Oriental, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
873
-6.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,880/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
776
-5.0% year-over-year change

Oriental population

How many people live in Oriental

Oriental is home to 873 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of Oriental locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
873
-6.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
384
Female
56%
489
Value Percent YoY change
Male 384 44% -5.4%
Female 489 56% -6.7%
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 Oriental is 70, with the population distributed as follows: about 1.5% are children under 15, then 0.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 2.6% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 70.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
69.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
1.5%
15 to 24
0.6%
25 to 44
2.6%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
70.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13 1.5% -43.5%
15 to 24 5 0.6% -50.0%
25 to 44 23 2.6% 9.5%
45 to 64 215 24.6% -25.1%
Over 65 617 70.7% 4.8%
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 Oriental, 90% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 786 90% -9.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 53 6.1% 55.9%
Non-citizens 34 3.9% 17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 796 91.2%
Black or African American 7 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.1%
Asian 7 0.8%
Two or more races 59 6.8%
Other 3 0.3%

Households in Oriental

A peek inside Oriental households

Oriental has 559 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
559
-2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
258
Family households
301
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 258 46.2% 0.4%
Family households 301 53.8% -5.0%
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 Oriental

The housing landscape of Oriental

Oriental's housing consists of 776 units, with 74% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
776
-5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 574 74%
1 unit, attached 35 4.5%
2 units 69 8.9%
3 or 4 units 28 3.6%
5 to 9 units 8 1%
10 to 19 units 45 5.8%
Mobile home 17 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
23
1,050.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oriental

In Oriental, the median construction year is 1993. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 55 7.1% -38.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 1.4% 57.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8 1% -55.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15 1.9% -37.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 51 6.6% 13.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 208 26.8% -5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151 19.5% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 169 21.8% -2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 85 11% 9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 23 3% 1,050.0%
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.

Oriental occupancy rates

Out of the 559 occupied housing units in Oriental, 84.4% are owner-occupied, while 15.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 28% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
559
-2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
87
Owner occupied
472
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 87 15.6% -17.9%
Owner occupied 472 84.4% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
28.0%
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.

Oriental housing costs

Housing costs in Oriental come to a median of $1,330 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,138.

Median housing costs per month
$1,330/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 Oriental
$1,138/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 Oriental

Oriental education at a glance

About 16.4% of the population in Oriental went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 15.4% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 29.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 0.8% 133.3%
High school diploma 140 16.4% -4.1%
College diploma 141 16.5% -2.8%
Associate degree 132 15.4% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 187 21.8% -20.8%
Graduate degree 249 29.1% 2.5%
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 Oriental

How much people earn in Oriental

The average annual household income in Oriental was $76,449 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,880, reflecting a +0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oriental
$76,449/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oriental
$57,880/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Oriental income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,295 overall. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $48,295 -8.7%
Over 65 $58,478 4.0%
Above poverty level
804
Below poverty level
67
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 804 92.3% -7.7%
Below poverty level 67 7.7% 13.6%

Average renter income in Oriental

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oriental, their median household income was $30,592 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,592
Rent-to-income ratio
44.6%
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 Oriental

Workforce and job types in Oriental

The job market in Oriental is powered by 193 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.6% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
193
-23.7% year-over-year change
White collar
179
Blue collar
14
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 179 92.8% -20.8%
Blue collar 14 7.2% -48.1%
Employer type
Self employees
16.6%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32 16.6% -43.9%
Private companies 111 57.5% -21.8%
Governmental workers 30 15.5% -21.1%
Not for profit companies 20 10.4% 25.0%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oriental stands at 1%, 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 Oriental

How people get around in Oriental

Commuting methods vary: 63.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.7% 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 124 63.9% -26.2%
Bicycle 5 2.6% 25.0%
Walk 11 5.7% N/A
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 Oriental by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28571 2,678 1,378 $63,393 $83,514

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FAQs about Oriental demographics 

What is the total population of Oriental?

Oriental has a total population of 873 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 -6.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oriental?

The gender ratio in Oriental is as follows:
  • 44% males (384 residents)
  • 56% females (489 residents)

What is the median age in Oriental?

The median age in Oriental is 69.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oriental?

The age distribution in Oriental is as follows:
  • Under 15: 1.5% (13 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0.6% (5 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 2.6% (23 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (215 residents)
  • Over 65: 70.7% (617 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oriental?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oriental is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (796 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (59 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90% of the population in Oriental.

How many housing units are there in Oriental?

There are 776 housing units in Oriental, reflecting a -5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Oriental has a total of 559 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oriental?

Oriental has a median household income of $57,880, representing a +0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99% in Oriental, with a workforce of 193 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.8% (179 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.2% (14 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.6% (32 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (111 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (30 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (20 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