Spindale, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,131
-2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,262/yr
7.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,118
-1.7% year-over-year change

Spindale population

How many people live in Spindale

Spindale is home to 4,131 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.1% of Spindale locals are male, and 46.9% are female.

Total population
4,131
-2.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.1%
2,194
Female
46.9%
1,937
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,194 53.1% 0.7%
Female 1,937 46.9% -6.2%
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 Spindale is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
20.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 421 10.2% 14.7%
15 to 24 527 12.8% -3.5%
25 to 44 1,124 27.2% -8.5%
45 to 64 1,197 29% -3.5%
Over 65 862 20.9% -0.1%
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 Spindale, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73% of locals are Caucasian, 14.4% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,098 99.2% -2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12 0.3% -55.6%
Non-citizens 21 0.5% -40.0%
Racial breakdown
White
73%
Black or African American
14.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.9%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 3,017 73%
Black or African American 595 14.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Asian 42 1%
Two or more races 409 9.9%
Other 63 1.5%

Households in Spindale

A peek inside Spindale households

Spindale has 1,865 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.2% are families, while the remaining 49.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,865
-5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
928
Family households
937
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 928 49.8% -13.8%
Family households 937 50.2% 4.7%
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 Spindale

The housing landscape of Spindale

Spindale's housing consists of 2,118 units, with 73% 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 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,118
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,547 73%
1 unit, attached 12 0.6%
2 units 33 1.6%
3 or 4 units 90 4.2%
5 to 9 units 170 8%
10 to 19 units 94 4.4%
20 to 49 units 72 3.4%
50 or more units 9 0.4%
Mobile home 91 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Spindale

In Spindale, the median construction year is 1964. About 16.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 341 16.1% -11.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 324 15.3% -21.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 334 15.8% -4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 162 7.6% 40.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 412 19.4% 4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 124 5.8% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 54 2.6% 100.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 229 10.8% -3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 126 6% 17.8%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.6% 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.

Spindale occupancy rates

Out of the 1,865 occupied housing units in Spindale, 43.6% are owner-occupied, while 56.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,865
-5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,051
Owner occupied
814
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,051 56.4% -1.4%
Owner occupied 814 43.6% -10.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
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.

Spindale housing costs

Housing costs in Spindale come to a median of $766 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $755.

Median housing costs per month
$766/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 Spindale
$755/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 Spindale

Spindale education at a glance

About 40.9% of the population in Spindale went to high school, while 28.3% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 222 6.2% 12.1%
High school diploma 1,458 40.9% -4.8%
College diploma 1,010 28.3% -12.0%
Associate degree 358 10% -11.6%
Bachelor's degree 377 10.6% 10.9%
Graduate degree 143 4% -5.9%
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 Spindale

How much people earn in Spindale

The average annual household income in Spindale was $59,833 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,262, reflecting a +7.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Spindale
$59,833/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Spindale
$41,262/year
7.2% year-over-year change

Spindale income by age

In Spindale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,389. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,602 overall. Overall, 78.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,389 -24.2%
45 - 64 $41,602 7.1%
Over 65 $39,078 10.4%
Above poverty level
2,936
Below poverty level
820
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,936 78.2% -9.1%
Below poverty level 820 21.8% 25.2%

Average renter income in Spindale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Spindale, their median household income was $31,705 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,705
Rent-to-income ratio
28.6%
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 Spindale

Workforce and job types in Spindale

The job market in Spindale is powered by 1,641 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 82.4% are employed by private companies, and 7.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,641
-11.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,172
Blue collar
469
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,172 71.4% -6.2%
Blue collar 469 28.6% -22.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
82.4%
Governmental workers
7.4%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 92 5.6% -34.3%
Private companies 1,352 82.4% -8.4%
Governmental workers 122 7.4% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 75 4.6% -36.4%
Unemployment rate
12.6%
3.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Spindale stands at 12.6%, 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 Spindale

How people get around in Spindale

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,398 89.2% -10.3%
Bicycle 5 0.3% -75.0%
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 Spindale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28160 3,665 1,623 $40,868 $57,892

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Spindale demographics 

What is the total population of Spindale?

Spindale has a total population of 4,131 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 -2.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Spindale?

The gender ratio in Spindale is as follows:
  • 53.1% males (2,194 residents)
  • 46.9% females (1,937 residents)

What is the median age in Spindale?

The median age in Spindale is 44.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Spindale?

The age distribution in Spindale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (421 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (527 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (1,124 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (1,197 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.9% (862 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Spindale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spindale is as follows:
  • White: 73% (3,017 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.4% (595 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.9% (409 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (63 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Spindale.

How many housing units are there in Spindale?

There are 2,118 housing units in Spindale, reflecting a -1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Spindale has a total of 1,865 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Spindale?

Spindale has a median household income of $41,262, representing a +7.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.4% in Spindale, with a workforce of 1,641 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.4% (1,172 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.6% (469 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (92 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.4% (1,352 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.4% (122 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (75 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