River Bend, NC
Population 2,896 · North Carolina
About River Bend, NC
River Bend is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,896 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,314 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.5 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 River Bend features a median home value of $233,700, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions River Bend in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,296, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,627 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (1,188 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (157 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in River Bend shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in River Bend have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.4% of River Bend residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in River Bend, NC
Compared to national averages, River Bend has a median household income of $68,314 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $233,700, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,296 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, River Bend's income is 6% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 2% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in River Bend, NC?
River Bend offers affordable housing with a median home value of $233,700, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,314) that falls below the national average. However, River Bend’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
River Bend has a population of 2,896 with a median age of 52.5 years. Compare River Bend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near River Bend
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Harbour | 2,898 | $69,661 | $278,800 | Compare |
| Lake Junaluska | 2,903 | $82,115 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Troy | 2,905 | $60,167 | $134,500 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 2,870 | $97,174 | $498,300 | Compare |
| Carthage | 2,840 | $62,177 | $194,100 | Compare |
| Lake Royale | 2,959 | $96,250 | $263,000 | Compare |
| Pembroke | 2,823 | $22,940 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 2,814 | $43,504 | $153,100 | 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 River Bend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about River Bend
What is the population of River Bend, NC?
The population of River Bend, NC is 2,896 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 River Bend?
The median household income in River Bend, NC is $68,314 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in River Bend?
The median home value in River Bend, NC is $233,700, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in River Bend?
The median monthly rent in River Bend, NC is $1,296, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in River Bend?
The unemployment rate in River Bend, NC is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is River Bend, NC a good place to live?
River Bend offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,896 and a median age of 52.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is River Bend, NC?
33.4% of residents in River Bend 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 River Bend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for River Bend, NC: median home value is $233,700 (5% below national), median rent is $1,296/month, and median household income is $68,314. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in River Bend?
The poverty rate in River Bend, NC is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is River Bend, NC?
River Bend's population is 3.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 12.6% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.