Walnut Creek, NC
Population 1,684 · North Carolina
About Walnut Creek, NC
Walnut Creek is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,684 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $145,417 per year, which is 94% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 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 Walnut Creek features a median home value of $423,800, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. This places Walnut Creek in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,756, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 599 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (501 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (65 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Walnut Creek 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 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Walnut Creek have an average one-way commute time of 28.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.0% of Walnut Creek residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Walnut Creek Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Walnut Creek, NC
Compared to national averages, Walnut Creek has a median household income of $145,417 (94% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $423,800, which is 73% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,756 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Walnut Creek's income is 126% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 85% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Walnut Creek, NC?
Walnut Creek offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $145,417, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 68.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $423,800. However, Walnut Creek’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Walnut Creek has a population of 1,684 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Walnut Creek with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Walnut Creek
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
| Horse Shoe | 1,699 | $67,703 | $396,400 | Compare |
| Lake Waccamaw | 1,666 | $79,844 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Hertford | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Atlantic Beach | 1,705 | $58,056 | $466,400 | Compare |
| Tryon | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Plain View | 1,647 | $75,058 | $205,700 | Compare |
| Pinebluff | 1,723 | $75,188 | $219,800 | 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 Walnut Creek With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Creek
What is the population of Walnut Creek, NC?
The population of Walnut Creek, NC is 1,684 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 Creek?
The median household income in Walnut Creek, NC is $145,417 per year, which is 94% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Walnut Creek?
The median home value in Walnut Creek, NC is $423,800, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Walnut Creek?
The median monthly rent in Walnut Creek, NC is $1,756, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Walnut Creek?
The unemployment rate in Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek, NC a good place to live?
Walnut Creek offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,684 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Walnut Creek, NC?
68.0% of residents in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Walnut Creek, NC: median home value is $423,800 (73% above national), median rent is $1,756/month, and median household income is $145,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Walnut Creek?
The poverty rate in Walnut Creek, NC is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Walnut Creek, NC?
Walnut Creek's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.