Balsam, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
461
-20.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
349
-13.6% year-over-year change

Balsam population

How many people live in Balsam

Balsam is home to 461 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Balsam locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
461
-20.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
221
Female
52.1%
240
Value Percent YoY change
Male 221 47.9% -28.0%
Female 240 52.1% -12.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Balsam is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 20.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 6.5% of the population, while another 31% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
20.6%
25 to 44
6.5%
45 to 64
31%
Over 65
27.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 68 14.8% -21.8%
15 to 24 95 20.6% 251.8%
25 to 44 30 6.5% -75.8%
45 to 64 143 31% -27.8%
Over 65 125 27.1% -13.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 461 100% -20.5%
Racial breakdown
White
98.7%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 455 98.7%
Black or African American 6 1.3%

Households in Balsam

A peek inside Balsam households

Balsam has 199 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
199
-24.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
74
Family households
125
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 74 37.2% -35.6%
Family households 125 62.8% -15.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Balsam

The housing landscape of Balsam

Balsam's housing consists of 349 units, with 86% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 14% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
349
-13.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 300 86%
Mobile home 49 14%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Balsam

In Balsam, the median construction year is 1980. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 16 4.6% -78.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 26 7.4% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7 2% 75.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 132 37.8% 22.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 86 24.6% -28.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 58 16.6% 26.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24 6.9% -4.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Balsam occupancy rates

Out of the 199 occupied housing units in Balsam, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 43% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
199
-24.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64
Owner occupied
135
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64 32.2% -28.9%
Owner occupied 135 67.8% -22.0%
Unoccupied housing units
43.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Education in Balsam

Balsam education at a glance

About 21.4% of the population in Balsam went to high school, while 8.4% pursued college studies. Another 1.8% earned an associate degree and 28% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 123 31.3% 0.8%
High school diploma 84 21.4% -31.1%
College diploma 33 8.4% -64.5%
Associate degree 7 1.8% 75.0%
Bachelor's degree 110 28% -13.4%
Graduate degree 36 9.2% 44.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Balsam

How much people earn in Balsam

The average annual household income in Balsam was $61,719 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Balsam
$61,719/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Balsam income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,875 overall. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $41,875 -0.2%
Above poverty level
401
Below poverty level
60
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 401 87% -25.1%
Below poverty level 60 13% 33.3%

Employment in Balsam

Workforce and job types in Balsam

82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

White collar
154
Blue collar
33
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 154 82.4% 4.8%
Blue collar 33 17.6% -69.2%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
54%
Governmental workers
46%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 101 54% -41.6%
Governmental workers 86 46% 177.4%

Transportation in Balsam

How people get around in Balsam

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 187 100% -26.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Balsam by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28707 461 199 $0 $61,996

Explore more communities

FAQs about Balsam demographics 

What is the total population of Balsam?

Balsam has a total population of 461 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -20.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Balsam?

The gender ratio in Balsam is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (221 residents)
  • 52.1% females (240 residents)

What is the median age in Balsam?

The median age in Balsam is 51.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Balsam?

The age distribution in Balsam is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (68 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.6% (95 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 6.5% (30 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31% (143 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.1% (125 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Balsam?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Balsam is as follows:
  • White: 98.7% (455 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% ( residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

What percentage of the population in Balsam are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Balsam.

How many housing units are there in Balsam?

There are 349 housing units in Balsam, reflecting a -13.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Balsam and what is the average household size?

Balsam has a total of 199 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the job market overview for Balsam?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (154 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (33 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% ( residents)
  • Private companies: 54% (101 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 46% (86 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% ( residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025