Tarboro, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,770
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,796/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,523
2.7% year-over-year change

Tarboro population

How many people live in Tarboro

Tarboro is home to 10,770 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45% of Tarboro locals are male, and 55% are female.

Total population
10,770
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45%
4,850
Female
55%
5,920
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,850 45% 6.2%
Female 5,920 55% -3.5%
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 Tarboro is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.8% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
18.8%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
29.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,744 16.2% -8.8%
15 to 24 973 9% -4.5%
25 to 44 2,026 18.8% 0.1%
45 to 64 2,866 26.6% 4.5%
Over 65 3,161 29.4% 5.2%
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 Tarboro, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,396 96.5% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 100 0.9% 3.1%
Non-citizens 274 2.5% -17.0%
Racial breakdown
White
47.3%
Black or African American
49.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.5%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 5,096 47.3%
Black or African American 5,339 49.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 1 0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 160 1.5%
Other 164 1.5%

Households in Tarboro

A peek inside Tarboro households

Tarboro has 4,830 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,830
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,998
Family households
2,832
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,998 41.4% 5.2%
Family households 2,832 58.6% -1.4%
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 Tarboro

The housing landscape of Tarboro

Tarboro's housing consists of 5,523 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,523
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,826 69.3%
1 unit, attached 72 1.3%
2 units 424 7.7%
3 or 4 units 441 8%
5 to 9 units 312 5.6%
10 to 19 units 152 2.8%
50 or more units 132 2.4%
Mobile home 164 3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tarboro

In Tarboro, the median construction year is 1974. About 11.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.8% 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 624 11.3% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 597 10.8% 14.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 481 8.7% -23.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 509 9.2% -23.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,241 22.5% 0.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 743 13.4% 37.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 471 8.5% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 615 11.1% 7.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 242 4.4% 93.6%
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.

Tarboro occupancy rates

Out of the 4,830 occupied housing units in Tarboro, 57.2% are owner-occupied, while 42.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,830
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,069
Owner occupied
2,761
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,069 42.8% 0.9%
Owner occupied 2,761 57.2% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
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.

Tarboro housing costs

Housing costs in Tarboro come to a median of $899 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $843.

Median housing costs per month
$899/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 Tarboro
$843/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 Tarboro

Tarboro education at a glance

About 48% of the population in Tarboro went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 16.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 252 2.9% -9.7%
High school diploma 4,183 48% 12.9%
College diploma 1,622 18.6% -13.9%
Associate degree 388 4.5% -14.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,422 16.3% 2.7%
Graduate degree 842 9.7% 22.6%
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 Tarboro

How much people earn in Tarboro

The average annual household income in Tarboro was $77,796 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,796, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tarboro
$77,796/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tarboro
$49,796/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Tarboro income by age

In Tarboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,048. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,855 overall. Overall, 81.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $53,048 4.5%
45 - 64 $50,855 -7.5%
Over 65 $54,135 22.8%
Above poverty level
8,204
Below poverty level
1,848
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,204 81.6% 2.7%
Below poverty level 1,848 18.4% -6.2%

Average renter income in Tarboro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tarboro, their median household income was $16,947 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 59.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$16,947
Rent-to-income ratio
59.7%
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 Tarboro

Workforce and job types in Tarboro

The job market in Tarboro is powered by 4,439 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 68.1% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,439
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
3,153
Blue collar
1,286
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,153 71% -0.6%
Blue collar 1,286 29% 3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
68.1%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 423 9.5% -21.4%
Private companies 3,023 68.1% 0.5%
Governmental workers 668 15% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 325 7.3% 7.3%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tarboro stands at 4.5%, 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 Tarboro

How people get around in Tarboro

In Tarboro, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
8.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,730 85.4% 2.1%
Bicycle 11 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 50 1.1% -27.5%
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 Tarboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27886 18,381 7,825 $52,850 $74,240

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FAQs about Tarboro demographics 

What is the total population of Tarboro?

Tarboro has a total population of 10,770 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tarboro?

The gender ratio in Tarboro is as follows:
  • 45% males (4,850 residents)
  • 55% females (5,920 residents)

What is the median age in Tarboro?

The median age in Tarboro is 51.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tarboro?

The age distribution in Tarboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (1,744 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (973 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.8% (2,026 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (2,866 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.4% (3,161 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tarboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tarboro is as follows:
  • White: 47.3% (5,096 residents)
  • Black or African American: 49.6% (5,339 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.5% (160 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (164 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Tarboro?

There are 5,523 housing units in Tarboro, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tarboro has a total of 4,830 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tarboro?

Tarboro has a median household income of $49,796, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.5% in Tarboro, with a workforce of 4,439 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71% (3,153 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29% (1,286 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (423 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.1% (3,023 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (668 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (325 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