Lake Lure, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,543
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,357/yr
10.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,425
3.7% year-over-year change

Lake Lure population

How many people live in Lake Lure

Lake Lure is home to 1,543 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.5% of Lake Lure locals are male, and 55.5% are female.

Total population
1,543
3.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.5%
686
Female
55.5%
857
Value Percent YoY change
Male 686 44.5% 2.5%
Female 857 55.5% 4.6%
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 Lake Lure is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 5% are children under 15, then 5.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.4% of the population, while another 32.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
61.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
5%
15 to 24
5.8%
25 to 44
14.4%
45 to 64
32.7%
Over 65
42.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 77 5% -31.2%
15 to 24 90 5.8% 109.3%
25 to 44 223 14.4% 38.5%
45 to 64 504 32.7% -9.7%
Over 65 649 42.1% 5.7%
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 Lake Lure, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,408 91.2% 4.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 119 7.7% -3.2%
Non-citizens 16 1% 23.1%
Racial breakdown
White
85.9%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
12.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,326 85.9%
Black or African American 16 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.5%
Two or more races 187 12.1%

Households in Lake Lure

A peek inside Lake Lure households

Lake Lure has 824 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
824
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
341
Family households
483
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 341 41.4% -3.4%
Family households 483 58.6% 4.3%
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 Lake Lure

The housing landscape of Lake Lure

Lake Lure's housing consists of 2,425 units, with 73.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,425
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,783 73.5%
1 unit, attached 139 5.7%
2 units 193 8%
3 or 4 units 106 4.4%
5 to 9 units 183 7.6%
10 to 19 units 5 0.2%
Mobile home 16 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
46
109.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Lure

In Lake Lure, the median construction year is 1988. About 2.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 51 2.1% -27.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 97 4% 7.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 118 4.9% -22.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 111 4.6% 1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 415 17.1% -2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 527 21.7% 4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 247 10.2% -2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 617 25.4% 17.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 196 8.1% 6.5%
Built in 2020 or later 46 1.9% 109.1%
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.

Lake Lure occupancy rates

Out of the 824 occupied housing units in Lake Lure, 88.1% are owner-occupied, while 11.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 66% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
824
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
98
Owner occupied
726
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 98 11.9% -13.3%
Owner occupied 726 88.1% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
66.0%
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.

Lake Lure housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Lure come to a median of $1,283 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $786.

Median housing costs per month
$1,283/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 Lake Lure
$786/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 Lake Lure

Lake Lure education at a glance

About 12.2% of the population in Lake Lure went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 36.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 173 12.2% -14.8%
College diploma 277 19.6% 23.7%
Associate degree 163 11.5% 11.6%
Bachelor's degree 519 36.7% 7.9%
Graduate degree 281 19.9% -6.6%
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 Lake Lure

How much people earn in Lake Lure

The average annual household income in Lake Lure was $128,139 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,357, reflecting a +10.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Lure
$128,139/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Lure
$80,357/year
10.4% year-over-year change

Lake Lure income by age

In Lake Lure, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,958. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,917 overall. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,958 -31.7%
45 - 64 $102,917 14.9%
Over 65 $56,786 0.0%
Above poverty level
1,359
Below poverty level
177
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,359 88.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 177 11.5% 33.1%

Average renter income in Lake Lure

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake Lure, their median household income was $61,042 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 15.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,042
Rent-to-income ratio
15.5%
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 Lake Lure

Workforce and job types in Lake Lure

The job market in Lake Lure is powered by 563 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.2% run their own businesses, 62.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
563
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
506
Blue collar
57
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 506 89.9% -5.1%
Blue collar 57 10.1% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
20.2%
Private companies
62.2%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 114 20.2% -6.6%
Private companies 350 62.2% -10.7%
Governmental workers 64 11.4% 39.1%
Not for profit companies 35 6.2% 34.6%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
123.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake Lure stands at 6.3%, 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 Lake Lure

How people get around in Lake Lure

Commuting methods vary: 63.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 353 63.6% 1.4%
Motorcycle 8 1.4% 0.0%
Walk 8 1.4% -71.4%
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 Lake Lure by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28746 2,744 1,397 $70,469 $114,752

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FAQs about Lake Lure demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Lure?

Lake Lure has a total population of 1,543 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 +3.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Lure?

The gender ratio in Lake Lure is as follows:
  • 44.5% males (686 residents)
  • 55.5% females (857 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Lure?

The median age in Lake Lure is 61.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lake Lure?

The age distribution in Lake Lure is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5% (77 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.8% (90 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.4% (223 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.7% (504 residents)
  • Over 65: 42.1% (649 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Lure?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Lure is as follows:
  • White: 85.9% (1,326 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.1% (187 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Lake Lure?

There are 2,425 housing units in Lake Lure, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake Lure has a total of 824 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Lure?

Lake Lure has a median household income of $80,357, representing a +10.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lake Lure?

The employment rate is 93.7% in Lake Lure, with a workforce of 563 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (506 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (57 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.2% (114 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.2% (350 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (64 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (35 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