Polkton, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,555
-7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,059/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
488
-2.0% year-over-year change

Polkton population

How many people live in Polkton

Polkton is home to 2,555 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Polkton locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
2,555
-7.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
1,302
Female
49%
1,253
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,302 51% -9.3%
Female 1,253 49% -5.4%
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 Polkton is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.9% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 44.3% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.9%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
44.3%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 254 9.9% 17.1%
15 to 24 352 13.8% 4.8%
25 to 44 1,133 44.3% -7.5%
45 to 64 529 20.7% -18.1%
Over 65 287 11.2% -14.3%
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 Polkton, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.9% of locals are Caucasian, 44.4% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 1.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,435 95.3% -8.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 32 1.2% 18.5%
Non-citizens 88 3.4% 49.1%
Racial breakdown
White
41.9%
Black or African American
44.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.9%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 1,070 41.9%
Black or African American 1,134 44.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 49 1.9%
Asian 3 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2 0.1%
Two or more races 198 7.8%
Other 99 3.9%

Households in Polkton

A peek inside Polkton households

Polkton has 440 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.4% are families, while the remaining 31.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
440
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
139
Family households
301
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 139 31.6% 13.0%
Family households 301 68.4% -6.5%
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 Polkton

The housing landscape of Polkton

Polkton's housing consists of 488 units, with 43% 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 45.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
488
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 210 43%
3 or 4 units 45 9.2%
5 to 9 units 10 2%
Mobile home 223 45.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Polkton

In Polkton, the median construction year is 1991. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% 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 10 2% -73.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 19 3.9% 58.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22 4.5% 69.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 36 7.4% -20.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 78 16% 56.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 70 14.3% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 150 30.7% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 76 15.6% -17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 5.5% 35.0%
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.

Polkton occupancy rates

Out of the 440 occupied housing units in Polkton, 46.6% are owner-occupied, while 53.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
440
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
235
Owner occupied
205
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 235 53.4% -5.6%
Owner occupied 205 46.6% 4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
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.

Polkton housing costs

Housing costs in Polkton come to a median of $738 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,009.

Median housing costs per month
$738/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 Polkton
$1,009/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 Polkton

Polkton education at a glance

About 62.7% of the population in Polkton went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 1.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 129 5.9% 9.3%
High school diploma 1,373 62.7% -9.6%
College diploma 474 21.6% -16.4%
Associate degree 166 7.6% -9.8%
Bachelor's degree 31 1.4% -16.2%
Graduate degree 17 0.8% 21.4%
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 Polkton

How much people earn in Polkton

The average annual household income in Polkton was $50,250 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,059, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Polkton
$50,250/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Polkton
$47,059/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Polkton income by age

In Polkton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,603. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,089 overall. Overall, 69.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $58,603 -0.5%
45 - 64 $75,089 -0.4%
Over 65 $25,600 -3.6%
Above poverty level
800
Below poverty level
349
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 800 69.6% 0.0%
Below poverty level 349 30.4% 11.5%

Average renter income in Polkton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Polkton, their median household income was $40,114 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,114
Rent-to-income ratio
30.2%
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 Polkton

Workforce and job types in Polkton

The job market in Polkton is powered by 459 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.7% run their own businesses, 88.2% are employed by private companies, and 7.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
459
7.5% year-over-year change
White collar
306
Blue collar
153
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 306 66.7% 4.4%
Blue collar 153 33.3% 14.2%
Employer type
Self employees
1.7%
Private companies
88.2%
Governmental workers
7.6%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8 1.7% -38.5%
Private companies 405 88.2% 14.4%
Governmental workers 35 7.6% -25.5%
Not for profit companies 11 2.4% -15.4%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-20.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Polkton stands at 2.6%, 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 Polkton

How people get around in Polkton

In Polkton, the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Commute time
31 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 434 95.4% 8.2%
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 Polkton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28135 4,655 1,175 $66,920 $76,995

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FAQs about Polkton demographics 

What is the total population of Polkton?

Polkton has a total population of 2,555 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 -7.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Polkton?

The gender ratio in Polkton is as follows:
  • 51% males (1,302 residents)
  • 49% females (1,253 residents)

What is the median age in Polkton?

The median age in Polkton is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Polkton?

The age distribution in Polkton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.9% (254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (352 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 44.3% (1,133 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (529 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.2% (287 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Polkton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Polkton is as follows:
  • White: 41.9% (1,070 residents)
  • Black or African American: 44.4% (1,134 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.9% (49 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (198 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (99 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Polkton.

How many housing units are there in Polkton?

There are 488 housing units in Polkton, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Polkton has a total of 440 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Polkton?

Polkton has a median household income of $47,059, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Polkton, with a workforce of 459 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.7% (306 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.3% (153 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.7% (8 residents)
  • Private companies: 88.2% (405 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.6% (35 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (11 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