River Road, NC
Population 3,518 · North Carolina
About River Road, NC
River Road is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,518 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,978 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 River Road features a median home value of $187,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions River Road in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $787, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,016 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,118 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (517 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in River Road shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in River Road have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.5% of River Road 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 18.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in River Road?
The median household income in River Road, NC is $47,978 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in River Road?
The median home value in River Road, NC is $187,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in River Road?
The median monthly rent in River Road, NC is $787, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in River Road?
The unemployment rate in River Road, NC is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is River Road, NC a good place to live?
River Road offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,518 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is River Road, NC?
28.5% of residents in River Road 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 Road?
Key cost-of-living indicators for River Road, NC: median home value is $187,700 (23% below national), median rent is $787/month, and median household income is $47,978. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in River Road?
The poverty rate in River Road, NC is 21.0%, 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 River Road, NC?
River Road's population is 18.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 18.2% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.