Valdese, NC
Population 4,689 · North Carolina
About Valdese, NC
Valdese is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,689 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.2 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 Valdese features a median home value of $171,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Valdese in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $627, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,335 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,652 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (522 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valdese shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valdese have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.9% of Valdese 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 6.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valdese Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Valdese, NC
Compared to national averages, Valdese has a median household income of $61,250 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,300, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $627 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Valdese's income is 5% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 25% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Valdese, NC?
Valdese offers affordable housing with a median home value of $171,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $627/month, and a well-educated community where 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,250) that falls below the national average. However, Valdese’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valdese has a population of 4,689 with a median age of 53.2 years. Compare Valdese with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Valdese
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lillington | 4,683 | $63,393 | $219,600 | Compare |
| Whiteville | 4,721 | $38,004 | $173,100 | Compare |
| Pittsboro | 4,640 | $64,792 | $342,800 | Compare |
| Boiling Springs | 4,625 | $98,796 | $236,800 | Compare |
| Midland | 4,758 | $85,551 | $342,700 | Compare |
| Weaverville | 4,618 | $90,000 | $452,700 | Compare |
| Erwin | 4,617 | $50,077 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Beaufort | 4,613 | $48,111 | $319,700 | 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 Valdese With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valdese
What is the population of Valdese, NC?
The population of Valdese, NC is 4,689 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 Valdese?
The median household income in Valdese, NC is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valdese?
The median home value in Valdese, NC is $171,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valdese?
The median monthly rent in Valdese, NC is $627, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valdese?
The unemployment rate in Valdese, NC is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Valdese, NC a good place to live?
Valdese offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,689 and a median age of 53.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Valdese, NC?
37.9% of residents in Valdese 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 Valdese?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valdese, NC: median home value is $171,300 (30% below national), median rent is $627/month, and median household income is $61,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Valdese?
The poverty rate in Valdese, NC is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valdese, NC?
Valdese's population is 6.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.