Richlands, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,335
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,163/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
951
10.3% year-over-year change

Richlands population

How many people live in Richlands

Richlands is home to 2,335 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.8% of Richlands locals are male, and 47.2% are female.

Total population
2,335
-2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
1,234
Female
47.2%
1,101
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,234 52.8% -4.0%
Female 1,101 47.2% 0.0%
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 Richlands is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 27.2% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37% of the population, while another 16.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
27.2%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
37%
45 to 64
16.8%
Over 65
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 634 27.2% 0.0%
15 to 24 280 12% -7.9%
25 to 44 865 37% -2.6%
45 to 64 391 16.8% -4.9%
Over 65 165 7.1% 10.0%
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 Richlands, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.9% of locals are Caucasian, 17.9% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,237 95.8% -3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 87 3.7% 40.3%
Non-citizens 11 0.5% 57.1%
Racial breakdown
White
71.9%
Black or African American
17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 1,678 71.9%
Black or African American 418 17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 25 1.1%
Two or more races 180 7.7%
Other 33 1.4%

Households in Richlands

A peek inside Richlands households

Richlands has 807 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
807
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
297
Family households
510
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 297 36.8% 12.5%
Family households 510 63.2% 2.6%
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 Richlands

The housing landscape of Richlands

Richlands's housing consists of 951 units, with 83.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% 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 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
951
10.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 795 83.6%
1 unit, attached 47 4.9%
3 or 4 units 30 3.2%
5 to 9 units 21 2.2%
10 to 19 units 11 1.2%
20 to 49 units 6 0.6%
Mobile home 41 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
56
133.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Richlands

In Richlands, the median construction year is 2001. About 4.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 25.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 42 4.4% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 74 7.8% 17.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 60 6.3% -13.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 100 10.5% 37.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 91 9.6% 30.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 78 8.2% 13.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 1.5% -33.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 191 20.1% -5.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 245 25.8% 4.7%
Built in 2020 or later 56 5.9% 133.3%
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.

Richlands occupancy rates

Out of the 807 occupied housing units in Richlands, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
807
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
272
Owner occupied
535
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 272 33.7% 1.1%
Owner occupied 535 66.3% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.1%
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.

Richlands housing costs

Housing costs in Richlands come to a median of $1,112 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $798.

Median housing costs per month
$1,112/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 Richlands
$798/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 Richlands

Richlands education at a glance

About 32.4% of the population in Richlands went to high school, while 18.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 3% -6.1%
High school diploma 500 32.4% -13.0%
College diploma 281 18.2% -23.9%
Associate degree 97 6.3% 19.8%
Bachelor's degree 353 22.9% 18.9%
Graduate degree 266 17.2% 18.2%
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 Richlands

How much people earn in Richlands

The average annual household income in Richlands was $87,453 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,163, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Richlands
$87,453/year
7.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Richlands
$65,163/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Richlands income by age

In Richlands, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,632. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,330, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,167 in earnings. Overall, 89% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,330 6.0%
25 - 44 $84,632 14.6%
45 - 64 $69,250 22.0%
Over 65 $34,167 -8.9%
Above poverty level
2,033
Below poverty level
251
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,033 89% -3.9%
Below poverty level 251 11% 4.2%

Average renter income in Richlands

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Richlands, their median household income was $39,174 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,174
Rent-to-income ratio
24.4%
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 Richlands

Workforce and job types in Richlands

The job market in Richlands is powered by 937 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.9% run their own businesses, 56.6% are employed by private companies, and 36.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
937
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
687
Blue collar
250
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 687 73.3% 0.3%
Blue collar 250 26.7% -12.0%
Employer type
Self employees
2.9%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
36.7%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 27 2.9% 3.9%
Private companies 530 56.6% -7.3%
Governmental workers 344 36.7% 5.8%
Not for profit companies 36 3.8% -21.7%
Unemployment rate
9.7%
11.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Richlands stands at 9.7%, 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 Richlands

How people get around in Richlands

Commuting methods vary: 84.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 860 84.9% -4.3%
Bicycle 17 1.7% -26.1%
Walk 11 1.1% -15.4%
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 Richlands by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28574 20,990 7,137 $67,416 $79,299

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FAQs about Richlands demographics 

What is the total population of Richlands?

Richlands has a total population of 2,335 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 -2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Richlands?

The gender ratio in Richlands is as follows:
  • 52.8% males (1,234 residents)
  • 47.2% females (1,101 residents)

What is the median age in Richlands?

The median age in Richlands is 29.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Richlands?

The age distribution in Richlands is as follows:
  • Under 15: 27.2% (634 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (280 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37% (865 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.8% (391 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.1% (165 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Richlands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Richlands is as follows:
  • White: 71.9% (1,678 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.9% (418 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (180 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (33 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Richlands.

How many housing units are there in Richlands?

There are 951 housing units in Richlands, reflecting a +10.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Richlands has a total of 807 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Richlands?

Richlands has a median household income of $65,163, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.3% in Richlands, with a workforce of 937 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.3% (687 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.7% (250 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.9% (27 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (530 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 36.7% (344 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (36 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