River Road, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,366
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,352/yr
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,137
6.0% year-over-year change

River Road population

How many people live in River Road

River Road is home to 3,366 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of River Road locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
3,366
-4.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
1,695
Female
49.6%
1,671
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,695 50.4% -3.2%
Female 1,671 49.6% -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 River Road is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.7% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.7%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
25.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 394 11.7% -20.9%
15 to 24 372 11% -3.4%
25 to 44 827 24.6% -8.9%
45 to 64 903 26.8% -0.4%
Over 65 870 25.8% 6.1%
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 River Road, 92% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,095 92% -4.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48 1.4% 33.3%
Non-citizens 223 6.6% -12.6%
Racial breakdown
White
63.3%
Black or African American
20.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
11.8%
Value Percent
White 2,130 63.3%
Black or African American 688 20.4%
Two or more races 150 4.5%
Other 398 11.8%

Households in River Road

A peek inside River Road households

River Road has 1,673 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,673
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
716
Family households
957
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 716 42.8% 11.3%
Family households 957 57.2% -3.5%
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 River Road

The housing landscape of River Road

River Road's housing consists of 2,137 units, with 66.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 28.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,137
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,416 66.3%
1 unit, attached 11 0.5%
3 or 4 units 74 3.5%
20 to 49 units 29 1.4%
Mobile home 607 28.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in River Road

In River Road, the median construction year is 1978. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% 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 31 1.4% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 60 2.8% -9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 155 7.2% -9.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 301 14.1% 49.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 614 28.7% 1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 340 15.9% 4.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 344 16.1% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 241 11.3% 17.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 51 2.4% 10.9%
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.

River Road occupancy rates

Out of the 1,673 occupied housing units in River Road, 68.3% are owner-occupied, while 31.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,673
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
530
Owner occupied
1,143
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 530 31.7% 2.5%
Owner occupied 1,143 68.3% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
21.7%
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.

River Road housing costs

Housing costs in River Road come to a median of $911 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $817.

Median housing costs per month
$911/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 River Road
$817/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 River Road

River Road education at a glance

About 28.5% of the population in River Road went to high school, while 28.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 292 10.2% -22.1%
High school diploma 817 28.5% -14.1%
College diploma 817 28.5% 29.5%
Associate degree 235 8.2% 35.1%
Bachelor's degree 472 16.5% 2.2%
Graduate degree 232 8.1% -25.9%
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 River Road

How much people earn in River Road

The average annual household income in River Road was $72,210 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,352, reflecting a -3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in River Road
$72,210/year
-10.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in River Road
$46,352/year
-3.4% year-over-year change

River Road income by age

In River Road, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $26,613. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,782 overall. Overall, 77.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $26,613 -31.1%
45 - 64 $58,782 13.8%
Over 65 $42,083 -4.9%
Above poverty level
2,595
Below poverty level
750
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,595 77.6% -6.0%
Below poverty level 750 22.4% 8.2%

Average renter income in River Road

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in River Road, their median household income was $24,569 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,569
Rent-to-income ratio
39.9%
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 River Road

Workforce and job types in River Road

The job market in River Road is powered by 1,707 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 20.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,707
-9.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,084
Blue collar
623
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,084 63.5% -12.2%
Blue collar 623 36.5% -4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
20.2%
Not for profit companies
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 236 13.8% -8.5%
Private companies 1,083 63.4% -4.8%
Governmental workers 345 20.2% -2.5%
Not for profit companies 43 2.5% -67.7%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-14.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in River Road stands at 2.5%, 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 River Road

How people get around in River Road

Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 1,472 86.2% -10.5%
Walk 17 1% -19.1%
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.

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FAQs about River Road demographics 

What is the total population of River Road?

River Road has a total population of 3,366 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 -4.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in River Road?

The gender ratio in River Road is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (1,695 residents)
  • 49.6% females (1,671 residents)

What is the median age in River Road?

The median age in River Road is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in River Road?

The age distribution in River Road is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.7% (394 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (372 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (827 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (903 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.8% (870 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of River Road?

The racial and ethnic makeup of River Road is as follows:
  • White: 63.3% (2,130 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.4% (688 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (150 residents)
  • Other: 11.8% (398 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92% of the population in River Road.

How many housing units are there in River Road?

There are 2,137 housing units in River Road, reflecting a +6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

River Road has a total of 1,673 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in River Road?

River Road has a median household income of $46,352, representing a -3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for River Road?

The employment rate is 97.5% in River Road, with a workforce of 1,707 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.5% (1,084 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.5% (623 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (236 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (1,083 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.2% (345 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.5% (43 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