Magnolia, NC
Population 1,109 · North Carolina
About Magnolia, NC
Magnolia is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,109 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,156 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Magnolia features a median home value of $76,900, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Magnolia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $521, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 510 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (287 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (153 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Magnolia shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 35.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Magnolia have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.9% of Magnolia 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 16.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 22.4% Asian residents, with 21.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Magnolia Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Magnolia, NC
Compared to national averages, Magnolia has a median household income of $40,156 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,900, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $521 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Magnolia's income is 38% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 66% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Magnolia, NC?
Magnolia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $521/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,156) that falls below the national average. However, Magnolia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Magnolia has a population of 1,109 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Magnolia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Magnolia
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesville | 1,110 | $52,875 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Lucama | 1,108 | $34,583 | $98,200 | Compare |
| Springdale | 1,120 | $61,250 | $179,600 | Compare |
| Five Points | 1,096 | $0 | $284,700 | Compare |
| Vass | 1,092 | $56,042 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Chocowinity | 1,090 | $34,141 | $116,500 | Compare |
| Faith | 1,090 | $128,274 | $249,800 | Compare |
| Franklinville | 1,129 | $53,942 | $122,400 | 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 Magnolia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Magnolia
What is the population of Magnolia, NC?
The population of Magnolia, NC is 1,109 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 Magnolia?
The median household income in Magnolia, NC is $40,156 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Magnolia?
The median home value in Magnolia, NC is $76,900, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Magnolia?
The median monthly rent in Magnolia, NC is $521, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Magnolia?
The unemployment rate in Magnolia, NC is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Magnolia, NC a good place to live?
Magnolia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,109 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Magnolia, NC?
13.9% of residents in Magnolia 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 Magnolia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Magnolia, NC: median home value is $76,900 (69% below national), median rent is $521/month, and median household income is $40,156. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Magnolia?
The poverty rate in Magnolia, NC is 35.6%, 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 Magnolia, NC?
Magnolia's population is 16.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 22.4% Asian, and 36.6% two or more races. 21.9% of residents are foreign-born.