Neuse Forest, NC
Population 2,406 · North Carolina
About Neuse Forest, NC
Neuse Forest is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,406 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,333 per year, which is 18% 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 Neuse Forest features a median home value of $194,200, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Neuse Forest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 824 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (636 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (188 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Neuse Forest shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Neuse Forest have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.6% of Neuse Forest 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 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Neuse Forest, NC
Compared to national averages, Neuse Forest has a median household income of $88,333 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,200, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Neuse Forest's income is 37% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Neuse Forest, NC?
Neuse Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,333, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $194,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Neuse Forest has a population of 2,406 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Neuse Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Neuse Forest
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxton | 2,398 | $22,632 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Calabash | 2,397 | $60,048 | $202,000 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 2,417 | $46,113 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Laurel Park | 2,391 | $89,107 | $393,400 | Compare |
| Richlands | 2,387 | $61,607 | $217,800 | Compare |
| Taylorsville | 2,386 | $48,542 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Spruce Pine | 2,381 | $47,583 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Yanceyville | 2,376 | $28,662 | $132,900 | 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 Neuse Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Neuse Forest
What is the population of Neuse Forest, NC?
The population of Neuse Forest, NC is 2,406 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 Neuse Forest?
The median household income in Neuse Forest, NC is $88,333 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Neuse Forest?
The median home value in Neuse Forest, NC is $194,200, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Neuse Forest?
The median monthly rent in Neuse Forest, NC is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Neuse Forest?
The unemployment rate in Neuse Forest, NC is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Neuse Forest, NC a good place to live?
Neuse Forest offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,406 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Neuse Forest, NC?
34.6% of residents in Neuse Forest 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 Neuse Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Neuse Forest, NC: median home value is $194,200 (21% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $88,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Neuse Forest?
The poverty rate in Neuse Forest, NC is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Neuse Forest, NC?
Neuse Forest's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.