St. James, NC
Population 6,901 · North Carolina
About St. James, NC
St. James is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,901 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,670 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 68.1 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 St. James features a median home value of $599,300, which is 145% above the national median of $244,900. This places St. James in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,258, 94% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,881 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (3,224 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (145 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. James shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in St. James have an average one-way commute time of 52.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
65.7% of St. James 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, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How St. James Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in St. James, NC
Compared to national averages, St. James has a median household income of $113,670 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $599,300, which is 145% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,258 is 94% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, St. James's income is 76% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 162% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in St. James, NC?
St. James offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,670, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 65.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $599,300. However, St. James’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. James has a population of 6,901 with a median age of 68.1 years. Compare St. James with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near St. James
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unionville | 6,826 | $92,009 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Trinity | 7,066 | $80,349 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Porters Neck | 7,102 | $115,417 | $525,100 | Compare |
| Carolina Beach | 6,665 | $88,239 | $487,800 | Compare |
| Selma | 6,611 | $37,440 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Mills River | 7,214 | $88,359 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Marvin | 6,542 | $250,001 | $860,600 | Compare |
| Cullowhee | 7,300 | $35,076 | $0 | 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 St. James With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. James
What is the population of St. James, NC?
The population of St. James, NC is 6,901 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 St. James?
The median household income in St. James, NC is $113,670 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. James?
The median home value in St. James, NC is $599,300, which is 145% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. James?
The median monthly rent in St. James, NC is $2,258, which is 94% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. James?
The unemployment rate in St. James, NC is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. James, NC a good place to live?
St. James offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,901 and a median age of 68.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is St. James, NC?
65.7% of residents in St. James 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 St. James?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. James, NC: median home value is $599,300 (145% above national), median rent is $2,258/month, and median household income is $113,670. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in St. James?
The poverty rate in St. James, NC is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is St. James, NC?
St. James's population is 1.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.