Sapphire, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,449
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$154,635/yr
29.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,854
9.8% year-over-year change

Sapphire population

How many people live in Sapphire

Sapphire is home to 1,449 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.6% of Sapphire locals are male, and 58.4% are female.

Total population
1,449
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.6%
602
Female
58.4%
847
Value Percent YoY change
Male 602 41.6% 2.9%
Female 847 58.4% -0.3%
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 Sapphire is 63, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.7% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 10.6% of the population, while another 31.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 41.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
63.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.7%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
10.6%
45 to 64
31.8%
Over 65
41.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 112 7.7% 25.8%
15 to 24 118 8.1% 71.0%
25 to 44 153 10.6% 4.1%
45 to 64 460 31.8% -4.8%
Over 65 606 41.8% -6.3%
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 Sapphire, 95.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,382 95.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 26 1.8% 73.3%
Non-citizens 41 2.8% 13.9%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 1,357 93.6%
Two or more races 68 4.7%
Other 24 1.7%

Households in Sapphire

A peek inside Sapphire households

Sapphire has 702 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
702
-4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
232
Family households
470
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 232 33% 2.6%
Family households 470 67% -7.1%
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 Sapphire

The housing landscape of Sapphire

Sapphire's housing consists of 2,854 units, with 81.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,854
9.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,327 81.5%
1 unit, attached 18 0.6%
2 units 173 6.1%
3 or 4 units 143 5%
5 to 9 units 185 6.5%
Mobile home 9 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sapphire

In Sapphire, the median construction year is 1996. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 0.2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 18 0.6% -45.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 172 6% 112.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 307 10.8% -2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 549 19.2% -8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 646 22.6% 12.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 943 33% 10.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 212 7.4% 51.4%
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.

Sapphire occupancy rates

Out of the 702 occupied housing units in Sapphire, 88.6% are owner-occupied, while 11.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 75.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
702
-4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
80
Owner occupied
622
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 80 11.4% -13.0%
Owner occupied 622 88.6% -2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
75.4%
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.

Sapphire housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,869/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.

Education in Sapphire

Sapphire education at a glance

About 16.8% of the population in Sapphire went to high school, while 11.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 32.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 38 2.9% 5.6%
High school diploma 220 16.8% -5.6%
College diploma 149 11.4% 16.4%
Associate degree 74 5.6% 37.0%
Bachelor's degree 432 32.9% 4.1%
Graduate degree 400 30.5% -12.5%
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 Sapphire

How much people earn in Sapphire

The average annual household income in Sapphire was $186,809 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $154,635, reflecting a +29.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sapphire
$186,809/year
12.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sapphire
$154,635/year
29.8% year-over-year change

Sapphire income by age

In Sapphire, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $45,656. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $228,750 overall. Overall, 96.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $45,656 -2.5%
45 - 64 $228,750 29.9%
Over 65 $135,417 15.2%
Above poverty level
1,403
Below poverty level
46
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,403 96.8% 4.4%
Below poverty level 46 3.2% -49.5%

Employment in Sapphire

Workforce and job types in Sapphire

97.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.7% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 3.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
689
Blue collar
16
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 689 97.7% 14.4%
Blue collar 16 2.3% 33.3%
Employer type
Self employees
18.7%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
3.6%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 132 18.7% 53.5%
Private companies 472 67% 13.5%
Governmental workers 25 3.6% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 76 10.8% -11.6%

Transportation in Sapphire

How people get around in Sapphire

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 481 98.4% 26.2%
Ferryboat 8 1.6% -50.0%
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 Sapphire by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28774 1,451 703 $154,635 $187,172

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sapphire demographics 

What is the total population of Sapphire?

Sapphire has a total population of 1,449 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sapphire?

The gender ratio in Sapphire is as follows:
  • 41.6% males (602 residents)
  • 58.4% females (847 residents)

What is the median age in Sapphire?

The median age in Sapphire is 63.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sapphire?

The age distribution in Sapphire is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.7% (112 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (118 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 10.6% (153 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.8% (460 residents)
  • Over 65: 41.8% (606 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sapphire?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sapphire is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (1,357 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (68 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.4% of the population in Sapphire.

How many housing units are there in Sapphire?

There are 2,854 housing units in Sapphire, reflecting a +9.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sapphire has a total of 702 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sapphire?

Sapphire has a median household income of $154,635, representing a +29.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sapphire?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.7% (689 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.3% (16 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.7% (132 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (472 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.6% (25 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (76 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