Polkton, NC
Population 2,759 · North Carolina
About Polkton, NC
Polkton is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,759 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,625 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Polkton features a median home value of $134,100, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Polkton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $936, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 498 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (196 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (249 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 Polkton shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 28.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Polkton have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
2.3% of Polkton 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 6.3% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Polkton, NC
Compared to national averages, Polkton has a median household income of $45,625 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,100, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $936 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Polkton's income is 29% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 41% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Polkton, NC?
Polkton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $936/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,625) that falls below the national average. However, Polkton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Polkton has a population of 2,759 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Polkton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Polkton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma | 2,757 | $40,964 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Mars Hill | 2,738 | $77,826 | $295,700 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 2,782 | $28,257 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Warsaw | 2,728 | $46,944 | $0 | Compare |
| Mar-Mac | 2,802 | $53,125 | $139,800 | Compare |
| Brogden | 2,712 | $28,885 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 2,814 | $43,504 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Edneyville | 2,698 | $59,349 | $283,900 | 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 Polkton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Polkton
What is the population of Polkton, NC?
The population of Polkton, NC is 2,759 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 Polkton?
The median household income in Polkton, NC is $45,625 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Polkton?
The median home value in Polkton, NC is $134,100, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Polkton?
The median monthly rent in Polkton, NC is $936, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Polkton?
The unemployment rate in Polkton, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Polkton, NC a good place to live?
Polkton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,759 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Polkton, NC?
2.3% of residents in Polkton 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 Polkton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Polkton, NC: median home value is $134,100 (45% below national), median rent is $936/month, and median household income is $45,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Polkton?
The poverty rate in Polkton, NC is 28.1%, 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 Polkton, NC?
Polkton's population is 6.3% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 42.1% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.