Stanley, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,069
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,461/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,639
3.9% year-over-year change

Stanley population

How many people live in Stanley

Stanley is home to 4,069 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Stanley locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
4,069
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
1,988
Female
51.1%
2,081
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,988 48.9% -1.7%
Female 2,081 51.1% 4.5%
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 Stanley is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 627 15.4% -22.0%
15 to 24 625 15.4% 14.9%
25 to 44 1,112 27.3% 6.1%
45 to 64 1,028 25.3% 12.2%
Over 65 677 16.6% -3.6%
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 Stanley, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,928 96.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 99 2.4% -10.0%
Non-citizens 42 1% 1,300.0%
Racial breakdown
White
77.6%
Black or African American
10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 3,157 77.6%
Black or African American 427 10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Two or more races 383 9.4%
Other 97 2.4%

Households in Stanley

A peek inside Stanley households

Stanley has 1,545 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
1,545
5.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
529
Family households
1,016
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 529 34.2% 12.6%
Family households 1,016 65.8% 1.8%
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 Stanley

The housing landscape of Stanley

Stanley's housing consists of 1,639 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,639
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,404 85.7%
1 unit, attached 46 2.8%
2 units 64 3.9%
3 or 4 units 91 5.6%
5 to 9 units 21 1.3%
20 to 49 units 13 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
131
70.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Stanley

In Stanley, the median construction year is 1979. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 191 11.6% -18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 91 5.6% -13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 224 13.7% -15.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 4% -9.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 262 16% 52.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 182 11.1% -9.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 119 7.3% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 240 14.6% 22.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 133 8.1% -0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 131 8% 70.1%
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.

Stanley occupancy rates

Out of the 1,545 occupied housing units in Stanley, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,545
5.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
453
Owner occupied
1,092
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 453 29.3% 6.6%
Owner occupied 1,092 70.7% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
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.

Stanley housing costs

Housing costs in Stanley come to a median of $1,127 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,122.

Median housing costs per month
$1,127/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 Stanley
$1,122/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 Stanley

Stanley education at a glance

About 36.4% of the population in Stanley went to high school, while 26.3% pursued college studies. Another 14.3% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 71 2.2% 1.4%
High school diploma 1,173 36.4% 15.8%
College diploma 848 26.3% -11.5%
Associate degree 460 14.3% 40.2%
Bachelor's degree 473 14.7% -12.4%
Graduate degree 201 6.2% 148.2%
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 Stanley

How much people earn in Stanley

The average annual household income in Stanley was $79,881 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,461, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Stanley
$79,881/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Stanley
$75,461/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Stanley income by age

In Stanley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,250 overall. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $82,500 8.2%
45 - 64 $94,250 -3.9%
Over 65 $31,722 -8.9%
Above poverty level
3,529
Below poverty level
305
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,529 92% 0.5%
Below poverty level 305 8% 24.0%

Average renter income in Stanley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Stanley, their median household income was $51,196 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,196
Rent-to-income ratio
26.3%
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 Stanley

Workforce and job types in Stanley

The job market in Stanley is powered by 2,035 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 78.1% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,035
11.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,335
Blue collar
700
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,335 65.6% 9.3%
Blue collar 700 34.4% 14.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
78.1%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 105 5.2% -16.7%
Private companies 1,590 78.1% 7.7%
Governmental workers 203 10% 51.5%
Not for profit companies 137 6.7% 39.8%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
22.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Stanley stands at 5.8%, 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 Stanley

How people get around in Stanley

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,761 88.4% 9.2%
Taxicab 9 0.4% 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 Stanley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28164 16,874 6,483 $79,728 $105,433

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FAQs about Stanley demographics 

What is the total population of Stanley?

Stanley has a total population of 4,069 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Stanley?

The gender ratio in Stanley is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (1,988 residents)
  • 51.1% females (2,081 residents)

What is the median age in Stanley?

The median age in Stanley is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Stanley?

The age distribution in Stanley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (627 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (625 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (1,112 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (1,028 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (677 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Stanley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Stanley is as follows:
  • White: 77.6% (3,157 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.5% (427 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (383 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (97 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Stanley.

How many housing units are there in Stanley?

There are 1,639 housing units in Stanley, reflecting a +3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Stanley has a total of 1,545 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Stanley?

Stanley has a median household income of $75,461, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.2% in Stanley, with a workforce of 2,035 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (1,335 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (700 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (105 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.1% (1,590 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (203 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (137 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