Parmele, NC
Population 288 · North Carolina
About Parmele, NC
Parmele is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,971 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.1 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 Parmele features a median home value of $81,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parmele one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,042, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 165 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (111 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (25 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Parmele shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Parmele have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Parmele 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Parmele Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Parmele, NC
Compared to national averages, Parmele has a median household income of $28,971 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,900, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,042 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Parmele's income is 55% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 64% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Parmele, NC?
Parmele offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,042/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,971) that falls below the national average. However, Parmele’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parmele has a population of 288 with a median age of 59.1 years. Compare Parmele with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Parmele
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walstonburg | 288 | $37,125 | $91,400 | Compare |
| Davis | 290 | $71,083 | $180,100 | Compare |
| Colerain | 291 | $92,917 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Cofield | 284 | $0 | $57,800 | Compare |
| South Mills | 294 | $73,676 | $265,700 | Compare |
| Sandy Creek | 281 | $53,750 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Coinjock | 298 | $67,143 | $226,800 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 276 | $39,659 | $154,500 | 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 Parmele With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Parmele
What is the population of Parmele, NC?
The population of Parmele, NC is 288 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 Parmele?
The median household income in Parmele, NC is $28,971 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parmele?
The median home value in Parmele, NC is $81,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Parmele?
The median monthly rent in Parmele, NC is $1,042, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parmele?
The unemployment rate in Parmele, NC is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Parmele, NC a good place to live?
Parmele offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 288 and a median age of 59.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Parmele, NC?
12.9% of residents in Parmele 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 Parmele?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parmele, NC: median home value is $81,900 (67% below national), median rent is $1,042/month, and median household income is $28,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parmele?
The poverty rate in Parmele, NC is 34.0%, 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 Parmele, NC?
Parmele's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 62.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.