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

Total population
2,935
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,358/yr
-8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,509
6.5% year-over-year change

Roaring River population

How many people live in Roaring River

Roaring River is home to 2,935 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 60% of Roaring River locals are male, and 40% are female.

Total population
2,935
3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
60%
1,762
Female
40%
1,173
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,762 60% 8.4%
Female 1,173 40% -2.5%
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 Roaring River is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.8% of the population, while another 34.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
18.8%
45 to 64
34.4%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 511 17.4% 11.1%
15 to 24 268 9.1% 14.5%
25 to 44 552 18.8% -1.4%
45 to 64 1,009 34.4% -4.1%
Over 65 595 20.3% 14.0%
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

At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,760 94% 4.2%
Non-citizens 175 6% -2.2%
Racial breakdown
White
76.9%
Black or African American
13.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,256 76.9%
Black or African American 400 13.6%
Two or more races 279 9.5%

Households in Roaring River

A peek inside Roaring River households

Roaring River has 1,254 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 80.9% are families, while the remaining 19.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,254
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
240
Family households
1,014
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 240 19.1% 39.5%
Family households 1,014 80.9% -1.1%
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 Roaring River

The housing landscape of Roaring River

Roaring River's housing consists of 1,509 units, with 53.9% 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 45.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,509
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 813 53.9%
Mobile home 684 45.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
7
40.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Roaring River

In Roaring River, the median construction year is 1980. About 5.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 85 5.6% -26.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 165 10.9% -22.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 143 9.5% 64.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17 1.1% 88.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 337 22.3% 13.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 262 17.4% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 253 16.8% 19.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 211 14% 3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 1.9% 38.1%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.5% 40.0%
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.

Roaring River occupancy rates

Out of the 1,254 occupied housing units in Roaring River, 86.3% are owner-occupied, while 13.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,254
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
172
Owner occupied
1,082
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 172 13.7% 73.7%
Owner occupied 1,082 86.3% -1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
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.

Roaring River housing costs

Housing costs in Roaring River come to a median of $452 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $746.

Median housing costs per month
$452/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 Roaring River
$746/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 Roaring River

Roaring River education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Roaring River went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 14% earned an associate degree and 5.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 263 11.1% 40.6%
High school diploma 1,053 44.6% 7.7%
College diploma 487 20.6% -20.6%
Associate degree 331 14% 11.4%
Bachelor's degree 138 5.8% 2.2%
Graduate degree 89 3.8% -21.9%
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 Roaring River

How much people earn in Roaring River

The average annual household income in Roaring River was $61,987 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -21.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,358, reflecting a -8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Roaring River
$61,987/year
-21.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Roaring River
$47,358/year
-8.6% year-over-year change

Roaring River income by age

In Roaring River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,079. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,389 overall. Overall, 72.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,079 4.6%
45 - 64 $51,389 -19.5%
Over 65 $54,912 1.7%
Above poverty level
2,126
Below poverty level
789
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,126 72.9% -7.0%
Below poverty level 789 27.1% 50.3%

Employment in Roaring River

Workforce and job types in Roaring River

47.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 52.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
598
Blue collar
657
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 598 47.6% -12.6%
Blue collar 657 52.4% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 184 14.7% 48.4%
Private companies 828 66% -10.7%
Governmental workers 222 17.7% -20.1%
Not for profit companies 21 1.7% 5.0%

Transportation in Roaring River

How people get around in Roaring River

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,022 100% -9.2%
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 Roaring River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28669 2,935 1,254 $47,358 $61,970

Explore more communities

FAQs about Roaring River demographics 

What is the total population of Roaring River?

Roaring River has a total population of 2,935 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 +3.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Roaring River?

The gender ratio in Roaring River is as follows:
  • 60% males (1,762 residents)
  • 40% females (1,173 residents)

What is the median age in Roaring River?

The median age in Roaring River is 47.7.

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

The age distribution in Roaring River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (511 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (268 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.8% (552 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.4% (1,009 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.3% (595 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Roaring River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Roaring River is as follows:
  • White: 76.9% (2,256 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.6% (400 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.5% (279 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Roaring River.

How many housing units are there in Roaring River?

There are 1,509 housing units in Roaring River, reflecting a +6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Roaring River has a total of 1,254 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Roaring River?

Roaring River has a median household income of $47,358, representing a -8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Roaring River?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 47.6% (598 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 52.4% (657 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (184 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (828 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (222 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.7% (21 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