Norlina, NC
Population 1,050 · North Carolina
About Norlina, NC
Norlina is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,050 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,659 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.5 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 Norlina features a median home value of $88,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Norlina one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 503 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (246 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (175 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norlina shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norlina have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Norlina 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Norlina, NC
Compared to national averages, Norlina has a median household income of $34,659 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,200, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Norlina's income is 46% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 61% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Norlina, NC?
Norlina offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,659) that falls below the national average. However, Norlina’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norlina has a population of 1,050 with a median age of 48.5 years. Compare Norlina with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Norlina
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 1,053 | $60,063 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Holden Beach | 1,047 | $110,000 | $562,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Point | 1,045 | $52,591 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Rhodhiss | 1,062 | $48,125 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Cypress Landing | 1,037 | $80,325 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Efland | 1,064 | $72,396 | $192,900 | Compare |
| Stem | 1,064 | $85,385 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Toast | 1,066 | $33,914 | $93,900 | 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 Norlina With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norlina
What is the population of Norlina, NC?
The population of Norlina, NC is 1,050 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 Norlina?
The median household income in Norlina, NC is $34,659 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norlina?
The median home value in Norlina, NC is $88,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norlina?
The median monthly rent in Norlina, NC is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norlina?
The unemployment rate in Norlina, NC is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Norlina, NC a good place to live?
Norlina offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,050 and a median age of 48.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Norlina, NC?
16.0% of residents in Norlina 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 Norlina?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norlina, NC: median home value is $88,200 (64% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $34,659. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norlina?
The poverty rate in Norlina, NC is 17.4%, 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 Norlina, NC?
Norlina's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 56.7% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.