Mount Airy, NC
Population 10,631 · North Carolina
About Mount Airy, NC
Mount Airy is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 10,631 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,873 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.7 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 Mount Airy features a median home value of $176,600, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mount Airy in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $699, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,433 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,795 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,130 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Airy shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Airy have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Mount Airy 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 3.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Airy, NC
Compared to national averages, Mount Airy has a median household income of $39,873 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $176,600, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $699 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Mount Airy's income is 38% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 23% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Mount Airy, NC?
Mount Airy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $176,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $699/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,873) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Airy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Airy has a population of 10,631 with a median age of 46.7 years. Compare Mount Airy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Mount Airy
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterville | 10,624 | $82,783 | $226,600 | Compare |
| Tarboro | 10,705 | $49,386 | $155,500 | Compare |
| Pineville | 10,780 | $64,257 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Waynesville | 10,408 | $50,554 | $254,800 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | Compare |
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | 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 Mount Airy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Airy
What is the population of Mount Airy, NC?
The population of Mount Airy, NC is 10,631 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 Mount Airy?
The median household income in Mount Airy, NC is $39,873 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Airy?
The median home value in Mount Airy, NC is $176,600, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Airy?
The median monthly rent in Mount Airy, NC is $699, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Airy?
The unemployment rate in Mount Airy, NC is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Airy, NC a good place to live?
Mount Airy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,631 and a median age of 46.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mount Airy, NC?
24.3% of residents in Mount Airy 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 Mount Airy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Airy, NC: median home value is $176,600 (28% below national), median rent is $699/month, and median household income is $39,873. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Airy?
The poverty rate in Mount Airy, NC is 27.1%, 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 Mount Airy, NC?
Mount Airy's population is 3.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 8.1% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.