Pilot Mountain, NC
Population 1,584 · North Carolina
About Pilot Mountain, NC
Pilot Mountain is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,584 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,239 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pilot Mountain features a median home value of $185,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pilot Mountain in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $895, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 755 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (394 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (339 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pilot Mountain shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pilot Mountain have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Pilot Mountain 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 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pilot Mountain, NC
Compared to national averages, Pilot Mountain has a median household income of $48,239 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,200, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $895 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Pilot Mountain's income is 25% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 19% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Pilot Mountain, NC?
Pilot Mountain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $895/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,239) that falls below the national average. However, Pilot Mountain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pilot Mountain has a population of 1,584 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Pilot Mountain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pilot Mountain
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Jefferson | 1,567 | $54,306 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Nebo | 1,608 | $47,907 | $104,100 | Compare |
| Stedman | 1,613 | $105,491 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Stanfield | 1,554 | $81,375 | $302,400 | Compare |
| Vander | 1,614 | $63,611 | $219,900 | Compare |
| Hoopers Creek | 1,623 | $64,792 | $297,300 | Compare |
| Advance | 1,544 | $109,402 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,543 | $36,656 | $165,800 | 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 Pilot Mountain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pilot Mountain
What is the population of Pilot Mountain, NC?
The population of Pilot Mountain, NC is 1,584 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 Pilot Mountain?
The median household income in Pilot Mountain, NC is $48,239 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pilot Mountain?
The median home value in Pilot Mountain, NC is $185,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pilot Mountain?
The median monthly rent in Pilot Mountain, NC is $895, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pilot Mountain?
The unemployment rate in Pilot Mountain, NC is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pilot Mountain, NC a good place to live?
Pilot Mountain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,584 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pilot Mountain, NC?
21.7% of residents in Pilot Mountain 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 Pilot Mountain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pilot Mountain, NC: median home value is $185,200 (24% below national), median rent is $895/month, and median household income is $48,239. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pilot Mountain?
The poverty rate in Pilot Mountain, NC is 15.4%, 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 Pilot Mountain, NC?
Pilot Mountain's population is 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.