Flat Rock, Surry County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,592
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,558/yr
-12.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,621
1.5% year-over-year change

Flat Rock population

How many people live in Flat Rock

Flat Rock is home to 4,592 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Flat Rock locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
4,592
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
2,285
Female
50.2%
2,307
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,285 49.8% -0.9%
Female 2,307 50.2% -1.2%
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 Flat Rock is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.1% are children under 15, then 4.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.9% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 45.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
52
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.1%
15 to 24
4.2%
25 to 44
15.9%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
45.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 417 9.1% -21.3%
15 to 24 191 4.2% -12.4%
25 to 44 730 15.9% -6.4%
45 to 64 1,157 25.2% -7.7%
Over 65 2,097 45.7% 12.7%
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 Flat Rock, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,410 96% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 181 3.9% -23.3%
Non-citizens 1 0% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 4,377 95.3%
Asian 11 0.2%
Two or more races 180 3.9%
Other 24 0.5%

Households in Flat Rock

A peek inside Flat Rock households

Flat Rock has 2,222 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,222
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
695
Family households
1,527
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 695 31.3% 18.6%
Family households 1,527 68.7% -1.2%
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 Flat Rock

The housing landscape of Flat Rock

Flat Rock's housing consists of 2,621 units, with 85% 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. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,621
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,227 85%
1 unit, attached 74 2.8%
2 units 54 2.1%
3 or 4 units 18 0.7%
5 to 9 units 42 1.6%
10 to 19 units 10 0.4%
20 to 49 units 9 0.3%
Mobile home 133 5.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 54 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
114
178.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Flat Rock

In Flat Rock, the median construction year is 1978. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 160 6.1% -8.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 2.7% 173.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 173 6.6% 7.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 280 10.7% 21.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 375 14.3% 25.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 345 13.2% -18.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 474 18.1% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 516 19.7% -17.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 113 4.3% 17.7%
Built in 2020 or later 114 4.4% 178.1%
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.

Flat Rock occupancy rates

Out of the 2,222 occupied housing units in Flat Rock, 91% are owner-occupied, while 9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,222
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
199
Owner occupied
2,023
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 199 9% 5.3%
Owner occupied 2,023 91% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
15.2%
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.

Flat Rock housing costs

Housing costs in Flat Rock come to a median of $800 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $922.

Median housing costs per month
$800/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 Flat Rock
$922/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 Flat Rock

Flat Rock education at a glance

About 19.1% of the population in Flat Rock went to high school, while 13.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 29.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 90 2.2% 57.9%
High school diploma 791 19.1% -6.4%
College diploma 546 13.2% 2.6%
Associate degree 484 11.7% 0.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,216 29.3% -1.4%
Graduate degree 1,018 24.6% 12.9%
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 Flat Rock

How much people earn in Flat Rock

The average annual household income in Flat Rock was $90,960 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,558, reflecting a -12.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Flat Rock
$90,960/year
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Flat Rock
$68,558/year
-12.2% year-over-year change

Flat Rock income by age

In Flat Rock, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,892. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,469 overall. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $94,892 4.8%
45 - 64 $104,469 7.7%
Over 65 $62,736 -14.7%
Above poverty level
4,199
Below poverty level
393
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,199 91.4% 2.3%
Below poverty level 393 8.6% -26.5%

Average renter income in Flat Rock

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Flat Rock, their median household income was $27,650 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,650
Rent-to-income ratio
40%
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 Flat Rock

Workforce and job types in Flat Rock

The job market in Flat Rock is powered by 1,489 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 3.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,489
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,224
Blue collar
265
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,224 82.2% -6.1%
Blue collar 265 17.8% -2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
25%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
3.9%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 372 25% 13.8%
Private companies 929 62.4% -7.9%
Governmental workers 58 3.9% 26.1%
Not for profit companies 130 8.7% -33.0%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
15.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Flat Rock stands at 4.7%, 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 Flat Rock

How people get around in Flat Rock

In Flat Rock, the average commute time is 18 minutes.

Commute time
18 min
20.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,043 100% -11.9%
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.

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FAQs about Flat Rock demographics 

What is the total population of Flat Rock?

Flat Rock has a total population of 4,592 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 -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Flat Rock?

The gender ratio in Flat Rock is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (2,285 residents)
  • 50.2% females (2,307 residents)

What is the median age in Flat Rock?

The median age in Flat Rock is 52.

What is the age distribution of the population in Flat Rock?

The age distribution in Flat Rock is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.1% (417 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.2% (191 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.9% (730 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (1,157 residents)
  • Over 65: 45.7% (2,097 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Flat Rock?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Flat Rock is as follows:
  • White: 95.3% (4,377 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (180 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Flat Rock.

How many housing units are there in Flat Rock?

There are 2,621 housing units in Flat Rock, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Flat Rock has a total of 2,222 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Flat Rock?

Flat Rock has a median household income of $68,558, representing a -12.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Flat Rock?

The employment rate is 95.3% in Flat Rock, with a workforce of 1,489 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (1,224 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (265 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25% (372 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (929 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.9% (58 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (130 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