Sawmills, NC
Population 5,027 · North Carolina
About Sawmills, NC
Sawmills is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 5,027 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,534 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Sawmills features a median home value of $180,500, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sawmills in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,390 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,322 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (641 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sawmills shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sawmills have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.1% of Sawmills 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 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sawmills, NC
Compared to national averages, Sawmills has a median household income of $56,534 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,500, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Sawmills's income is 12% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 21% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Sawmills, NC?
Sawmills offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,534) that falls below the national average. However, Sawmills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sawmills has a population of 5,027 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Sawmills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sawmills
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayden | 5,035 | $41,711 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Archer Lodge | 5,036 | $98,170 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Garden | 4,989 | $88,482 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Westport | 5,079 | $132,206 | $537,800 | Compare |
| Whispering Pines | 5,081 | $112,517 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Long View | 4,967 | $44,156 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Wadesboro | 4,966 | $34,125 | $98,600 | Compare |
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | 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 Sawmills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sawmills
What is the population of Sawmills, NC?
The population of Sawmills, NC is 5,027 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 Sawmills?
The median household income in Sawmills, NC is $56,534 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sawmills?
The median home value in Sawmills, NC is $180,500, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sawmills?
The median monthly rent in Sawmills, NC is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sawmills?
The unemployment rate in Sawmills, NC is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sawmills, NC a good place to live?
Sawmills offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,027 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sawmills, NC?
16.1% of residents in Sawmills 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 Sawmills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sawmills, NC: median home value is $180,500 (26% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $56,534. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sawmills?
The poverty rate in Sawmills, NC is 13.7%, 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 Sawmills, NC?
Sawmills's population is 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.