Saluda, NC
Population 676 · North Carolina
About Saluda, NC
Saluda is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 676 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,946 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60 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 Saluda features a median home value of $321,000, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Saluda in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,339, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 524 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (234 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Saluda shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Saluda have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.8% of Saluda 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 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Saluda, NC
Compared to national averages, Saluda has a median household income of $52,946 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $321,000, which is 31% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,339 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Saluda's income is 18% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 40% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Saluda, NC?
Saluda offers a well-educated community where 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,946) that falls below the national average. However, Saluda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saluda has a population of 676 with a median age of 60 years. Compare Saluda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Saluda
What is the population of Saluda, NC?
The population of Saluda, NC is 676 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 Saluda?
The median household income in Saluda, NC is $52,946 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saluda?
The median home value in Saluda, NC is $321,000, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Saluda?
The median monthly rent in Saluda, NC is $1,339, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saluda?
The unemployment rate in Saluda, NC is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Saluda, NC a good place to live?
Saluda offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 676 and a median age of 60, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Saluda, NC?
50.8% of residents in Saluda 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 Saluda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saluda, NC: median home value is $321,000 (31% above national), median rent is $1,339/month, and median household income is $52,946. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Saluda?
The poverty rate in Saluda, NC is 18.8%, 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 Saluda, NC?
Saluda's population is 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.