Penrose, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,257
24.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,708/yr
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
651
5.2% year-over-year change

Penrose population

How many people live in Penrose

Penrose is home to 1,257 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.4% of Penrose locals are male, and 60.6% are female.

Total population
1,257
24.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.4%
495
Female
60.6%
762
Value Percent YoY change
Male 495 39.4% 2.5%
Female 762 60.6% 44.0%
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 Penrose is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 8.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
8.2%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
23.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 190 15.1% 12.4%
15 to 24 103 8.2% 145.2%
25 to 44 268 21.3% 119.7%
45 to 64 405 32.2% -7.5%
Over 65 292 23.2% 20.7%
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

At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,245 99% 24.2%
Non-citizens 12 1% 20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.5%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,150 91.5%
Black or African American 27 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.6%
Two or more races 72 5.7%

Households in Penrose

A peek inside Penrose households

Penrose has 551 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 74.8% are families, while the remaining 25.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
551
8.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
139
Family households
412
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 139 25.2% -2.8%
Family households 412 74.8% 12.6%
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 Penrose

The housing landscape of Penrose

Penrose's housing consists of 651 units, with 74.2% 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 25.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
651
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 483 74.2%
Mobile home 168 25.8%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Penrose

In Penrose, the median construction year is 1992. About 7.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% 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 47 7.2% -11.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 4.9% -11.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 38 5.8% 111.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 48 7.4% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 99 15.2% 135.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 34 5.2% -15.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 186 28.5% 10.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 76 11.7% -35.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 92 14.1% -4.2%
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.

Penrose occupancy rates

Out of the 551 occupied housing units in Penrose, 83.8% are owner-occupied, while 16.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
551
8.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
89
Owner occupied
462
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 89 16.2% 7.2%
Owner occupied 462 83.8% 8.4%
Unoccupied housing units
15.4%
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.

Penrose housing costs

Housing costs in Penrose come to a median of $943 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,217.

Median housing costs per month
$943/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 Penrose
$1,217/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 Penrose

Penrose education at a glance

About 47.4% of the population in Penrose went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 17.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 502 47.4% 32.1%
College diploma 225 21.2% 12.5%
Associate degree 123 11.6% 83.6%
Bachelor's degree 189 17.8% 13.9%
Graduate degree 20 1.9% 33.3%
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 Penrose

How much people earn in Penrose

The average annual household income in Penrose was $65,098 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,708, reflecting a -3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Penrose
$65,098/year
-7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Penrose
$57,708/year
-3.6% year-over-year change

Penrose income by age

In Penrose, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,127. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,359 overall. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $91,127 -48.1%
45 - 64 $48,359 -20.8%
Above poverty level
1,034
Below poverty level
154
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,034 87% 21.4%
Below poverty level 154 13% 2.7%

Employment in Penrose

Workforce and job types in Penrose

78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
399
Blue collar
110
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 399 78.4% 22.0%
Blue collar 110 21.6% -23.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 50 9.8% -46.8%
Private companies 352 69.2% 20.6%
Governmental workers 70 13.8% 9.4%
Not for profit companies 37 7.3% 76.2%

Transportation in Penrose

How people get around in Penrose

In Penrose, the average commute time is 21 minutes.

Commute time
21 min
-8.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 483 100% 19.0%
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 Penrose by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28766 1,259 552 $57,708 $65,144

Explore more communities

FAQs about Penrose demographics 

What is the total population of Penrose?

Penrose has a total population of 1,257 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 +24.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Penrose?

The gender ratio in Penrose is as follows:
  • 39.4% males (495 residents)
  • 60.6% females (762 residents)

What is the median age in Penrose?

The median age in Penrose is 53.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Penrose?

The age distribution in Penrose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (190 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.2% (103 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (268 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (405 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.2% (292 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Penrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Penrose is as follows:
  • White: 91.5% (1,150 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (27 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (72 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Penrose.

How many housing units are there in Penrose?

There are 651 housing units in Penrose, reflecting a +5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Penrose has a total of 551 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Penrose?

Penrose has a median household income of $57,708, representing a -3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Penrose?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (399 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (110 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (50 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (352 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (70 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (37 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