Washington, NC
Population 9,754 · North Carolina
About Washington, NC
Washington is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 9,754 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,723 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.4 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 Washington features a median home value of $193,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Washington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $813, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,372 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (2,380 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (2,301 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Washington shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Washington have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Washington 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 2.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Washington, NC
Compared to national averages, Washington has a median household income of $41,723 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,800, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $813 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Washington's income is 35% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Washington, NC?
Washington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $813/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,723) that falls below the national average. However, Washington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Washington has a population of 9,754 with a median age of 49.4 years. Compare Washington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Washington
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morehead City | 9,696 | $53,718 | $330,900 | Compare |
| Hillsborough | 9,656 | $98,467 | $430,100 | Compare |
| St. Stephens | 9,409 | $57,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,308 | $106,836 | $522,300 | Compare |
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Waynesville | 10,408 | $50,554 | $254,800 | 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 Washington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington
What is the population of Washington, NC?
The population of Washington, NC is 9,754 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 Washington?
The median household income in Washington, NC is $41,723 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Washington?
The median home value in Washington, NC is $193,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Washington?
The median monthly rent in Washington, NC is $813, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Washington?
The unemployment rate in Washington, NC is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Washington, NC a good place to live?
Washington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,754 and a median age of 49.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Washington, NC?
22.7% of residents in Washington 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 Washington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Washington, NC: median home value is $193,800 (21% below national), median rent is $813/month, and median household income is $41,723. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Washington?
The poverty rate in Washington, NC is 19.7%, 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 Washington, NC?
Washington's population is 2.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 43.3% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.