Walnut Cove, NC
Population 2,046 · North Carolina
About Walnut Cove, NC
Walnut Cove is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,046 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,700 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Walnut Cove features a median home value of $184,100, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Walnut Cove in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $642, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 800 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (377 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (345 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Walnut Cove shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Walnut Cove have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.3% of Walnut Cove 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 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Walnut Cove, NC
Compared to national averages, Walnut Cove has a median household income of $44,700 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $184,100, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $642 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Walnut Cove's income is 31% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 20% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Walnut Cove, NC?
Walnut Cove offers affordable housing with a median home value of $184,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $642/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,700) that falls below the national average. However, Walnut Cove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Walnut Cove has a population of 2,046 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Walnut Cove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Walnut Cove
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont | 2,051 | $59,583 | $227,200 | Compare |
| Salem | 2,035 | $66,653 | $159,300 | Compare |
| Ramseur | 2,061 | $29,508 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Coats | 2,029 | $38,098 | $116,800 | Compare |
| Pine Level | 2,072 | $72,663 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Hemby Bridge | 2,079 | $71,953 | $262,300 | Compare |
| Cedar Point | 2,005 | $91,853 | $421,400 | Compare |
| Scotland Neck | 2,087 | $18,202 | $76,100 | 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 Walnut Cove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Cove
What is the population of Walnut Cove, NC?
The population of Walnut Cove, NC is 2,046 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 Walnut Cove?
The median household income in Walnut Cove, NC is $44,700 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Walnut Cove?
The median home value in Walnut Cove, NC is $184,100, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Walnut Cove?
The median monthly rent in Walnut Cove, NC is $642, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Walnut Cove?
The unemployment rate in Walnut Cove, NC is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Walnut Cove, NC a good place to live?
Walnut Cove offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,046 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Walnut Cove, NC?
17.3% of residents in Walnut Cove 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 Walnut Cove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Walnut Cove, NC: median home value is $184,100 (25% below national), median rent is $642/month, and median household income is $44,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Walnut Cove?
The poverty rate in Walnut Cove, NC is 13.8%, 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 Walnut Cove, NC?
Walnut Cove's population is 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 27.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.