Plymouth, NC
Population 3,264 · North Carolina
About Plymouth, NC
Plymouth is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,264 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,462 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.1 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 Plymouth features a median home value of $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Plymouth one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,968 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (715 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (777 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 Plymouth shows an unemployment rate of 19.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Plymouth have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.9% of Plymouth 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 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Plymouth Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Plymouth, NC
Compared to national averages, Plymouth has a median household income of $30,462 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,900, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Plymouth's income is 53% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 63% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Plymouth, NC?
Plymouth offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,462) that falls below the national average. However, Plymouth’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plymouth has a population of 3,264 with a median age of 54.1 years. Compare Plymouth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Plymouth
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgaw | 3,249 | $65,514 | $207,400 | Compare |
| Mineral Springs | 3,244 | $88,203 | $353,500 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 3,294 | $32,577 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Spencer | 3,305 | $64,031 | $149,800 | Compare |
| Belville | 3,183 | $86,875 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Green Level | 3,179 | $54,020 | $164,500 | Compare |
| East Rockingham | 3,177 | $33,206 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Bermuda Run | 3,166 | $66,800 | $309,800 | 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 Plymouth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plymouth
What is the population of Plymouth, NC?
The population of Plymouth, NC is 3,264 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 Plymouth?
The median household income in Plymouth, NC is $30,462 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plymouth?
The median home value in Plymouth, NC is $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Plymouth?
The median monthly rent in Plymouth, NC is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plymouth?
The unemployment rate in Plymouth, NC is 19.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plymouth, NC a good place to live?
Plymouth offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,264 and a median age of 54.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Plymouth, NC?
5.9% of residents in Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plymouth, NC: median home value is $83,900 (66% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $30,462. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plymouth?
The poverty rate in Plymouth, NC is 34.5%, 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 Plymouth, NC?
Plymouth's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 69.7% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.