Sawmills, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,042
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,067/yr
25.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,370
-0.8% year-over-year change

Sawmills population

How many people live in Sawmills

Sawmills is home to 5,042 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56% of Sawmills locals are male, and 44% are female.

Total population
5,042
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56%
2,823
Female
44%
2,219
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,823 56% 0.3%
Female 2,219 44% 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 Sawmills is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 32% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
32%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 887 17.6% 22.0%
15 to 24 624 12.4% -9.8%
25 to 44 1,192 23.6% 1.8%
45 to 64 1,614 32% 7.2%
Over 65 725 14.4% -22.1%
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

At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,013 99.4% 0.4%
Non-citizens 29 0.6% 16.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 4,756 94.3%
Black or African American 60 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Two or more races 132 2.6%
Other 93 1.8%

Households in Sawmills

A peek inside Sawmills households

Sawmills has 1,908 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.8% are families, while the remaining 34.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,908
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
653
Family households
1,255
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 653 34.2% -0.8%
Family households 1,255 65.8% -3.8%
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 Sawmills

The housing landscape of Sawmills

Sawmills's housing consists of 2,370 units, with 62% 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 27.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,370
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,470 62%
2 units 36 1.5%
3 or 4 units 121 5.1%
5 to 9 units 96 4%
Mobile home 647 27.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sawmills

In Sawmills, the median construction year is 1990. About 0.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% 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 12 0.5% -42.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 1.3% -35.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 130 5.5% 6.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 545 23% 19.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 6.2% -42.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 326 13.8% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 953 40.2% 4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 163 6.9% -2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 64 2.7% -19.0%
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.

Sawmills occupancy rates

Out of the 1,908 occupied housing units in Sawmills, 68.7% are owner-occupied, while 31.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,908
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
598
Owner occupied
1,310
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 598 31.3% -6.7%
Owner occupied 1,310 68.7% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
19.5%
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.

Sawmills housing costs

Housing costs in Sawmills come to a median of $815 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $730.

Median housing costs per month
$815/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 Sawmills
$730/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 Sawmills

Sawmills education at a glance

About 51.4% of the population in Sawmills went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 355 9.1% -1.7%
High school diploma 2,002 51.4% 4.5%
College diploma 783 20.1% 4.5%
Associate degree 291 7.5% -28.7%
Bachelor's degree 322 8.3% -24.2%
Graduate degree 141 3.6% -16.6%
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 Sawmills

How much people earn in Sawmills

The average annual household income in Sawmills was $85,361 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +20.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,067, reflecting a +25.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sawmills
$85,361/year
20.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sawmills
$71,067/year
25.7% year-over-year change

Sawmills income by age

In Sawmills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,800 overall. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,750 35.0%
45 - 64 $81,800 5.5%
Over 65 $46,736 4.8%
Above poverty level
4,468
Below poverty level
494
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,468 90% 3.7%
Below poverty level 494 10% -28.4%

Average renter income in Sawmills

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sawmills, their median household income was $27,422 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,422
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
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 Sawmills

Workforce and job types in Sawmills

The job market in Sawmills is powered by 2,475 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.8% run their own businesses, 82.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,475
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,635
Blue collar
840
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,635 66.1% 18.4%
Blue collar 840 33.9% -11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
3.8%
Private companies
82.8%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 95 3.8% -35.4%
Private companies 2,048 82.8% 18.9%
Governmental workers 254 10.3% -28.1%
Not for profit companies 78 3.2% -29.1%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
-1.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sawmills stands at 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 Sawmills

How people get around in Sawmills

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,213 92.5% 3.9%
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 Sawmills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28630 19,382 7,917 $63,835 $87,144

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FAQs about Sawmills demographics 

What is the total population of Sawmills?

Sawmills has a total population of 5,042 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sawmills?

The gender ratio in Sawmills is as follows:
  • 56% males (2,823 residents)
  • 44% females (2,219 residents)

What is the median age in Sawmills?

The median age in Sawmills is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sawmills?

The age distribution in Sawmills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (887 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (624 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (1,192 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32% (1,614 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (725 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sawmills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sawmills is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (4,756 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (60 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (132 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (93 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Sawmills.

How many housing units are there in Sawmills?

There are 2,370 housing units in Sawmills, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sawmills has a total of 1,908 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sawmills?

Sawmills has a median household income of $71,067, representing a +25.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92% in Sawmills, with a workforce of 2,475 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.1% (1,635 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.9% (840 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.8% (95 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.8% (2,048 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (254 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (78 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