Pembroke, NC
Population 2,823 · North Carolina
About Pembroke, NC
Pembroke is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,823 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $22,940 per year, which is 69% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pembroke features a median home value of $114,700, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pembroke one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,322 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (348 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (834 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pembroke shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 43.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pembroke have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.3% of Pembroke 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 0.4% White, 70.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pembroke, NC
Compared to national averages, Pembroke has a median household income of $22,940 (69% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,700, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Pembroke's income is 64% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 50% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Pembroke, NC?
Pembroke offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($22,940) that falls below the national average. However, Pembroke’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pembroke has a population of 2,823 with a median age of 24.8 years. Compare Pembroke with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pembroke
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro | 2,814 | $43,504 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Carthage | 2,840 | $62,177 | $194,100 | Compare |
| Mar-Mac | 2,802 | $53,125 | $139,800 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 2,782 | $28,257 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 2,870 | $97,174 | $498,300 | Compare |
| Polkton | 2,759 | $45,625 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Emma | 2,757 | $40,964 | $88,900 | Compare |
| River Bend | 2,896 | $68,314 | $233,700 | 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 Pembroke With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pembroke
What is the population of Pembroke, NC?
The population of Pembroke, NC is 2,823 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 Pembroke?
The median household income in Pembroke, NC is $22,940 per year, which is 69% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pembroke?
The median home value in Pembroke, NC is $114,700, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pembroke?
The median monthly rent in Pembroke, NC is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pembroke?
The unemployment rate in Pembroke, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pembroke, NC a good place to live?
Pembroke offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,823 and a median age of 24.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pembroke, NC?
18.3% of residents in Pembroke 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 Pembroke?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pembroke, NC: median home value is $114,700 (53% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $22,940. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pembroke?
The poverty rate in Pembroke, NC is 43.7%, 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 Pembroke, NC?
Pembroke's population is 0.4% White, 70.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 14.1% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.