Walnut Cove, Stokes County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,115
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,815/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
850
6.2% year-over-year change

Walnut Cove population

How many people live in Walnut Cove

Walnut Cove is home to 2,115 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Walnut Cove locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
2,115
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
1,040
Female
50.8%
1,075
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,040 49.2% 2.6%
Female 1,075 50.8% 4.2%
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 Walnut Cove is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 24% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.1% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
24%
25 to 44
14.1%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 369 17.4% 14.2%
15 to 24 507 24% -3.4%
25 to 44 299 14.1% 12.0%
45 to 64 545 25.8% -2.0%
Over 65 395 18.7% 5.3%
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 Walnut Cove, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,021 95.6% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 94 4.4% 59.3%
Racial breakdown
White
63%
Black or African American
28.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,333 63%
Black or African American 602 28.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.3%
Two or more races 174 8.2%

Households in Walnut Cove

A peek inside Walnut Cove households

Walnut Cove has 782 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 56.4% are families, while the remaining 43.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
782
8.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
341
Family households
441
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 341 43.6% 31.7%
Family households 441 56.4% -4.8%
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 Walnut Cove

The housing landscape of Walnut Cove

Walnut Cove's housing consists of 850 units, with 65.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
850
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 556 65.4%
1 unit, attached 14 1.6%
2 units 94 11.1%
3 or 4 units 36 4.2%
5 to 9 units 112 13.2%
10 to 19 units 30 3.5%
20 to 49 units 6 0.7%
Mobile home 2 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Walnut Cove

In Walnut Cove, the median construction year is 1976. About 10.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% 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 88 10.4% 27.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 42 4.9% -28.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 105 12.4% -20.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 84 9.9% 58.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 172 20.2% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 149 17.5% 27.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 81 9.5% -16.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 71 8.4% 44.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 58 6.8% 5.5%
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.

Walnut Cove occupancy rates

Out of the 782 occupied housing units in Walnut Cove, 54.7% are owner-occupied, while 45.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
782
8.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
354
Owner occupied
428
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 354 45.3% 2.6%
Owner occupied 428 54.7% 13.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.0%
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.

Walnut Cove housing costs

Housing costs in Walnut Cove come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $674.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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 Walnut Cove
$674/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 Walnut Cove

Walnut Cove education at a glance

About 52.1% of the population in Walnut Cove went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 12% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 1.5% 33.3%
High school diploma 844 52.1% 5.1%
College diploma 293 18.1% -20.8%
Associate degree 173 10.7% 1.8%
Bachelor's degree 194 12% 34.7%
Graduate degree 92 5.7% 37.3%
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 Walnut Cove

How much people earn in Walnut Cove

The average annual household income in Walnut Cove was $56,735 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,815, reflecting a +0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Walnut Cove
$56,735/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Walnut Cove
$44,815/year
0.3% year-over-year change

Walnut Cove income by age

In Walnut Cove, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,607. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,680 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $14,942, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,750 in earnings. Overall, 81.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $14,942 5.5%
25 - 44 $87,607 13.5%
45 - 64 $56,680 4.2%
Over 65 $33,750 2.5%
Above poverty level
1,641
Below poverty level
364
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,641 81.8% -2.3%
Below poverty level 364 18.2% 38.4%

Average renter income in Walnut Cove

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Walnut Cove, their median household income was $19,978 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,978
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
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 Walnut Cove

Workforce and job types in Walnut Cove

The job market in Walnut Cove is powered by 866 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.7% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
866
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
583
Blue collar
283
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 583 67.3% -7.0%
Blue collar 283 32.7% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
3.7%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32 3.7% -58.4%
Private companies 591 68.2% -8.9%
Governmental workers 135 15.6% 8.0%
Not for profit companies 108 12.5% 66.2%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Walnut Cove stands at 4.4%, 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 Walnut Cove

How people get around in Walnut Cove

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 822 96.6% -9.1%
Taxicab 1 0.1% 0.0%
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 Walnut Cove by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27052 10,506 4,150 $59,024 $71,576

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FAQs about Walnut Cove demographics 

What is the total population of Walnut Cove?

Walnut Cove has a total population of 2,115 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Walnut Cove?

The gender ratio in Walnut Cove is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (1,040 residents)
  • 50.8% females (1,075 residents)

What is the median age in Walnut Cove?

The median age in Walnut Cove is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Walnut Cove?

The age distribution in Walnut Cove is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (369 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 24% (507 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.1% (299 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (545 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (395 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut Cove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut Cove is as follows:
  • White: 63% (1,333 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.5% (602 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (174 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Walnut Cove.

How many housing units are there in Walnut Cove?

There are 850 housing units in Walnut Cove, reflecting a +6.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Walnut Cove has a total of 782 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Walnut Cove?

Walnut Cove has a median household income of $44,815, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Walnut Cove?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Walnut Cove, with a workforce of 866 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (583 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (283 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.7% (32 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (591 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (135 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (108 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