Selma, NC
Population 6,611 · North Carolina
About Selma, NC
Selma is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,611 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,440 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Selma features a median home value of $161,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Selma in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $824, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,974 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (1,175 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (1,518 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Selma shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 27.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Selma have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.5% of Selma 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 13.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Black or African American, and 9.0% Asian residents, with 12.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Selma, NC
Compared to national averages, Selma has a median household income of $37,440 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,100, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $824 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Selma's income is 42% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 30% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Selma, NC?
Selma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $824/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,440) that falls below the national average. However, Selma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Selma has a population of 6,611 with a median age of 33.6 years. Compare Selma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Selma
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Beach | 6,665 | $88,239 | $487,800 | Compare |
| Marvin | 6,542 | $250,001 | $860,600 | Compare |
| East Flat Rock | 6,468 | $59,679 | $207,400 | Compare |
| Unionville | 6,826 | $92,009 | $312,200 | Compare |
| St. James | 6,901 | $113,670 | $599,300 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 6,242 | $73,277 | $287,500 | Compare |
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,206 | $59,750 | $260,400 | Compare |
| Trinity | 7,066 | $80,349 | $187,700 | 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 Selma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Selma
What is the population of Selma, NC?
The population of Selma, NC is 6,611 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 Selma?
The median household income in Selma, NC is $37,440 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Selma?
The median home value in Selma, NC is $161,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Selma?
The median monthly rent in Selma, NC is $824, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Selma?
The unemployment rate in Selma, NC is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Selma, NC a good place to live?
Selma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,611 and a median age of 33.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Selma, NC?
12.5% of residents in Selma 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 Selma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Selma, NC: median home value is $161,100 (34% below national), median rent is $824/month, and median household income is $37,440. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Selma?
The poverty rate in Selma, NC is 27.1%, 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 Selma, NC?
Selma's population is 13.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Black or African American, 9.0% Asian, and 42.4% two or more races. 12.7% of residents are foreign-born.