Spruce Pine, NC
Population 2,381 · North Carolina
About Spruce Pine, NC
Spruce Pine is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,381 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,583 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Spruce Pine features a median home value of $202,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Spruce Pine in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $735, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,153 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (672 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (341 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spruce Pine shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spruce Pine have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Spruce Pine 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 9.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Spruce Pine, NC
Compared to national averages, Spruce Pine has a median household income of $47,583 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,300, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $735 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Spruce Pine's income is 26% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 12% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Spruce Pine, NC?
Spruce Pine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $735/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,583) that falls below the national average. However, Spruce Pine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spruce Pine has a population of 2,381 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Spruce Pine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Spruce Pine
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylorsville | 2,386 | $48,542 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Yanceyville | 2,376 | $28,662 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Richlands | 2,387 | $61,607 | $217,800 | Compare |
| Four Oaks | 2,372 | $69,974 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Laurel Park | 2,391 | $89,107 | $393,400 | Compare |
| Calabash | 2,397 | $60,048 | $202,000 | Compare |
| Maxton | 2,398 | $22,632 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Neuse Forest | 2,406 | $88,333 | $194,200 | 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 Spruce Pine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spruce Pine
What is the population of Spruce Pine, NC?
The population of Spruce Pine, NC is 2,381 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 Spruce Pine?
The median household income in Spruce Pine, NC is $47,583 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spruce Pine?
The median home value in Spruce Pine, NC is $202,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Spruce Pine?
The median monthly rent in Spruce Pine, NC is $735, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spruce Pine?
The unemployment rate in Spruce Pine, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Spruce Pine, NC a good place to live?
Spruce Pine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,381 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Spruce Pine, NC?
20.1% of residents in Spruce Pine 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 Spruce Pine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spruce Pine, NC: median home value is $202,300 (17% below national), median rent is $735/month, and median household income is $47,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Spruce Pine?
The poverty rate in Spruce Pine, NC is 18.2%, 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 Spruce Pine, NC?
Spruce Pine's population is 9.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.