Oriental, NC
Population 930 · North Carolina
About Oriental, NC
Oriental is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 930 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,875 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 68.7 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 Oriental features a median home value of $406,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oriental in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,106, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 817 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (468 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (106 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oriental shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oriental have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.6% of Oriental residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oriental, NC
Compared to national averages, Oriental has a median household income of $57,875 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $406,800, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,106 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Oriental's income is 10% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 78% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Oriental, NC?
Oriental offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,106/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%, and a well-educated community where 52.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,875) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $406,800. However, Oriental’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oriental has a population of 930 with a median age of 68.7 years. Compare Oriental with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Oriental
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belwood | 928 | $49,078 | $180,600 | Compare |
| Vanceboro | 939 | $39,125 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Laurel Hill | 916 | $26,250 | $90,500 | Compare |
| Garland | 914 | $58,938 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Fremont | 948 | $41,477 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Stantonsburg | 949 | $58,929 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Ellenboro | 899 | $50,625 | $104,500 | Compare |
| Wagram | 899 | $53,516 | $107,100 | 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 Oriental With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oriental
What is the population of Oriental, NC?
The population of Oriental, NC is 930 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Oriental?
The median household income in Oriental, NC is $57,875 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oriental?
The median home value in Oriental, NC is $406,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oriental?
The median monthly rent in Oriental, NC is $1,106, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oriental?
The unemployment rate in Oriental, NC is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oriental, NC a good place to live?
Oriental offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 930 and a median age of 68.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oriental, NC?
52.6% of residents in Oriental 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 Oriental?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oriental, NC: median home value is $406,800 (66% above national), median rent is $1,106/month, and median household income is $57,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Oriental?
The poverty rate in Oriental, NC is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oriental, NC?
Oriental's population is 3.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.