Granite Falls, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,929
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,917/yr
-23.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,795
0.1% year-over-year change

Granite Falls population

How many people live in Granite Falls

Granite Falls is home to 4,929 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.5% of Granite Falls locals are male, and 46.5% are female.

Total population
4,929
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.5%
2,639
Female
46.5%
2,290
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,639 53.5% 6.9%
Female 2,290 46.5% -6.6%
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 Granite Falls is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.6% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
20.6%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 962 19.5% -12.4%
15 to 24 719 14.6% 12.7%
25 to 44 1,016 20.6% 17.7%
45 to 64 1,324 26.9% 5.3%
Over 65 908 18.4% -14.7%
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 Granite Falls, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,663 94.6% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 216 4.4% -19.7%
Non-citizens 50 1% -56.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
6.4%
Value Percent
White 4,142 84%
Black or African American 178 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.3%
Asian 10 0.2%
Two or more races 265 5.4%
Other 318 6.4%

Households in Granite Falls

A peek inside Granite Falls households

Granite Falls has 1,724 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.1% are families, while the remaining 22.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,724
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
395
Family households
1,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 395 22.9% 13.5%
Family households 1,329 77.1% -1.5%
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 Granite Falls

The housing landscape of Granite Falls

Granite Falls's housing consists of 1,795 units, with 62.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% 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 9.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,795
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,120 62.4%
1 unit, attached 68 3.8%
2 units 44 2.4%
3 or 4 units 48 2.7%
5 to 9 units 243 13.5%
10 to 19 units 60 3.3%
20 to 49 units 25 1.4%
50 or more units 10 0.6%
Mobile home 177 9.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Granite Falls

In Granite Falls, the median construction year is 1991. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% 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 147 8.2% -20.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 4.1% -31.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 87 4.8% -9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 9.1% 48.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 118 6.6% -7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 281 15.6% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 429 23.9% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 405 22.6% 9.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 92 5.1% 16.5%
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.

Granite Falls occupancy rates

Out of the 1,724 occupied housing units in Granite Falls, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,724
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
581
Owner occupied
1,143
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 581 33.7% 7.6%
Owner occupied 1,143 66.3% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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.

Granite Falls housing costs

Housing costs in Granite Falls come to a median of $994 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $905.

Median housing costs per month
$994/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 Granite Falls
$905/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 Granite Falls

Granite Falls education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Granite Falls went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 15.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 1.9% -14.6%
High school diploma 1,555 41.9% 14.3%
College diploma 827 22.3% 14.2%
Associate degree 378 10.2% -10.4%
Bachelor's degree 564 15.2% -20.0%
Graduate degree 320 8.6% 19.9%
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 Granite Falls

How much people earn in Granite Falls

The average annual household income in Granite Falls was $89,751 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,917, reflecting a -23.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Granite Falls
$89,751/year
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Granite Falls
$56,917/year
-23.3% year-over-year change

Granite Falls income by age

In Granite Falls, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,566. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,310 overall. Overall, 82.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $57,566 -32.4%
45 - 64 $76,310 -18.5%
Over 65 $44,694 1.4%
Above poverty level
3,875
Below poverty level
808
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,875 82.8% -2.8%
Below poverty level 808 17.2% 13.8%

Average renter income in Granite Falls

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Granite Falls, their median household income was $48,125 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,125
Rent-to-income ratio
22.6%
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 Granite Falls

Workforce and job types in Granite Falls

The job market in Granite Falls is powered by 2,163 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.2% run their own businesses, 69.5% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,163
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,410
Blue collar
753
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,410 65.2% -1.5%
Blue collar 753 34.8% 14.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.2%
Private companies
69.5%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 220 10.2% -31.0%
Private companies 1,504 69.5% 8.8%
Governmental workers 377 17.4% 7.7%
Not for profit companies 62 2.9% 51.2%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
313.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Granite Falls stands at 6.8%, 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 Granite Falls

How people get around in Granite Falls

Commuting methods vary: 90.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 1,927 90.1% 7.2%
Walk 21 1% 23.5%
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 Granite Falls by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28630 19,382 7,917 $63,835 $87,144

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FAQs about Granite Falls demographics 

What is the total population of Granite Falls?

Granite Falls has a total population of 4,929 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Granite Falls?

The gender ratio in Granite Falls is as follows:
  • 53.5% males (2,639 residents)
  • 46.5% females (2,290 residents)

What is the median age in Granite Falls?

The median age in Granite Falls is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Granite Falls?

The age distribution in Granite Falls is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (962 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (719 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.6% (1,016 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (1,324 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (908 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Granite Falls?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Granite Falls is as follows:
  • White: 84% (4,142 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (178 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (265 residents)
  • Other: 6.4% (318 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Granite Falls.

How many housing units are there in Granite Falls?

There are 1,795 housing units in Granite Falls, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Granite Falls has a total of 1,724 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Granite Falls?

Granite Falls has a median household income of $56,917, representing a -23.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Granite Falls?

The employment rate is 93.2% in Granite Falls, with a workforce of 2,163 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.2% (1,410 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.8% (753 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.2% (220 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.5% (1,504 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (377 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.9% (62 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