Downing Creek, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
521
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$128,683/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
237
3.5% year-over-year change

Downing Creek population

How many people live in Downing Creek

Downing Creek is home to 521 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Downing Creek locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
521
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
258
Female
50.7%
264
Value Percent YoY change
Male 258 49.5% 2.4%
Female 264 50.7% 4.3%
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 Downing Creek is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
24.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 80 15.3% 1.3%
15 to 24 61 11.7% 8.9%
25 to 44 127 24.3% 0.0%
45 to 64 125 24% 5.0%
Over 65 129 24.7% 3.2%
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 Downing Creek, 82.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.3% of locals are Caucasian, 9.6% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.2%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 432 82.9% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48 9.2% 26.3%
Non-citizens 41 7.9% 13.9%
Racial breakdown
White
70.3%
Black or African American
9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
6.3%
Value Percent
White 367 70.3%
Black or African American 50 9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.4%
Asian 31 5.9%
Two or more races 39 7.5%
Other 33 6.3%

Households in Downing Creek

A peek inside Downing Creek households

Downing Creek has 222 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.7% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
222
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
86
Family households
137
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 86 38.7% 3.6%
Family households 137 61.7% 2.2%
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 Downing Creek

The housing landscape of Downing Creek

Downing Creek's housing consists of 237 units, with 56.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.7% 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 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
237
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 134 56.5%
1 unit, attached 30 12.7%
2 units 6 2.5%
3 or 4 units 7 3%
5 to 9 units 14 5.9%
10 to 19 units 14 5.9%
20 to 49 units 8 3.4%
50 or more units 17 7.2%
Mobile home 7 3%
Homes built since 2020
13
85.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downing Creek

In Downing Creek, the median construction year is 1998. About 1.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3 1.3% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3 1.3% -25.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 3.8% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 19 8% -9.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 19 8% 35.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 35 14.7% 9.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 39 16.4% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 60 25.2% -1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 38 16% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 13 5.5% 85.7%
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.

Downing Creek occupancy rates

Out of the 222 occupied housing units in Downing Creek, 67.6% are owner-occupied, while 32.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
222
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
72
Owner occupied
150
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 72 32.4% 1.4%
Owner occupied 150 67.6% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Downing Creek housing costs

Housing costs in Downing Creek come to a median of $1,597 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,638.

Median housing costs per month
$1,597/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 Downing Creek
$1,638/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 Downing Creek

Downing Creek education at a glance

About 12.5% of the population in Downing Creek went to high school, while 9.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 31.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 38.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 2.1% 28.6%
High school diploma 53 12.5% 0.0%
College diploma 42 9.9% 5.0%
Associate degree 24 5.7% 14.3%
Bachelor's degree 133 31.4% 1.5%
Graduate degree 162 38.3% 2.5%
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 Downing Creek

How much people earn in Downing Creek

The average annual household income in Downing Creek was $179,706 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $128,683, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downing Creek
$179,706/year
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downing Creek
$128,683/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Downing Creek income by age

In Downing Creek, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,054. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $170,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,943, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $127,537 in earnings. Overall, 94.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,943 -55.3%
25 - 44 $95,054 -4.3%
45 - 64 $170,688 5.5%
Over 65 $127,537 6.2%
Above poverty level
482
Below poverty level
29
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 482 94.3% 2.1%
Below poverty level 29 5.7% 20.8%

Employment in Downing Creek

Workforce and job types in Downing Creek

91.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 55.1% are employed by private companies, and 20.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
233
Blue collar
21
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 233 91.7% 2.6%
Blue collar 21 8.3% 23.5%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
55.1%
Governmental workers
20.5%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 31 12.2% -3.1%
Private companies 140 55.1% 4.5%
Governmental workers 52 20.5% 13.0%
Not for profit companies 31 12.2% -3.1%

Transportation in Downing Creek

How people get around in Downing Creek

Commuting methods vary: 93.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 161 93.6% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 5 2.9% -16.7%
Bicycle 2 1.2% 100.0%
Walk 4 2.3% 33.3%
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 Downing Creek by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27517 29,564 12,608 $128,683 $179,706

Explore more communities

FAQs about Downing Creek demographics 

What is the total population of Downing Creek?

Downing Creek has a total population of 521 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downing Creek?

The gender ratio in Downing Creek is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (258 residents)
  • 50.7% females (264 residents)

What is the median age in Downing Creek?

The median age in Downing Creek is 43.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downing Creek?

The age distribution in Downing Creek is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (80 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (61 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (127 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (125 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.7% (129 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downing Creek?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downing Creek is as follows:
  • White: 70.3% (367 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.6% (50 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (39 residents)
  • Other: 6.3% (33 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.9% of the population in Downing Creek.

How many housing units are there in Downing Creek?

There are 237 housing units in Downing Creek, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downing Creek has a total of 222 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downing Creek?

Downing Creek has a median household income of $128,683, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downing Creek?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.7% (233 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.3% (21 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (31 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.1% (140 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.5% (52 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (31 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