Raeford, NC
Population 4,545 · North Carolina
About Raeford, NC
Raeford is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,545 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,311 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Raeford features a median home value of $177,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Raeford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $791, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,912 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (956 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (674 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Raeford shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Raeford have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Raeford 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 2.8% White, 13.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Raeford, NC
Compared to national averages, Raeford has a median household income of $43,311 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,900, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $791 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Raeford's income is 33% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 22% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Raeford, NC?
Raeford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $791/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,311) that falls below the national average. However, Raeford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Raeford has a population of 4,545 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Raeford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Raeford
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranlo | 4,556 | $75,843 | $184,500 | Compare |
| Holly Ridge | 4,532 | $106,230 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Royal Pines | 4,528 | $105,956 | $369,500 | Compare |
| Farmville | 4,493 | $50,870 | $184,900 | Compare |
| China Grove | 4,487 | $53,717 | $207,500 | Compare |
| Edenton | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | Compare |
| Randleman | 4,611 | $51,852 | $164,100 | Compare |
| Beaufort | 4,613 | $48,111 | $319,700 | 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 Raeford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Raeford
What is the population of Raeford, NC?
The population of Raeford, NC is 4,545 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 Raeford?
The median household income in Raeford, NC is $43,311 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Raeford?
The median home value in Raeford, NC is $177,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Raeford?
The median monthly rent in Raeford, NC is $791, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Raeford?
The unemployment rate in Raeford, NC is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Raeford, NC a good place to live?
Raeford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,545 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Raeford, NC?
20.4% of residents in Raeford 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 Raeford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Raeford, NC: median home value is $177,900 (27% below national), median rent is $791/month, and median household income is $43,311. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Raeford?
The poverty rate in Raeford, NC is 23.5%, 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 Raeford, NC?
Raeford's population is 2.8% White, 13.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 41.5% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.