St. Stephens, NC
Population 9,409 · North Carolina
About St. Stephens, NC
St. Stephens is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 9,409 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,882 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Stephens features a median home value of $187,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions St. Stephens in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $864, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,092 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (3,200 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (713 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Stephens shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Stephens have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of St. Stephens 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 12.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Stephens, NC
Compared to national averages, St. Stephens has a median household income of $57,882 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,500, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $864 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, St. Stephens's income is 10% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in St. Stephens, NC?
St. Stephens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $864/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,882) that falls below the national average. However, St. Stephens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Stephens has a population of 9,409 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare St. Stephens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near St. Stephens
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,308 | $106,836 | $522,300 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Hillsborough | 9,656 | $98,467 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Morehead City | 9,696 | $53,718 | $330,900 | Compare |
| Rockingham | 9,094 | $36,695 | $133,900 | Compare |
| Washington | 9,754 | $41,723 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Kings Grant | 9,061 | $60,009 | $258,200 | 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. Stephens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Stephens
What is the population of St. Stephens, NC?
The population of St. Stephens, NC is 9,409 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. Stephens?
The median household income in St. Stephens, NC is $57,882 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Stephens?
The median home value in St. Stephens, NC is $187,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Stephens?
The median monthly rent in St. Stephens, NC is $864, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Stephens?
The unemployment rate in St. Stephens, NC is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is St. Stephens, NC a good place to live?
St. Stephens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,409 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Stephens, NC?
24.0% of residents in St. Stephens 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. Stephens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Stephens, NC: median home value is $187,500 (23% below national), median rent is $864/month, and median household income is $57,882. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Stephens?
The poverty rate in St. Stephens, NC is 16.7%, 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. Stephens, NC?
St. Stephens's population is 12.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.