River Road, NC
Population 3,518 · North Carolina
About River Road, NC
River Road is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 3,518 residents. The median household income is $47,978 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in River Road is 44.1 years.
Housing in River Road has a median home value of $187,700 and median monthly rent of $787. Of the 2,016 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,118 owner-occupied and 517 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in River Road is 2.6% and the poverty rate is 21.0%. 28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.7 minutes.
Cost of Living in River Road, NC
Compared to national averages, River Road has a median household income of $47,978 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,700, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $787 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, River Road's income is 26% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in River Road, NC?
River Road offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $787/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,978) that falls below the national average. However, River Road’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
River Road has a population of 3,518 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare River Road with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near River Road
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home | 3,518 | $68,750 | $353,200 | Compare |
| Elroy | 3,507 | $54,375 | $120,500 | Compare |
| Fairview | 3,549 | $89,417 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Brices Creek | 3,592 | $107,800 | $323,400 | Compare |
| Wallace | 3,438 | $49,358 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Buies Creek | 3,613 | $52,458 | $370,500 | Compare |
| Rural Hall | 3,421 | $50,665 | $183,800 | Compare |
| Windsor | 3,417 | $38,631 | $111,400 | 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 Road With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about River Road
What is the population of River Road, NC?
The population of River Road, NC is 3,518 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in River Road?
The median household income in River Road, NC is $47,978 per year.
What is the median home value in River Road?
The median home value in River Road, NC is $187,700.
What is the average rent in River Road?
The median monthly rent in River Road, NC is $787.
What is the unemployment rate in River Road?
The unemployment rate in River Road, NC is 2.6%.