Mebane, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,538
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,174/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,605
5.1% year-over-year change

Mebane population

How many people live in Mebane

Mebane is home to 19,538 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.2% of Mebane locals are male, and 55.8% are female.

Total population
19,538
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.2%
8,629
Female
55.8%
10,909
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,629 44.2% 2.1%
Female 10,909 55.8% 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 Mebane is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,797 19.4% -2.7%
15 to 24 2,183 11.2% 1.2%
25 to 44 5,940 30.4% -2.4%
45 to 64 4,607 23.6% 7.0%
Over 65 3,011 15.4% 22.9%
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 Mebane, 89.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.7% of locals are Caucasian, 23% are African American and 4.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.1%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,402 89.1% 2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,386 7.1% 5.3%
Non-citizens 750 3.8% 20.8%
Racial breakdown
White
56.7%
Black or African American
23%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
6.7%
Value Percent
White 11,077 56.7%
Black or African American 4,494 23%
American Indian and Alaska Native 78 0.4%
Asian 884 4.5%
Two or more races 1,703 8.7%
Other 1,302 6.7%

Households in Mebane

A peek inside Mebane households

Mebane has 7,857 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.8% are families, while the remaining 33.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,857
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,609
Family households
5,248
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,609 33.2% -4.5%
Family households 5,248 66.8% 8.1%
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 Mebane

The housing landscape of Mebane

Mebane's housing consists of 8,605 units, with 59.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,605
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,104 59.3%
1 unit, attached 412 4.8%
2 units 46 0.5%
3 or 4 units 274 3.2%
5 to 9 units 811 9.4%
10 to 19 units 617 7.2%
20 to 49 units 1,059 12.3%
50 or more units 242 2.8%
Mobile home 40 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
515
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mebane

In Mebane, the median construction year is 2005. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 32% between 2010 and 2019, and 6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 397 4.6% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 274 3.2% 10.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 231 2.7% 16.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 237 2.8% -31.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 565 6.6% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 507 5.9% 2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,185 13.8% 11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,941 22.6% 1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,753 32% 3.0%
Built in 2020 or later 515 6% 66.7%
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.

Mebane occupancy rates

Out of the 7,857 occupied housing units in Mebane, 60.5% are owner-occupied, while 39.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,857
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,102
Owner occupied
4,755
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,102 39.5% -0.9%
Owner occupied 4,755 60.5% 6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
8.7%
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.

Mebane housing costs

Housing costs in Mebane come to a median of $1,434 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,283.

Median housing costs per month
$1,434/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 Mebane
$1,283/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 Mebane

Mebane education at a glance

About 26.6% of the population in Mebane went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 25.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 263 1.8% -6.7%
High school diploma 3,975 26.6% 3.1%
College diploma 3,665 24.5% 5.3%
Associate degree 1,441 9.6% 28.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,747 25.1% -1.2%
Graduate degree 1,862 12.4% 17.9%
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 Mebane

How much people earn in Mebane

The average annual household income in Mebane was $102,342 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,174, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mebane
$102,342/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mebane
$83,174/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Mebane income by age

In Mebane, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,527. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,680 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,802, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,024 in earnings. Overall, 93.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,802 3.0%
25 - 44 $97,527 1.7%
45 - 64 $111,680 4.0%
Over 65 $50,024 34.8%
Above poverty level
18,001
Below poverty level
1,343
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,001 93.1% 3.8%
Below poverty level 1,343 6.9% 4.6%

Average renter income in Mebane

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Mebane, their median household income was $40,902 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,902
Rent-to-income ratio
37.6%
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 Mebane

Workforce and job types in Mebane

The job market in Mebane is powered by 10,256 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 19.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,256
4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
8,612
Blue collar
1,644
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,612 84% 4.2%
Blue collar 1,644 16% 7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
19.5%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 626 6.1% -9.3%
Private companies 6,567 64% 6.0%
Governmental workers 1,996 19.5% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 1,067 10.4% 21.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
20.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mebane stands at 3.8%, 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 Mebane

How people get around in Mebane

Commuting methods vary: 79.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 8,073 79.2% 2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 51 0.5% 27.5%
Walk 14 0.1% 40.0%
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 Mebane by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27302 35,418 14,223 $79,819 $98,912

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Mebane demographics 

What is the total population of Mebane?

Mebane has a total population of 19,538 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mebane?

The gender ratio in Mebane is as follows:
  • 44.2% males (8,629 residents)
  • 55.8% females (10,909 residents)

What is the median age in Mebane?

The median age in Mebane is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mebane?

The age distribution in Mebane is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (3,797 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (2,183 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (5,940 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (4,607 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (3,011 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mebane?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mebane is as follows:
  • White: 56.7% (11,077 residents)
  • Black or African American: 23% (4,494 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (78 residents)
  • Asian: 4.5% (884 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (1,703 residents)
  • Other: 6.7% (1,302 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.1% of the population in Mebane.

How many housing units are there in Mebane?

There are 8,605 housing units in Mebane, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Mebane has a total of 7,857 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mebane?

Mebane has a median household income of $83,174, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Mebane, with a workforce of 10,256 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84% (8,612 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16% (1,644 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (626 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (6,567 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.5% (1,996 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (1,067 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