Pinetops, NC
Population 1,323 · North Carolina
About Pinetops, NC
Pinetops is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,323 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,196 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Pinetops features a median home value of $132,600, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pinetops one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 681 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (310 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (289 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pinetops shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pinetops have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.6% of Pinetops 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, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pinetops, NC
Compared to national averages, Pinetops has a median household income of $54,196 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,600, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Pinetops's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 42% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Pinetops, NC?
Pinetops offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,196) that falls below the national average. However, Pinetops’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pinetops has a population of 1,323 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Pinetops with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pinetops
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robersonville | 1,319 | $43,359 | $85,900 | Compare |
| Rutherford College | 1,327 | $63,000 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Dortches | 1,317 | $72,955 | $230,600 | Compare |
| Spring Hope | 1,334 | $35,577 | $142,400 | Compare |
| East Spencer | 1,309 | $34,696 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Banner Elk | 1,338 | $67,917 | $422,900 | Compare |
| Cordova | 1,343 | $65,801 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Stony Point | 1,301 | $70,846 | $169,200 | 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 Pinetops With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinetops
What is the population of Pinetops, NC?
The population of Pinetops, NC is 1,323 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 Pinetops?
The median household income in Pinetops, NC is $54,196 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pinetops?
The median home value in Pinetops, NC is $132,600, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pinetops?
The median monthly rent in Pinetops, NC is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pinetops?
The unemployment rate in Pinetops, 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 Pinetops, NC a good place to live?
Pinetops offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,323 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pinetops, NC?
12.6% of residents in Pinetops 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 Pinetops?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pinetops, NC: median home value is $132,600 (46% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $54,196. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pinetops?
The poverty rate in Pinetops, NC is 18.4%, 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 Pinetops, NC?
Pinetops's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 56.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.