Silver Lake, NC
Population 6,242 · North Carolina
About Silver Lake, NC
Silver Lake is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,242 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,277 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Silver Lake features a median home value of $287,500, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Silver Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,289, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,754 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (2,101 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (572 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Silver Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Silver Lake have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.0% of Silver Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.4% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 9.5% Asian residents, with 7.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Silver Lake, NC
Compared to national averages, Silver Lake has a median household income of $73,277 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $287,500, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,289 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Silver Lake's income is 14% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 26% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Silver Lake, NC?
Silver Lake offers a low poverty rate of 10.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,277) that falls below the national average. However, Silver Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Silver Lake has a population of 6,242 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Silver Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Silver Lake
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,206 | $59,750 | $260,400 | Compare |
| Cherryville | 6,154 | $58,701 | $198,000 | Compare |
| Briar Chapel | 6,084 | $154,583 | $508,300 | Compare |
| Swannanoa | 6,043 | $72,978 | $270,800 | Compare |
| East Flat Rock | 6,468 | $59,679 | $207,400 | Compare |
| Dallas | 6,012 | $57,755 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Mocksville | 6,001 | $55,544 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Hamlet | 6,000 | $38,500 | $103,800 | 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 Silver Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Lake
What is the population of Silver Lake, NC?
The population of Silver Lake, NC is 6,242 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 Silver Lake?
The median household income in Silver Lake, NC is $73,277 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Silver Lake?
The median home value in Silver Lake, NC is $287,500, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Silver Lake?
The median monthly rent in Silver Lake, NC is $1,289, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Silver Lake?
The unemployment rate in Silver Lake, NC is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Silver Lake, NC a good place to live?
Silver Lake offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,242 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Silver Lake, NC?
31.0% of residents in Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Silver Lake, NC: median home value is $287,500 (17% above national), median rent is $1,289/month, and median household income is $73,277. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Silver Lake?
The poverty rate in Silver Lake, NC is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Silver Lake, NC?
Silver Lake's population is 7.4% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 9.5% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 7.4% of residents are foreign-born.