Locust, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,840
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,504/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,334
11.2% year-over-year change

Locust population

How many people live in Locust

Locust is home to 5,840 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of Locust locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
5,840
5.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
2,705
Female
53.7%
3,135
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,705 46.3% 7.0%
Female 3,135 53.7% 4.4%
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 Locust is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,116 19.1% -1.9%
15 to 24 824 14.1% -12.3%
25 to 44 1,350 23.1% 28.6%
45 to 64 1,417 24.3% -0.8%
Over 65 1,133 19.4% 16.4%
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 Locust, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,639 96.6% 4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 201 3.4% 41.5%
Racial breakdown
White
93.5%
Black or African American
2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,460 93.5%
Black or African American 156 2.7%
Two or more races 224 3.8%

Households in Locust

A peek inside Locust households

Locust has 2,193 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,193
16.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
688
Family households
1,505
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 688 31.4% 16.2%
Family households 1,505 68.6% 16.1%
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 Locust

The housing landscape of Locust

Locust's housing consists of 2,334 units, with 84.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 8.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,334
11.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,977 84.7%
1 unit, attached 11 0.5%
3 or 4 units 21 0.9%
5 to 9 units 61 2.6%
10 to 19 units 27 1.2%
20 to 49 units 44 1.9%
Mobile home 193 8.3%
Homes built since 2020
218
107.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Locust

In Locust, the median construction year is 2006. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 36.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 9.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 64 2.7% 255.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 178 7.6% -7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 164 7% 22.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 106 4.5% -30.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 298 12.8% 10.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 195 8.4% -14.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 254 10.9% -30.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 857 36.7% 35.6%
Built in 2020 or later 218 9.3% 107.6%
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.

Locust occupancy rates

Out of the 2,193 occupied housing units in Locust, 86.9% are owner-occupied, while 13.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,193
16.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
287
Owner occupied
1,906
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 287 13.1% 27.6%
Owner occupied 1,906 86.9% 14.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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.

Locust housing costs

Housing costs in Locust come to a median of $1,077 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $895.

Median housing costs per month
$1,077/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 Locust
$895/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 Locust

Locust education at a glance

About 41.2% of the population in Locust went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 16.6% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 179 4% -16.0%
High school diploma 1,835 41.2% 0.6%
College diploma 769 17.3% 11.4%
Associate degree 737 16.6% 21.2%
Bachelor's degree 666 15% 30.3%
Graduate degree 264 5.9% 23.9%
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 Locust

How much people earn in Locust

The average annual household income in Locust was $86,153 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,504, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Locust
$86,153/year
-3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Locust
$76,504/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Locust income by age

In Locust, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,732. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,590 overall. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $80,732 -17.1%
45 - 64 $118,590 2.4%
Over 65 $42,762 -1.0%
Above poverty level
5,286
Below poverty level
507
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,286 91.2% 5.9%
Below poverty level 507 8.8% 12.2%

Average renter income in Locust

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Locust, their median household income was $24,811 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,811
Rent-to-income ratio
43.3%
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 Locust

Workforce and job types in Locust

The job market in Locust is powered by 2,323 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 73.2% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,323
10.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,747
Blue collar
576
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,747 75.2% 19.2%
Blue collar 576 24.8% -10.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
73.2%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 221 9.5% -13.3%
Private companies 1,700 73.2% 12.0%
Governmental workers 245 10.6% 32.4%
Not for profit companies 157 6.8% 6.8%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Locust stands at 3.6%, 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 Locust

How people get around in Locust

In Locust, the average commute time is 33 minutes.

Commute time
33 min
-1.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,992 86.5% 12.3%
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 Locust by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28097 8,303 3,048 $76,594 $90,543

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FAQs about Locust demographics 

What is the total population of Locust?

Locust has a total population of 5,840 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 +5.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Locust?

The gender ratio in Locust is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (2,705 residents)
  • 53.7% females (3,135 residents)

What is the median age in Locust?

The median age in Locust is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Locust?

The age distribution in Locust is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (1,116 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (824 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (1,350 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (1,417 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (1,133 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Locust?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Locust is as follows:
  • White: 93.5% (5,460 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.7% (156 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: 3.8% (224 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Locust.

How many housing units are there in Locust?

There are 2,334 housing units in Locust, reflecting a +11.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Locust has a total of 2,193 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Locust?

Locust has a median household income of $76,504, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Locust, with a workforce of 2,323 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.2% (1,747 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.8% (576 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (221 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.2% (1,700 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (245 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (157 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