Norwood, NC
Population 3,110 · North Carolina
About Norwood, NC
Norwood is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,110 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,953 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Norwood features a median home value of $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Norwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $891, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,514 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (755 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (420 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norwood 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 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Norwood have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Norwood 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 1.2% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Norwood, NC
Compared to national averages, Norwood has a median household income of $57,953 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,900, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $891 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Norwood's income is 10% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 22% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Norwood, NC?
Norwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $891/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,953) that falls below the national average. However, Norwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norwood has a population of 3,110 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Norwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Norwood
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Springs | 3,107 | $19,752 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Wallburg | 3,104 | $78,821 | $292,500 | Compare |
| Southern Shores | 3,119 | $116,859 | $621,100 | Compare |
| Louisburg | 3,128 | $31,827 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Mountain View | 3,068 | $60,938 | $187,100 | Compare |
| Nags Head | 3,164 | $87,619 | $451,100 | Compare |
| Bermuda Run | 3,166 | $66,800 | $309,800 | Compare |
| East Rockingham | 3,177 | $33,206 | $102,700 | 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 Norwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norwood
What is the population of Norwood, NC?
The population of Norwood, NC is 3,110 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 Norwood?
The median household income in Norwood, NC is $57,953 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norwood?
The median home value in Norwood, NC is $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norwood?
The median monthly rent in Norwood, NC is $891, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norwood?
The unemployment rate in Norwood, 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 Norwood, NC a good place to live?
Norwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,110 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norwood, NC?
19.5% of residents in Norwood 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 Norwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norwood, NC: median home value is $178,900 (27% below national), median rent is $891/month, and median household income is $57,953. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norwood?
The poverty rate in Norwood, NC is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Norwood, NC?
Norwood's population is 1.2% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 28.2% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.