Plain View, NC
Population 1,647 · North Carolina
About Plain View, NC
Plain View is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,647 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,058 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 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 Plain View features a median home value of $205,700, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Plain View in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 783 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (618 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (125 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plain View shows an unemployment rate of 11.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Plain View have an average one-way commute time of 35.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Plain View 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 1.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plain View, NC
Compared to national averages, Plain View has a median household income of $75,058 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,700, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Plain View's income is 16% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 10% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Plain View, NC?
Plain View offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($75,058) that falls below the national average. However, Plain View’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plain View has a population of 1,647 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Plain View with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Plain View
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | 1,631 | $48,173 | $192,700 | Compare |
| Sharpsburg | 1,629 | $39,792 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Lake Waccamaw | 1,666 | $79,844 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Hoopers Creek | 1,623 | $64,792 | $297,300 | Compare |
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
| Vander | 1,614 | $63,611 | $219,900 | Compare |
| Stedman | 1,613 | $105,491 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | 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 Plain View With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plain View
What is the population of Plain View, NC?
The population of Plain View, NC is 1,647 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 Plain View?
The median household income in Plain View, NC is $75,058 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plain View?
The median home value in Plain View, NC is $205,700, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plain View?
The median monthly rent in Plain View, NC is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plain View?
The unemployment rate in Plain View, NC is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plain View, NC a good place to live?
Plain View offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,647 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Plain View, NC?
13.6% of residents in Plain View 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 Plain View?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plain View, NC: median home value is $205,700 (16% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $75,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plain View?
The poverty rate in Plain View, NC is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Plain View, NC?
Plain View's population is 1.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 14.7% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.