Rowland, NC
Population 972 · North Carolina
About Rowland, NC
Rowland is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 972 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,667 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 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 Rowland features a median home value of $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rowland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $702, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 550 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (268 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (198 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rowland shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rowland have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Rowland 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 0.0% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rowland, NC
Compared to national averages, Rowland has a median household income of $31,667 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,700, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $702 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rowland's income is 51% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 53% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rowland, NC?
Rowland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $702/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,667) that falls below the national average. However, Rowland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rowland has a population of 972 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Rowland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rowland
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manns Harbor | 972 | $27,087 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Barker Ten Mile | 976 | $77,841 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Castle Hayne | 978 | $69,729 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Patterson Springs | 980 | $55,625 | $116,000 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 981 | $28,542 | $83,900 | Compare |
| Maysville | 982 | $57,969 | $141,800 | Compare |
| White Lake | 961 | $76,667 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Cooleemee | 984 | $49,135 | $134,200 | 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 Rowland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rowland
What is the population of Rowland, NC?
The population of Rowland, NC is 972 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Rowland?
The median household income in Rowland, NC is $31,667 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rowland?
The median home value in Rowland, NC is $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rowland?
The median monthly rent in Rowland, NC is $702, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rowland?
The unemployment rate in Rowland, NC is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rowland, NC a good place to live?
Rowland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 972 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rowland, NC?
14.8% of residents in Rowland 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 Rowland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rowland, NC: median home value is $108,700 (56% below national), median rent is $702/month, and median household income is $31,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rowland?
The poverty rate in Rowland, NC is 33.3%, 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 Rowland, NC?
Rowland's population is 0.0% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 68.9% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.