Zebulon, NC
Population 7,961 · North Carolina
About Zebulon, NC
Zebulon is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 7,961 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,940 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Zebulon features a median home value of $275,400, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Zebulon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,038, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,195 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,728 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,311 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Zebulon shows an unemployment rate of 10.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Zebulon have an average one-way commute time of 31.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Zebulon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 17.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 17.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Zebulon, NC
Compared to national averages, Zebulon has a median household income of $58,940 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $275,400, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,038 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Zebulon's income is 9% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 20% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Zebulon, NC?
Zebulon offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,038/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,940) that falls below the national average. However, Zebulon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Zebulon has a population of 7,961 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Zebulon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Zebulon
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodfin | 7,957 | $62,759 | $326,600 | Compare |
| Butner | 7,996 | $72,917 | $225,600 | Compare |
| Siler City | 7,905 | $51,751 | $154,900 | Compare |
| Fletcher | 8,022 | $75,117 | $324,000 | Compare |
| Brevard | 7,795 | $44,356 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Half Moon | 7,780 | $61,848 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Roxboro | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Etowah | 7,765 | $73,000 | $313,500 | 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 Zebulon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Zebulon
What is the population of Zebulon, NC?
The population of Zebulon, NC is 7,961 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 Zebulon?
The median household income in Zebulon, NC is $58,940 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Zebulon?
The median home value in Zebulon, NC is $275,400, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Zebulon?
The median monthly rent in Zebulon, NC is $1,038, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Zebulon?
The unemployment rate in Zebulon, NC is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Zebulon, NC a good place to live?
Zebulon offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,961 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Zebulon, NC?
24.0% of residents in Zebulon 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 Zebulon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Zebulon, NC: median home value is $275,400 (12% above national), median rent is $1,038/month, and median household income is $58,940. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Zebulon?
The poverty rate in Zebulon, NC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Zebulon, NC?
Zebulon's population is 17.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 38.5% two or more races. 17.6% of residents are foreign-born.