Oxford, NC
Population 8,897 · North Carolina
About Oxford, NC
Oxford is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 8,897 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,135 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Oxford features a median home value of $177,200, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Oxford 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 4,041 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (1,908 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (1,728 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oxford shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oxford have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Oxford 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 2.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oxford, NC
Compared to national averages, Oxford has a median household income of $48,135 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,200, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Oxford's income is 25% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 23% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Oxford, NC?
Oxford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,135) that falls below the national average. However, Oxford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oxford has a population of 8,897 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Oxford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Oxford
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Island | 8,888 | $83,483 | $407,400 | Compare |
| Wesley Chapel | 8,923 | $129,962 | $493,900 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 8,969 | $72,955 | $287,200 | Compare |
| Kings Grant | 9,061 | $60,009 | $258,200 | Compare |
| Rockingham | 9,094 | $36,695 | $133,900 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Dunn | 8,512 | $47,310 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | 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 Oxford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oxford
What is the population of Oxford, NC?
The population of Oxford, NC is 8,897 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 Oxford?
The median household income in Oxford, NC is $48,135 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oxford?
The median home value in Oxford, NC is $177,200, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oxford?
The median monthly rent in Oxford, NC is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oxford?
The unemployment rate in Oxford, NC is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oxford, NC a good place to live?
Oxford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,897 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oxford, NC?
20.7% of residents in Oxford 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 Oxford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oxford, NC: median home value is $177,200 (28% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $48,135. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oxford?
The poverty rate in Oxford, NC is 25.3%, 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 Oxford, NC?
Oxford's population is 2.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 54.9% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.