Spencer, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,349
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,465/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,632
5.9% year-over-year change

Spencer population

How many people live in Spencer

Spencer is home to 3,349 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Spencer locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
3,349
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
1,725
Female
48.5%
1,624
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,725 51.5% -4.4%
Female 1,624 48.5% 8.2%
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 Spencer is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 523 15.6% -2.4%
15 to 24 340 10.2% 53.9%
25 to 44 855 25.5% -0.7%
45 to 64 847 25.3% -14.0%
Over 65 784 23.4% 11.7%
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 Spencer, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,274 97.8% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 75 2.2% 36.4%
Racial breakdown
White
50.7%
Black or African American
41%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 1,697 50.7%
Black or African American 1,372 41%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.2%
Two or more races 119 3.6%
Other 155 4.6%

Households in Spencer

A peek inside Spencer households

Spencer has 1,370 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.1% are families, while the remaining 39.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,370
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
547
Family households
823
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 547 39.9% 26.3%
Family households 823 60.1% -10.3%
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 Spencer

The housing landscape of Spencer

Spencer's housing consists of 1,632 units, with 93.1% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,632
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,520 93.1%
2 units 6 0.4%
3 or 4 units 16 1%
5 to 9 units 43 2.6%
10 to 19 units 19 1.2%
20 to 49 units 6 0.4%
Mobile home 22 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
13
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Spencer

In Spencer, the median construction year is 1950. About 34.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 556 34.1% 34.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 261 16% 16.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 184 11.3% -24.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 85 5.2% 54.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 151 9.2% -41.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 46 2.8% 21.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 105 6.4% -21.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 226 13.8% 53.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 0.3% -82.1%
Built in 2020 or later 13 0.8% N/A
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.

Spencer occupancy rates

Out of the 1,370 occupied housing units in Spencer, 72.7% are owner-occupied, while 27.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,370
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
374
Owner occupied
996
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 374 27.3% -22.4%
Owner occupied 996 72.7% 14.6%
Unoccupied housing units
16.1%
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.

Spencer housing costs

Housing costs in Spencer come to a median of $989 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,000.

Median housing costs per month
$989/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 Spencer
$1,000/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 Spencer

Spencer education at a glance

About 45.3% of the population in Spencer went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 110 4.1% 41.0%
High school diploma 1,229 45.3% -0.2%
College diploma 482 17.8% -14.7%
Associate degree 254 9.4% -3.4%
Bachelor's degree 415 15.3% -6.3%
Graduate degree 222 8.2% 115.5%
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 Spencer

How much people earn in Spencer

The average annual household income in Spencer was $82,469 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,465, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Spencer
$82,469/year
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Spencer
$65,465/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Spencer income by age

In Spencer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,136. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,583 overall. Overall, 88.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,136 3.0%
45 - 64 $84,583 13.4%
Over 65 $42,598 0.5%
Above poverty level
2,908
Below poverty level
370
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,908 88.7% 3.1%
Below poverty level 370 11.3% -12.9%

Average renter income in Spencer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Spencer, their median household income was $38,462 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,462
Rent-to-income ratio
31.2%
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 Spencer

Workforce and job types in Spencer

The job market in Spencer is powered by 1,431 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 68.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,431
-6.0% year-over-year change
White collar
777
Blue collar
654
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 777 54.3% -8.7%
Blue collar 654 45.7% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
68.3%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 130 9.1% -19.8%
Private companies 977 68.3% -14.5%
Governmental workers 265 18.5% 59.6%
Not for profit companies 59 4.1% 13.5%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
41.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Spencer stands at 7.1%, 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 Spencer

How people get around in Spencer

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,113 80.2% -6.1%
Bicycle 14 1% N/A
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 Spencer by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28159 3,250 1,321 $63,036 $81,077

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FAQs about Spencer demographics 

What is the total population of Spencer?

Spencer has a total population of 3,349 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Spencer?

The gender ratio in Spencer is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (1,725 residents)
  • 48.5% females (1,624 residents)

What is the median age in Spencer?

The median age in Spencer is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Spencer?

The age distribution in Spencer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (523 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (340 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (855 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (847 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.4% (784 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is as follows:
  • White: 50.7% (1,697 residents)
  • Black or African American: 41% (1,372 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (119 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (155 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Spencer.

How many housing units are there in Spencer?

There are 1,632 housing units in Spencer, reflecting a +5.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Spencer has a total of 1,370 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Spencer?

Spencer has a median household income of $65,465, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.9% in Spencer, with a workforce of 1,431 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.3% (777 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.7% (654 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (130 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.3% (977 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (265 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (59 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