Etowah, Henderson County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,968
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,596/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,705
0.7% year-over-year change

Etowah population

How many people live in Etowah

Etowah is home to 7,968 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Etowah locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
7,968
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
4,161
Female
47.8%
3,807
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,161 52.2% 0.9%
Female 3,807 47.8% 4.5%
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 Etowah is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
27.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,400 17.6% 4.3%
15 to 24 641 8% 11.7%
25 to 44 1,921 24.1% 3.8%
45 to 64 1,846 23.2% -3.0%
Over 65 2,160 27.1% 3.1%
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 Etowah, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,265 91.2% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 243 3% 25.9%
Non-citizens 460 5.8% 162.9%
Racial breakdown
White
84.4%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 6,726 84.4%
Black or African American 207 2.6%
Asian 3 0%
Two or more races 509 6.4%
Other 523 6.6%

Households in Etowah

A peek inside Etowah households

Etowah has 3,327 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 74.7% are families, while the remaining 25.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,327
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
843
Family households
2,484
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 843 25.3% 13.0%
Family households 2,484 74.7% 3.0%
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 Etowah

The housing landscape of Etowah

Etowah's housing consists of 3,705 units, with 81.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 13.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,705
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,033 81.9%
1 unit, attached 47 1.3%
2 units 83 2.2%
3 or 4 units 30 0.8%
Mobile home 512 13.8%
Homes built since 2020
78
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Etowah

In Etowah, the median construction year is 1988. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 46 1.2% -6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 2.9% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 33 0.9% -65.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 284 7.7% 9.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 529 14.3% 46.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,019 27.5% -13.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 580 15.6% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 492 13.3% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 538 14.5% 3.5%
Built in 2020 or later 78 2.1% 100.0%
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.

Etowah occupancy rates

Out of the 3,327 occupied housing units in Etowah, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,327
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
533
Owner occupied
2,794
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 533 16% 2.3%
Owner occupied 2,794 84% 6.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
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.

Etowah housing costs

Housing costs in Etowah come to a median of $987 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,413.

Median housing costs per month
$987/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 Etowah
$1,413/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 Etowah

Etowah education at a glance

About 28.3% of the population in Etowah went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 121 1.9% 47.6%
High school diploma 1,807 28.3% -5.4%
College diploma 1,351 21.1% -6.0%
Associate degree 753 11.8% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,363 21.3% 2.8%
Graduate degree 1,000 15.6% 25.8%
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 Etowah

How much people earn in Etowah

The average annual household income in Etowah was $96,881 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,596, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Etowah
$96,881/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Etowah
$72,596/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Etowah income by age

In Etowah, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,397. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,368 overall. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $81,397 3.1%
45 - 64 $72,368 14.7%
Over 65 $72,037 -15.1%
Above poverty level
6,779
Below poverty level
1,126
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,779 85.8% 1.0%
Below poverty level 1,126 14.2% 17.7%

Average renter income in Etowah

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Etowah, their median household income was $45,521 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,521
Rent-to-income ratio
37.2%
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 Etowah

Workforce and job types in Etowah

The job market in Etowah is powered by 3,555 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 56.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,555
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
2,618
Blue collar
937
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,618 73.6% -0.7%
Blue collar 937 26.4% 2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
56.8%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 469 13.2% -7.3%
Private companies 2,019 56.8% -0.4%
Governmental workers 588 16.5% 4.1%
Not for profit companies 479 13.5% 4.6%
Unemployment rate
2.8%
73.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Etowah stands at 2.8%, 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 Etowah

How people get around in Etowah

In Etowah, the average commute time is 26 minutes.

Commute time
26 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,229 93.5% 0.3%
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 Etowah by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28729 3,681 1,427 $84,413 $108,658

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FAQs about Etowah demographics 

What is the total population of Etowah?

Etowah has a total population of 7,968 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Etowah?

The gender ratio in Etowah is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (4,161 residents)
  • 47.8% females (3,807 residents)

What is the median age in Etowah?

The median age in Etowah is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Etowah?

The age distribution in Etowah is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (1,400 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (641 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (1,921 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (1,846 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.1% (2,160 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah is as follows:
  • White: 84.4% (6,726 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (509 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (523 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in Etowah.

How many housing units are there in Etowah?

There are 3,705 housing units in Etowah, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Etowah has a total of 3,327 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Etowah?

Etowah has a median household income of $72,596, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Etowah?

The employment rate is 97.2% in Etowah, with a workforce of 3,555 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.6% (2,618 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.4% (937 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (469 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.8% (2,019 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (588 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.5% (479 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