Mount Olive, NC
Population 4,204 · North Carolina
About Mount Olive, NC
Mount Olive is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,204 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,869 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Olive features a median home value of $117,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mount Olive one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $916, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,855 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (848 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (739 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Olive shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Olive have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Mount Olive 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 1.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 15.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Olive, NC
Compared to national averages, Mount Olive has a median household income of $45,869 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,200, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $916 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Mount Olive's income is 29% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 49% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Mount Olive, NC?
Mount Olive offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $916/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,869) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Olive’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Olive has a population of 4,204 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Mount Olive with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Mount Olive
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Wingate | 4,169 | $65,208 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Spindale | 4,244 | $38,509 | $130,800 | Compare |
| Surf City | 4,160 | $84,833 | $478,600 | Compare |
| Benson | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Southport | 4,143 | $82,792 | $394,900 | Compare |
| Forest Oaks | 4,095 | $108,250 | $294,400 | Compare |
| Trent Woods | 4,086 | $109,097 | $294,200 | 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 Olive With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Olive
What is the population of Mount Olive, NC?
The population of Mount Olive, NC is 4,204 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 Mount Olive?
The median household income in Mount Olive, NC is $45,869 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Olive?
The median home value in Mount Olive, NC is $117,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Olive?
The median monthly rent in Mount Olive, NC is $916, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Olive?
The unemployment rate in Mount Olive, NC is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Olive, NC a good place to live?
Mount Olive offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,204 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Olive, NC?
17.2% of residents in Mount Olive 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 Olive?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Olive, NC: median home value is $117,200 (52% below national), median rent is $916/month, and median household income is $45,869. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Olive?
The poverty rate in Mount Olive, NC is 21.7%, 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 Olive, NC?
Mount Olive's population is 1.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 53.3% two or more races. 15.5% of residents are foreign-born.