South River, Merrimon - Straits, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,057/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
19
0.0% year-over-year change

South River population

How many people live in South River

South River is home to 29 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of South River locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
29
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
14
Female
51.7%
15
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14 48.3% 0.0%
Female 15 51.7% 0.0%
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 South River is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.3% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.2% of the population, while another 31% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.3%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
17.2%
45 to 64
31%
Over 65
31%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3 10.3% 0.0%
15 to 24 3 10.3% 0.0%
25 to 44 5 17.2% 0.0%
45 to 64 9 31% 0.0%
Over 65 9 31% 0.0%
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 South River, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.3% 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 28 96.6% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 3.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
83.3%
Black or African American
10%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 25 83.3%
Black or African American 3 10%
Two or more races 1 3.3%
Other 1 3.3%

Households in South River

A peek inside South River households

South River has 15 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15
7.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6
Family households
9
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6 40% 0.0%
Family households 9 60% 12.5%
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 South River

The housing landscape of South River

South River's housing consists of 19 units, with 82.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14 82.4%
3 or 4 units 1 5.9%
Mobile home 2 11.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South River

In South River, the median construction year is 1988. About 11.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% 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 2 11.1% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1 5.6% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1 5.6% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1 5.6% -50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1 5.6% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 16.7% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3 16.7% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 22.2% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 11.1% 0.0%
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.

South River occupancy rates

Out of the 15 occupied housing units in South River, 73.3% are owner-occupied, while 26.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15
7.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4
Owner occupied
11
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4 26.7% -20.0%
Owner occupied 11 73.3% 10.0%
Unoccupied housing units
21.1%
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.

South River housing costs

Housing costs in South River come to a median of $963 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $944.

Median housing costs per month
$963/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 South River
$944/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 South River

South River education at a glance

About 30.8% of the population in South River went to high school, while 26.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 8 30.8% 0.0%
College diploma 7 26.9% 0.0%
Associate degree 3 11.5% 50.0%
Bachelor's degree 5 19.2% 25.0%
Graduate degree 3 11.5% 50.0%
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 South River

How much people earn in South River

The average annual household income in South River was $90,692 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,057, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South River
$90,692/year
15.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in South River
$66,057/year
4.4% year-over-year change

South River income by age

In South River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,239 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,863, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,569 in earnings. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,863 0.5%
25 - 44 $97,143 28.0%
45 - 64 $63,239 -10.5%
Over 65 $57,569 3.1%
Above poverty level
25
Below poverty level
3
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25 89.3% 0.0%
Below poverty level 3 10.7% 0.0%

Employment in South River

Workforce and job types in South River

76.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.4% run their own businesses, 53.8% are employed by private companies, and 23.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10
Blue collar
3
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10 76.9% 0.0%
Blue collar 3 23.1% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
53.8%
Governmental workers
23.1%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2 15.4% 0.0%
Private companies 7 53.8% -12.5%
Governmental workers 3 23.1% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 1 7.7% 0.0%

Transportation in South River

How people get around in South River

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11 100% 0.0%
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 South River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28516 11,289 5,774 $66,057 $90,692

Explore more communities

FAQs about South River demographics 

What is the total population of South River?

South River has a total population of 29 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 0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South River?

The gender ratio in South River is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (14 residents)
  • 51.7% females (15 residents)

What is the median age in South River?

The median age in South River is 55.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in South River?

The age distribution in South River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.3% (3 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (3 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.2% (5 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31% (9 residents)
  • Over 65: 31% (9 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South River is as follows:
  • White: 83.3% (25 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.3% (1 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (1 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in South River?

There are 19 housing units in South River, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South River has a total of 15 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South River?

South River has a median household income of $66,057, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South River?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.9% (10 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.1% (3 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (2 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.8% (7 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.1% (3 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (1 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