East Spencer, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,434
9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,417/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
812
3.3% year-over-year change

East Spencer population

How many people live in East Spencer

East Spencer is home to 1,434 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.2% of East Spencer locals are male, and 57.8% are female.

Total population
1,434
9.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.2%
605
Female
57.8%
829
Value Percent YoY change
Male 605 42.2% -3.5%
Female 829 57.8% 21.6%
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 Spencer is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.6% are children under 15, then 6.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
51
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.6%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
29.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 181 12.6% 41.4%
15 to 24 96 6.7% 71.4%
25 to 44 354 24.7% 4.7%
45 to 64 377 26.3% 3.3%
Over 65 426 29.7% 0.9%
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 Spencer, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,359 94.8% 12.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13 0.9% -7.1%
Non-citizens 62 4.3% -28.7%
Racial breakdown
White
10.9%
Black or African American
79.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
5.2%
Value Percent
White 156 10.9%
Black or African American 1,140 79.5%
Two or more races 64 4.5%
Other 74 5.2%

Households in East Spencer

A peek inside East Spencer households

East Spencer has 750 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.1% are families, while the remaining 39.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
750
7.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
299
Family households
451
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 299 39.9% -1.6%
Family households 451 60.1% 13.6%
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 Spencer

The housing landscape of East Spencer

East Spencer's housing consists of 812 units, with 75.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
812
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 616 75.9%
1 unit, attached 11 1.4%
2 units 47 5.8%
3 or 4 units 29 3.6%
5 to 9 units 87 10.7%
20 to 49 units 3 0.4%
50 or more units 4 0.5%
Mobile home 15 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Spencer

In East Spencer, the median construction year is 1966. About 15.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% 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 123 15.2% -2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 38 4.7% -17.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 105 12.9% -7.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 226 27.8% 3.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 110 13.6% -12.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 74 9.1% 34.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24 3% 380.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 90 11.1% 23.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 22 2.7% -12.0%
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.

East Spencer occupancy rates

Out of the 750 occupied housing units in East Spencer, 52.9% are owner-occupied, while 47.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
750
7.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
353
Owner occupied
397
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 353 47.1% 5.4%
Owner occupied 397 52.9% 8.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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 Spencer housing costs

Housing costs in East Spencer come to a median of $703 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $677.

Median housing costs per month
$703/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 Spencer
$677/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 Spencer

East Spencer education at a glance

About 57% of the population in East Spencer went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 55 4.5% 1.9%
High school diploma 701 57% 0.1%
College diploma 218 17.7% 26.0%
Associate degree 115 9.3% -5.0%
Bachelor's degree 130 10.6% 26.2%
Graduate degree 12 1% -7.7%
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 Spencer

How much people earn in East Spencer

The average annual household income in East Spencer was $59,398 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,417, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Spencer
$59,398/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Spencer
$34,417/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

East Spencer income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $26,953 overall. Overall, 73.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $26,953 N/A
Over 65 $48,977 23.2%
Above poverty level
1,043
Below poverty level
382
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,043 73.2% 12.5%
Below poverty level 382 26.8% 1.3%

Average renter income in East Spencer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Spencer, their median household income was $13,977 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 58.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$13,977
Rent-to-income ratio
58.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in East Spencer

Workforce and job types in East Spencer

The job market in East Spencer is powered by 465 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 70.1% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
465
8.9% year-over-year change
White collar
261
Blue collar
204
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 261 56.1% 7.8%
Blue collar 204 43.9% 10.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
70.1%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 50 10.8% -3.9%
Private companies 326 70.1% 19.0%
Governmental workers 78 16.8% -6.0%
Not for profit companies 11 2.4% -38.9%
Unemployment rate
12.8%
21.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Spencer stands at 12.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in East Spencer

How people get around in East Spencer

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 410 91.3% 8.2%
Taxicab 12 2.7% 71.4%
Walk 12 2.7% 20.0%
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 Spencer by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28039 39 28 $0 $0

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FAQs about East Spencer demographics 

What is the total population of East Spencer?

East Spencer has a total population of 1,434 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 +9.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Spencer?

The gender ratio in East Spencer is as follows:
  • 42.2% males (605 residents)
  • 57.8% females (829 residents)

What is the median age in East Spencer?

The median age in East Spencer is 51.

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

The age distribution in East Spencer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.6% (181 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.7% (96 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (354 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (377 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.7% (426 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Spencer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Spencer is as follows:
  • White: 10.9% (156 residents)
  • Black or African American: 79.5% (1,140 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (64 residents)
  • Other: 5.2% (74 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in East Spencer.

How many housing units are there in East Spencer?

There are 812 housing units in East Spencer, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Spencer has a total of 750 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Spencer?

East Spencer has a median household income of $34,417, representing a -0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Spencer?

The employment rate is 87.2% in East Spencer, with a workforce of 465 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.1% (261 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.9% (204 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (50 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.1% (326 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (11 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