Raeford, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,552
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,494/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,851
-3.2% year-over-year change

Raeford population

How many people live in Raeford

Raeford is home to 4,552 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Raeford locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
4,552
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
2,138
Female
53%
2,414
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,138 47% -1.6%
Female 2,414 53% 1.7%
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 Raeford is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.2% are children under 15, then 10.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.2%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,013 22.2% 4.8%
15 to 24 485 10.6% -3.2%
25 to 44 1,156 25.4% -0.4%
45 to 64 929 20.4% -7.0%
Over 65 969 21.3% 5.7%
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

In Raeford, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 42% of locals are Caucasian, 39.4% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,317 94.8% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 86 1.9% 16.2%
Non-citizens 149 3.3% 9.6%
Racial breakdown
White
42%
Black or African American
39.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.3%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 1,914 42%
Black or African American 1,795 39.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 286 6.3%
Asian 42 0.9%
Two or more races 398 8.7%
Other 117 2.6%

Households in Raeford

A peek inside Raeford households

Raeford has 1,592 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,592
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
594
Family households
998
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 594 37.3% -15.7%
Family households 998 62.7% 7.9%
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 Raeford

The housing landscape of Raeford

Raeford's housing consists of 1,851 units, with 69% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,851
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,278 69%
1 unit, attached 50 2.7%
2 units 161 8.7%
3 or 4 units 96 5.2%
5 to 9 units 128 6.9%
10 to 19 units 28 1.5%
20 to 49 units 74 4%
Mobile home 36 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
52
85.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Raeford

In Raeford, the median construction year is 1975. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 129 7% 6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 99 5.4% -29.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 247 13.3% -8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 275 14.9% 16.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 323 17.4% 9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 161 8.7% 11.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 161 8.7% -14.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 207 11.2% -18.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 197 10.6% -15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 52 2.8% 85.7%
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.

Raeford occupancy rates

Out of the 1,592 occupied housing units in Raeford, 57.1% are owner-occupied, while 42.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,592
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
683
Owner occupied
909
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 683 42.9% 1.3%
Owner occupied 909 57.1% -4.9%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
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.

Raeford housing costs

Housing costs in Raeford come to a median of $876 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $833.

Median housing costs per month
$876/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 Raeford
$833/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 Raeford

Raeford education at a glance

About 39.7% of the population in Raeford went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 14.6% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 129 3.8% -5.8%
High school diploma 1,361 39.7% -6.2%
College diploma 682 19.9% 4.4%
Associate degree 502 14.6% -8.2%
Bachelor's degree 533 15.6% 4.3%
Graduate degree 220 6.4% 70.5%
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 Raeford

How much people earn in Raeford

The average annual household income in Raeford was $65,663 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,494, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Raeford
$65,663/year
14.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Raeford
$46,494/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Raeford income by age

In Raeford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $34,342. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,361 overall. Overall, 79.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $34,342 0.8%
45 - 64 $52,361 10.8%
Over 65 $47,083 3.4%
Above poverty level
3,348
Below poverty level
865
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,348 79.5% 5.8%
Below poverty level 865 20.5% -8.6%

Average renter income in Raeford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Raeford, their median household income was $18,333 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,333
Rent-to-income ratio
54.5%
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 Raeford

Workforce and job types in Raeford

The job market in Raeford is powered by 1,640 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 59.9% are employed by private companies, and 26.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,640
5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,281
Blue collar
359
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,281 78.1% 2.0%
Blue collar 359 21.9% 20.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
59.9%
Governmental workers
26.3%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 128 7.8% 1.6%
Private companies 982 59.9% 2.4%
Governmental workers 431 26.3% 7.8%
Not for profit companies 99 6% 41.4%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-24.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Raeford stands at 3.8%, 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 Raeford

How people get around in Raeford

In Raeford, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,403 84.5% 7.9%
Motorcycle 13 0.8% N/A
Walk 101 6.1% -9.0%
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 Raeford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28376 44,880 15,871 $66,471 $93,484

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FAQs about Raeford demographics 

What is the total population of Raeford?

Raeford has a total population of 4,552 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Raeford?

The gender ratio in Raeford is as follows:
  • 47% males (2,138 residents)
  • 53% females (2,414 residents)

What is the median age in Raeford?

The median age in Raeford is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Raeford?

The age distribution in Raeford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.2% (1,013 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.6% (485 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (1,156 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (929 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (969 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Raeford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Raeford is as follows:
  • White: 42% (1,914 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39.4% (1,795 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.3% (286 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (398 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (117 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Raeford.

How many housing units are there in Raeford?

There are 1,851 housing units in Raeford, reflecting a -3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Raeford has a total of 1,592 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Raeford?

Raeford has a median household income of $46,494, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Raeford, with a workforce of 1,640 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.1% (1,281 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.9% (359 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (128 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.9% (982 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.3% (431 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (99 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