Wadesboro, NC
Population 4,966 · North Carolina
About Wadesboro, NC
Wadesboro is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,125 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wadesboro features a median home value of $98,600, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wadesboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $921, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,286 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (1,103 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (768 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wadesboro shows an unemployment rate of 12.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wadesboro have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of Wadesboro 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 0.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wadesboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Wadesboro has a median household income of $34,125 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,600, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $921 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wadesboro's income is 47% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 57% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wadesboro, NC?
Wadesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $921/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,125) that falls below the national average. However, Wadesboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wadesboro has a population of 4,966 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Wadesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wadesboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long View | 4,967 | $44,156 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Pleasant Garden | 4,989 | $88,482 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Granite Falls | 4,921 | $74,250 | $203,100 | Compare |
| Sawmills | 5,027 | $56,534 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Ayden | 5,035 | $41,711 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Archer Lodge | 5,036 | $98,170 | $285,600 | Compare |
| James City | 4,859 | $63,835 | $175,700 | 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 Wadesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wadesboro
What is the population of Wadesboro, NC?
The population of Wadesboro, NC is 4,966 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 Wadesboro?
The median household income in Wadesboro, NC is $34,125 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wadesboro?
The median home value in Wadesboro, NC is $98,600, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wadesboro?
The median monthly rent in Wadesboro, NC is $921, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wadesboro?
The unemployment rate in Wadesboro, NC is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wadesboro, NC a good place to live?
Wadesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,966 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wadesboro, NC?
15.5% of residents in Wadesboro 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 Wadesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wadesboro, NC: median home value is $98,600 (60% below national), median rent is $921/month, and median household income is $34,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wadesboro?
The poverty rate in Wadesboro, NC is 30.0%, 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 Wadesboro, NC?
Wadesboro's population is 0.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 65.5% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.