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Light Oak
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayview | 317 | $108,594 | $443,800 | Compare |
| Fountain | 317 | $0 | $120,600 | Compare |
| East Laurinburg | 315 | $28,333 | $36,800 | Compare |
| East Arcadia | 313 | $50,595 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Vann Crossroads | 313 | $67,759 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Gatesville | 310 | $66,563 | $189,200 | Compare |
| Cedar Rock | 333 | $79,583 | $395,500 | Compare |
| Cerro Gordo | 335 | $0 | $188,700 | 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 Light Oak With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Light Oak
What is the population of Light Oak, NC?
The population of Light Oak, NC is 321 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 Light Oak?
The median household income in Light Oak, NC is $59,583 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Light Oak?
The median home value in Light Oak, NC is $87,100, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Light Oak?
The median monthly rent in Light Oak, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Light Oak?
The unemployment rate in Light Oak, 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 Light Oak, NC a good place to live?
Light Oak offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 321 and a median age of 57.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Light Oak, NC?
0.0% of residents in Light Oak 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 Light Oak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Light Oak, NC: median home value is $87,100 (64% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $59,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Light Oak?
The poverty rate in Light Oak, NC is 28.0%, 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 Light Oak, NC?
Light Oak's population is 31.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 68.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.