Spring Lake, NC
Population 11,613 · North Carolina
About Spring Lake, NC
Spring Lake is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 11,613 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,497 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.4 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 Spring Lake features a median home value of $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Spring Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,228, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,161 total housing units, 21% are owner-occupied (927 units) and 79% are renter-occupied (3,394 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 Spring Lake shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spring Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Spring 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 5.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Spring Lake, NC
Compared to national averages, Spring Lake has a median household income of $50,497 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,300, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,228 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Spring Lake's income is 22% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 56% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Spring Lake, NC?
Spring Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,300, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,497) that falls below the national average. However, Spring Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spring Lake has a population of 11,613 with a median age of 25.4 years. Compare Spring Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Spring Lake
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wendell | 11,585 | $93,848 | $316,700 | Compare |
| Lincolnton | 11,503 | $43,294 | $224,600 | Compare |
| Kings Mountain | 11,472 | $45,507 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Smithfield | 11,798 | $37,827 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | Compare |
| Archdale | 11,992 | $64,984 | $188,200 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | 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 Spring Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Lake
What is the population of Spring Lake, NC?
The population of Spring Lake, NC is 11,613 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 Spring Lake?
The median household income in Spring Lake, NC is $50,497 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spring Lake?
The median home value in Spring Lake, NC is $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Spring Lake?
The median monthly rent in Spring Lake, NC is $1,228, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spring Lake?
The unemployment rate in Spring Lake, NC is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Spring Lake, NC a good place to live?
Spring Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,613 and a median age of 25.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Spring Lake, NC?
24.8% of residents in Spring 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 Spring Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spring Lake, NC: median home value is $101,300 (59% below national), median rent is $1,228/month, and median household income is $50,497. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Spring Lake?
The poverty rate in Spring Lake, NC is 20.9%, 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 Spring Lake, NC?
Spring Lake's population is 5.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 35.7% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.