East Forest, Charlotte, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,673
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,919/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,093
-1.4% year-over-year change

East Forest population

How many people live in East Forest

East Forest is home to 12,673 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of East Forest locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
12,673
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
6,302
Female
50.3%
6,372
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,302 49.7% 0.2%
Female 6,372 50.3% -0.9%
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 East Forest is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.3% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.4% of the population, while another 20.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.3%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
32.4%
45 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,076 24.3% 2.9%
15 to 24 1,670 13.2% 3.1%
25 to 44 4,102 32.4% -1.4%
45 to 64 2,544 20.1% -8.4%
Over 65 1,280 10.1% 9.2%
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

In East Forest, 68.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 21.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.3% of locals are Caucasian, 35.1% are African American and 7.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
21.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,656 68.3% -3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,268 10% 7.5%
Non-citizens 2,749 21.7% 6.3%
Racial breakdown
White
23.3%
Black or African American
35.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
20.7%
Value Percent
White 2,958 23.3%
Black or African American 4,448 35.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 96 0.8%
Asian 1,000 7.9%
Two or more races 1,545 12.2%
Other 2,628 20.7%

Households in East Forest

A peek inside East Forest households

East Forest has 4,665 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.9% are families, while the remaining 41.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,665
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,917
Family households
2,748
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,917 41.1% -1.1%
Family households 2,748 58.9% -2.8%
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 East Forest

The housing landscape of East Forest

East Forest's housing consists of 5,093 units, with 45% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,093
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,292 45%
1 unit, attached 252 5%
2 units 12 0.2%
3 or 4 units 242 4.8%
5 to 9 units 693 13.6%
10 to 19 units 767 15.1%
20 to 49 units 543 10.7%
50 or more units 245 4.8%
Mobile home 35 0.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
19
137.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Forest

In East Forest, the median construction year is 1984. About 0.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 28 0.6% -26.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 57 1.1% 83.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 240 4.7% -22.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 577 11.3% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,412 27.7% -2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,421 27.9% 0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 620 12.2% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 474 9.3% -0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 244 4.8% 15.1%
Built in 2020 or later 19 0.4% 137.5%
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.

East Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 4,665 occupied housing units in East Forest, 41.2% are owner-occupied, while 58.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,665
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,745
Owner occupied
1,920
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,745 58.8% -4.0%
Owner occupied 1,920 41.2% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

East Forest housing costs

Housing costs in East Forest come to a median of $1,360 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,408.

Median housing costs per month
$1,360/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in East Forest
$1,408/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in East Forest

East Forest education at a glance

About 37.9% of the population in East Forest went to high school, while 20.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,135 12.5% 4.2%
High school diploma 3,437 37.9% 0.9%
College diploma 1,839 20.3% -9.1%
Associate degree 676 7.4% 5.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,335 14.7% -7.7%
Graduate degree 653 7.2% -0.1%
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 East Forest

How much people earn in East Forest

The average annual household income in East Forest was $69,582 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,919, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Forest
$69,582/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Forest
$64,919/year
2.4% year-over-year change

East Forest income by age

In East Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,269. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,112 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,282, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,152 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,282 10.8%
25 - 44 $72,269 6.0%
45 - 64 $74,112 0.6%
Over 65 $50,152 3.1%
Above poverty level
10,327
Below poverty level
1,938
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,327 84.2% -0.3%
Below poverty level 1,938 15.8% 0.7%

Employment in East Forest

Workforce and job types in East Forest

65.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 77.3% are employed by private companies, and 7.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,119
Blue collar
2,140
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,119 65.8% -5.1%
Blue collar 2,140 34.2% 2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
77.3%
Governmental workers
7.2%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 544 8.7% 13.3%
Private companies 4,838 77.3% -6.2%
Governmental workers 448 7.2% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 429 6.8% 26.6%

Transportation in East Forest

How people get around in East Forest

In East Forest, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,755 96.4% -4.1%
Taxicab 5 0.1% -44.4%
Bus or trolleybus 139 2.8% -26.5%
Bicycle 1 0% 0.0%
Walk 31 0.6% -18.4%
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 East Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28212 42,440 15,649 $52,723 $69,715
28227 60,482 21,910 $77,115 $101,976

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FAQs about East Forest demographics 

What is the total population of East Forest?

East Forest has a total population of 12,673 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Forest?

The gender ratio in East Forest is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (6,302 residents)
  • 50.3% females (6,372 residents)

What is the median age in East Forest?

The median age in East Forest is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Forest?

The age distribution in East Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.3% (3,076 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (1,670 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.4% (4,102 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.1% (2,544 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.1% (1,280 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Forest is as follows:
  • White: 23.3% (2,958 residents)
  • Black or African American: 35.1% (4,448 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (96 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (1,000 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (1,545 residents)
  • Other: 20.7% (2,628 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.3% of the population in East Forest.

How many housing units are there in East Forest?

There are 5,093 housing units in East Forest, reflecting a -1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Forest has a total of 4,665 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Forest?

East Forest has a median household income of $64,919, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Forest?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.8% (4,119 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.2% (2,140 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (544 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.3% (4,838 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.2% (448 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (429 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