Tarboro, NC
Population 10,705 · North Carolina
About Tarboro, NC
Tarboro is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 10,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,386 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.9 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 Tarboro features a median home value of $155,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tarboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $698, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,379 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,720 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,051 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tarboro shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tarboro have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Tarboro 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 5.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tarboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Tarboro has a median household income of $49,386 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,500, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $698 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Tarboro's income is 23% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 32% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Tarboro, NC?
Tarboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $698/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,386) that falls below the national average. However, Tarboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tarboro has a population of 10,705 with a median age of 48.9 years. Compare Tarboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Tarboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Airy | 10,631 | $39,873 | $176,600 | Compare |
| Pineville | 10,780 | $64,257 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Winterville | 10,624 | $82,783 | $226,600 | Compare |
| Waynesville | 10,408 | $50,554 | $254,800 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | Compare |
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | 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 Tarboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarboro
What is the population of Tarboro, NC?
The population of Tarboro, NC is 10,705 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 Tarboro?
The median household income in Tarboro, NC is $49,386 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tarboro?
The median home value in Tarboro, NC is $155,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tarboro?
The median monthly rent in Tarboro, NC is $698, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tarboro?
The unemployment rate in Tarboro, NC is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Tarboro, NC a good place to live?
Tarboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,705 and a median age of 48.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tarboro, NC?
25.4% of residents in Tarboro 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 Tarboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tarboro, NC: median home value is $155,500 (37% below national), median rent is $698/month, and median household income is $49,386. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tarboro?
The poverty rate in Tarboro, NC is 19.8%, 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 Tarboro, NC?
Tarboro's population is 5.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 51.7% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.