Lowell, NC
Population 3,711 · North Carolina
About Lowell, NC
Lowell is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,711 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,829 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lowell features a median home value of $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lowell in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,044, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,710 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,215 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (450 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lowell shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lowell have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Lowell 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 10.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 9.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lowell, NC
Compared to national averages, Lowell has a median household income of $51,829 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,200, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,044 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lowell's income is 20% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 34% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lowell, NC?
Lowell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,044/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,829) that falls below the national average. However, Lowell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lowell has a population of 3,711 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Lowell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lowell
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamewell | 3,701 | $55,977 | $154,100 | Compare |
| Kitty Hawk | 3,721 | $88,811 | $494,200 | Compare |
| Landis | 3,726 | $82,645 | $233,400 | Compare |
| Tabor City | 3,695 | $37,014 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 3,685 | $90,542 | $266,600 | Compare |
| Lowesville | 3,737 | $117,835 | $381,600 | Compare |
| Glen Raven | 3,684 | $64,189 | $204,000 | Compare |
| Rutherfordton | 3,669 | $59,750 | $226,900 | 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 Lowell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lowell
What is the population of Lowell, NC?
The population of Lowell, NC is 3,711 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 Lowell?
The median household income in Lowell, NC is $51,829 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lowell?
The median home value in Lowell, NC is $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lowell?
The median monthly rent in Lowell, NC is $1,044, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lowell?
The unemployment rate in Lowell, NC is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lowell, NC a good place to live?
Lowell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,711 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lowell, NC?
16.9% of residents in Lowell 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 Lowell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lowell, NC: median home value is $152,200 (38% below national), median rent is $1,044/month, and median household income is $51,829. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lowell?
The poverty rate in Lowell, NC is 19.2%, 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 Lowell, NC?
Lowell's population is 10.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 9.6% of residents are foreign-born.