Williamston, NC
Population 5,157 · North Carolina
About Williamston, NC
Williamston is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 5,157 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,556 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Williamston features a median home value of $108,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Williamston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $621, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,839 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (1,252 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (1,164 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Williamston 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 30.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Williamston have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of Williamston 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 6.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Williamston Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Williamston, NC
Compared to national averages, Williamston has a median household income of $40,556 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,900, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $621 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Williamston's income is 37% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 52% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Williamston, NC?
Williamston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $621/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,556) that falls below the national average. However, Williamston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Williamston has a population of 5,157 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Williamston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Williamston
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whispering Pines | 5,081 | $112,517 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Westport | 5,079 | $132,206 | $537,800 | Compare |
| Archer Lodge | 5,036 | $98,170 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Ayden | 5,035 | $41,711 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Sawmills | 5,027 | $56,534 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Pleasant Garden | 4,989 | $88,482 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Long View | 4,967 | $44,156 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Wadesboro | 4,966 | $34,125 | $98,600 | 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 Williamston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Williamston
What is the population of Williamston, NC?
The population of Williamston, NC is 5,157 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 Williamston?
The median household income in Williamston, NC is $40,556 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Williamston?
The median home value in Williamston, NC is $108,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Williamston?
The median monthly rent in Williamston, NC is $621, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Williamston?
The unemployment rate in Williamston, 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 Williamston, NC a good place to live?
Williamston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,157 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Williamston, NC?
13.5% of residents in Williamston 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 Williamston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Williamston, NC: median home value is $108,900 (56% below national), median rent is $621/month, and median household income is $40,556. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Williamston?
The poverty rate in Williamston, NC is 30.6%, 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 Williamston, NC?
Williamston's population is 6.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 48.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.