St. Pauls, NC
Population 2,628 · North Carolina
About St. Pauls, NC
St. Pauls is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,628 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,667 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Pauls features a median home value of $118,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Pauls one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $774, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,047 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (500 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (458 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Pauls shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Pauls have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.0% of St. Pauls 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 31.1% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 19.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Pauls, NC
Compared to national averages, St. Pauls has a median household income of $33,667 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,300, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $774 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, St. Pauls's income is 48% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 48% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in St. Pauls, NC?
St. Pauls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $774/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,667) that falls below the national average. However, St. Pauls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Pauls has a population of 2,628 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare St. Pauls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near St. Pauls
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobaccoville | 2,632 | $78,591 | $227,200 | Compare |
| Wilson's Mills | 2,652 | $61,677 | $228,700 | Compare |
| Sylva | 2,600 | $41,926 | $195,500 | Compare |
| Cape Carteret | 2,598 | $75,313 | $347,500 | Compare |
| Grifton | 2,661 | $36,664 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Marshville | 2,586 | $60,784 | $147,100 | Compare |
| Wentworth | 2,670 | $67,455 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Haw River | 2,581 | $67,366 | $142,200 | 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 St. Pauls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Pauls
What is the population of St. Pauls, NC?
The population of St. Pauls, NC is 2,628 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. Pauls?
The median household income in St. Pauls, NC is $33,667 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Pauls?
The median home value in St. Pauls, NC is $118,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Pauls?
The median monthly rent in St. Pauls, NC is $774, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Pauls?
The unemployment rate in St. Pauls, NC is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Pauls, NC a good place to live?
St. Pauls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,628 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Pauls, NC?
8.0% of residents in St. Pauls 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 St. Pauls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Pauls, NC: median home value is $118,300 (52% below national), median rent is $774/month, and median household income is $33,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in St. Pauls?
The poverty rate in St. Pauls, NC is 38.9%, 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 St. Pauls, NC?
St. Pauls's population is 31.1% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 21.8% two or more races. 19.9% of residents are foreign-born.