Royal Pines, NC
Population 4,528 · North Carolina
About Royal Pines, NC
Royal Pines is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,528 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,956 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Royal Pines features a median home value of $369,500, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. This places Royal Pines in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,397, 20% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,093 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,613 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (241 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Royal Pines shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Royal Pines have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.4% of Royal Pines residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Royal Pines, NC
Compared to national averages, Royal Pines has a median household income of $105,956 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $369,500, which is 51% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,397 is 20% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Royal Pines's income is 64% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 61% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Royal Pines, NC?
Royal Pines offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,956, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $369,500. However, Royal Pines’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Royal Pines has a population of 4,528 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Royal Pines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Royal Pines
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Ridge | 4,532 | $106,230 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Raeford | 4,545 | $43,311 | $177,900 | Compare |
| Ranlo | 4,556 | $75,843 | $184,500 | 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 |
| Shallotte | 4,465 | $75,642 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Randleman | 4,611 | $51,852 | $164,100 | 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 Royal Pines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Pines
What is the population of Royal Pines, NC?
The population of Royal Pines, NC is 4,528 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 Royal Pines?
The median household income in Royal Pines, NC is $105,956 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Royal Pines?
The median home value in Royal Pines, NC is $369,500, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Royal Pines?
The median monthly rent in Royal Pines, NC is $1,397, which is 20% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Royal Pines?
The unemployment rate in Royal Pines, NC is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Royal Pines, NC a good place to live?
Royal Pines offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,528 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Royal Pines, NC?
54.4% of residents in Royal Pines aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Royal Pines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Royal Pines, NC: median home value is $369,500 (51% above national), median rent is $1,397/month, and median household income is $105,956. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Royal Pines?
The poverty rate in Royal Pines, NC is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Royal Pines, NC?
Royal Pines's population is 1.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.