Valdese, NC
Population 4,689 · North Carolina
About Valdese, NC
Valdese is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 4,689 residents. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Valdese is 53.2 years.
Housing in Valdese has a median home value of $171,300 and median monthly rent of $627. Of the 2,335 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,652 owner-occupied and 522 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Valdese is 4.8% and the poverty rate is 8.8%. 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 26.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Valdese
What is the population of Valdese, NC?
The population of Valdese, NC is 4,689 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Valdese?
The median household income in Valdese, NC is $61,250 per year.
What is the median home value in Valdese?
The median home value in Valdese, NC is $171,300.
What is the average rent in Valdese?
The median monthly rent in Valdese, NC is $627.
What is the unemployment rate in Valdese?
The unemployment rate in Valdese, NC is 4.8%.