Mebane, NC
Population 18,899 · North Carolina
About Mebane, NC
Mebane is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 18,899 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,312 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mebane features a median home value of $295,600, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mebane in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,171, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,185 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (4,453 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,131 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mebane shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mebane have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.7% of Mebane residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mebane, NC
Compared to national averages, Mebane has a median household income of $84,312 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $295,600, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,171 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Mebane's income is 31% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 29% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Mebane, NC?
Mebane offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,312, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 40.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average.
Mebane has a population of 18,899 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Mebane with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Mebane
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 19,203 | $143,393 | $431,900 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | 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 Mebane With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mebane
What is the population of Mebane, NC?
The population of Mebane, NC is 18,899 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 Mebane?
The median household income in Mebane, NC is $84,312 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mebane?
The median home value in Mebane, NC is $295,600, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mebane?
The median monthly rent in Mebane, NC is $1,171, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mebane?
The unemployment rate in Mebane, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mebane, NC a good place to live?
Mebane offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,899 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mebane, NC?
40.7% of residents in Mebane aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Mebane?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mebane, NC: median home value is $295,600 (21% above national), median rent is $1,171/month, and median household income is $84,312. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mebane?
The poverty rate in Mebane, NC is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mebane, NC?
Mebane's population is 2.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 25.6% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.