Northwest Town, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,425
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,481/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,492
10.9% year-over-year change

Northwest population

How many people live in Northwest

Northwest is home to 20,425 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Northwest locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
20,425
6.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
9,850
Female
51.8%
10,574
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,850 48.2% 7.2%
Female 10,574 51.8% 5.0%
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 Northwest is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
25.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,938 14.4% -0.6%
15 to 24 2,090 10.2% 7.5%
25 to 44 5,357 26.2% 6.5%
45 to 64 4,908 24% 5.2%
Over 65 5,131 25.1% 9.9%
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 Northwest, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.1% of locals are Caucasian, 11.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,080 93.4% 5.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 748 3.7% 4.9%
Non-citizens 597 2.9% 13.9%
Racial breakdown
White
74.1%
Black or African American
11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 15,142 74.1%
Black or African American 2,295 11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 96 0.5%
Asian 121 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 1,679 8.2%
Other 1,081 5.3%

Households in Northwest

A peek inside Northwest households

Northwest has 8,800 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,800
10.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,891
Family households
5,909
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,891 32.8% 15.7%
Family households 5,909 67.2% 8.3%
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 Northwest

The housing landscape of Northwest

Northwest's housing consists of 9,492 units, with 71.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 11.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,492
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,820 71.9%
1 unit, attached 726 7.6%
2 units 34 0.4%
3 or 4 units 40 0.4%
5 to 9 units 144 1.5%
10 to 19 units 221 2.3%
20 to 49 units 229 2.4%
50 or more units 158 1.7%
Mobile home 1,119 11.8%
Homes built since 2020
950
93.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Northwest

In Northwest, the median construction year is 2009. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 29.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 35.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 10% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 130 1.4% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 51 0.5% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 106 1.1% 43.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 275 2.9% 18.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 460 4.8% 18.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 512 5.4% -13.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 823 8.7% -6.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,798 29.5% -0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,387 35.7% 16.6%
Built in 2020 or later 950 10% 93.5%
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.

Northwest occupancy rates

Out of the 8,800 occupied housing units in Northwest, 82% are owner-occupied, while 18% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,800
10.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,582
Owner occupied
7,218
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,582 18% 11.4%
Owner occupied 7,218 82% 10.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
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.

Northwest housing costs

Housing costs in Northwest come to a median of $1,355 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,612.

Median housing costs per month
$1,355/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 Northwest
$1,612/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 Northwest

Northwest education at a glance

About 28.2% of the population in Northwest went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 13.4% earned an associate degree and 23.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 422 2.5% -0.5%
High school diploma 4,777 28.2% -0.3%
College diploma 3,657 21.6% 8.1%
Associate degree 2,261 13.4% 9.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,985 23.6% 17.5%
Graduate degree 1,822 10.8% 8.6%
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 Northwest

How much people earn in Northwest

The average annual household income in Northwest was $83,088 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,481, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Northwest
$83,088/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Northwest
$81,481/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Northwest income by age

In Northwest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,034. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,566 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,145, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,580 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,145 8.0%
25 - 44 $83,034 10.0%
45 - 64 $92,566 6.3%
Over 65 $77,580 -0.7%
Above poverty level
18,273
Below poverty level
1,862
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,273 90.8% 6.2%
Below poverty level 1,862 9.2% 4.7%

Average renter income in Northwest

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Northwest, their median household income was $24,408 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 79.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,408
Rent-to-income ratio
79.3%
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 Northwest

Workforce and job types in Northwest

77.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,350
Blue collar
2,178
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,350 77.1% 10.4%
Blue collar 2,178 22.9% 8.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 863 9.1% 13.8%
Private companies 6,555 68.8% 12.9%
Governmental workers 1,547 16.2% 6.7%
Not for profit companies 563 5.9% -12.3%

Transportation in Northwest

How people get around in Northwest

In Northwest, the average commute time is 12 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 99.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
12 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,868 99.3% 7.8%
Motorcycle 7 0.1% -12.5%
Walk 45 0.6% -21.1%
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 Northwest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28451 46,933 20,222 $81,481 $101,349

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FAQs about Northwest demographics 

What is the total population of Northwest?

Northwest has a total population of 20,425 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 +6.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Northwest?

The gender ratio in Northwest is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (9,850 residents)
  • 51.8% females (10,574 residents)

What is the median age in Northwest?

The median age in Northwest is 44.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Northwest?

The age distribution in Northwest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (2,938 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (2,090 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (5,357 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (4,908 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.1% (5,131 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Northwest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwest is as follows:
  • White: 74.1% (15,142 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.2% (2,295 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (96 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (121 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (1,679 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (1,081 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Northwest.

How many housing units are there in Northwest?

There are 9,492 housing units in Northwest, reflecting a +10.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Northwest has a total of 8,800 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Northwest?

Northwest has a median household income of $81,481, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Northwest?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.1% (7,350 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.9% (2,178 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (863 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (6,555 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (1,547 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (563 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