Southern Pines, NC
Population 16,052 · North Carolina
About Southern Pines, NC
Southern Pines is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 16,052 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,681 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Southern Pines features a median home value of $416,300, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. This places Southern Pines in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,215, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,711 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (4,191 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (3,176 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Southern Pines shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Southern Pines have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.7% of Southern 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 1.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Southern Pines, NC
Compared to national averages, Southern Pines has a median household income of $83,681 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $416,300, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,215 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Southern Pines's income is 30% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 82% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Southern Pines, NC?
Southern Pines offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,681, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $416,300. However, Southern Pines’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Southern Pines has a population of 16,052 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Southern Pines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Southern Pines
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock | 16,471 | $64,433 | $186,800 | Compare |
| Stallings | 16,495 | $106,074 | $381,700 | Compare |
| Albemarle | 16,527 | $52,825 | $186,100 | Compare |
| Eden | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | Compare |
| Belmont | 15,140 | $86,442 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Laurinburg | 15,079 | $39,258 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Roanoke Rapids | 15,024 | $53,981 | $129,400 | 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 Southern Pines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Pines
What is the population of Southern Pines, NC?
The population of Southern Pines, NC is 16,052 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Southern Pines?
The median household income in Southern Pines, NC is $83,681 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Southern Pines?
The median home value in Southern Pines, NC is $416,300, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Southern Pines?
The median monthly rent in Southern Pines, NC is $1,215, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Southern Pines?
The unemployment rate in Southern Pines, NC is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Southern Pines, NC a good place to live?
Southern Pines offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,052 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Southern Pines, NC?
54.7% of residents in Southern 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 Southern Pines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Southern Pines, NC: median home value is $416,300 (70% above national), median rent is $1,215/month, and median household income is $83,681. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Southern Pines?
The poverty rate in Southern Pines, NC is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Southern Pines, NC?
Southern Pines's population is 1.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.