St. James, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,072
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,383/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,321
11.3% year-over-year change

St. James population

How many people live in St. James

St. James is home to 7,072 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of St. James locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
7,072
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
3,492
Female
50.6%
3,580
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,492 49.4% 2.2%
Female 3,580 50.6% 2.8%
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

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 2.9% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 62.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
68
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.1%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
2.9%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
62.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 147 2.1% 36.1%
25 to 44 208 2.9% -7.6%
45 to 64 2,278 32.2% -3.7%
Over 65 4,439 62.8% 5.6%
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 St. James, 93.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,598 93.3% 3.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 424 6% -10.7%
Non-citizens 50 0.7% 19.1%
Racial breakdown
White
90.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 6,393 90.4%
Black or African American 26 0.4%
Asian 23 0.3%
Two or more races 508 7.2%
Other 122 1.7%

Households in St. James

A peek inside St. James households

St. James has 3,533 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 81.5% are families, while the remaining 18.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,533
4.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
654
Family households
2,879
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 654 18.5% 36.2%
Family households 2,879 81.5% -0.3%
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 St. James

The housing landscape of St. James

St. James's housing consists of 4,321 units, with 86.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,321
11.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,741 86.6%
1 unit, attached 137 3.2%
2 units 25 0.6%
3 or 4 units 24 0.6%
5 to 9 units 377 8.7%
Mobile home 17 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
492
171.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in St. James

In St. James, the median construction year is 2011. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 42.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 11.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 100 2.3% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12 0.3% 9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 762 17.6% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,125 26% -9.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,830 42.4% 15.6%
Built in 2020 or later 492 11.4% 171.8%
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.

St. James occupancy rates

Out of the 3,533 occupied housing units in St. James, 96.4% are owner-occupied, while 3.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,533
4.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
126
Owner occupied
3,407
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 126 3.6% -13.1%
Owner occupied 3,407 96.4% 5.7%
Unoccupied housing units
18.2%
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.

St. James housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,491/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 St. James

St. James education at a glance

About 11.9% of the population in St. James went to high school, while 11.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 37.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 825 11.9% -11.9%
College diploma 774 11.2% -5.4%
Associate degree 594 8.6% 3.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,594 37.5% 2.8%
Graduate degree 2,138 30.9% 10.3%
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 St. James

How much people earn in St. James

The average annual household income in St. James was $164,910 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,383, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in St. James
$164,910/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in St. James
$116,383/year
2.4% year-over-year change

St. James income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,667 overall. Overall, 95.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $117,667 -0.3%
Over 65 $117,045 3.0%
Above poverty level
6,767
Below poverty level
305
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,767 95.7% 3.8%
Below poverty level 305 4.3% -20.4%

Average renter income in St. James

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in St. James, their median household income was $196,083 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$196,083
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 St. James

Workforce and job types in St. James

The job market in St. James is powered by 1,451 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 28.2% run their own businesses, 37.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,451
-8.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,371
Blue collar
80
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,371 94.5% -5.6%
Blue collar 80 5.5% -42.9%
Employer type
Self employees
28.2%
Private companies
37.1%
Governmental workers
15.3%
Not for profit companies
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 409 28.2% 10.2%
Private companies 538 37.1% -33.5%
Governmental workers 222 15.3% 6.2%
Not for profit companies 282 19.4% 38.9%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
10.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in St. James stands at 6.2%, 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 St. James

How people get around in St. James

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 648 44.8% -19.5%
Ferryboat 197 13.6% -4.8%
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 St. James by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28461 23,762 11,150 $82,692 $112,827

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FAQs about St. James demographics 

What is the total population of St. James?

St. James has a total population of 7,072 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 +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in St. James?

The gender ratio in St. James is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (3,492 residents)
  • 50.6% females (3,580 residents)

What is the median age in St. James?

The median age in St. James is 68.

What is the age distribution of the population in St. James?

The age distribution in St. James is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.1% (147 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% (0 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 2.9% (208 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (2,278 residents)
  • Over 65: 62.8% (4,439 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of St. James?

The racial and ethnic makeup of St. James is as follows:
  • White: 90.4% (6,393 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (26 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (23 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (508 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (122 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.3% of the population in St. James.

How many housing units are there in St. James?

There are 4,321 housing units in St. James, reflecting a +11.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in St. James and what is the average household size?

St. James has a total of 3,533 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in St. James?

St. James has a median household income of $116,383, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for St. James?

The employment rate is 93.8% in St. James, with a workforce of 1,451 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.5% (1,371 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.5% (80 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 28.2% (409 residents)
  • Private companies: 37.1% (538 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.3% (222 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19.4% (282 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