Wadesboro, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,972
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,667/yr
25.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,373
3.8% year-over-year change

Wadesboro population

How many people live in Wadesboro

Wadesboro is home to 4,972 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Wadesboro locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
4,972
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
2,501
Female
49.7%
2,471
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,501 50.3% 5.4%
Female 2,471 49.7% -4.7%
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 Wadesboro is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 901 18.1% -20.9%
15 to 24 635 12.8% -17.8%
25 to 44 1,062 21.4% 9.5%
45 to 64 1,382 27.8% 14.1%
Over 65 992 20% 13.5%
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 Wadesboro, 95.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 27.4% of locals are Caucasian, 64.5% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,745 95.4% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 132 2.6% -28.6%
Non-citizens 95 1.9% -4.0%
Racial breakdown
White
27.4%
Black or African American
64.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.2%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 1,365 27.4%
Black or African American 3,207 64.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.4%
Asian 214 4.3%
Two or more races 111 2.2%
Other 54 1.1%

Households in Wadesboro

A peek inside Wadesboro households

Wadesboro has 1,996 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,996
6.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
920
Family households
1,076
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 920 46.1% 1.0%
Family households 1,076 53.9% 12.1%
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 Wadesboro

The housing landscape of Wadesboro

Wadesboro's housing consists of 2,373 units, with 78.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 7.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,373
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,870 78.8%
1 unit, attached 40 1.7%
2 units 41 1.7%
3 or 4 units 61 2.6%
5 to 9 units 123 5.2%
10 to 19 units 32 1.4%
20 to 49 units 30 1.3%
Mobile home 176 7.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wadesboro

In Wadesboro, the median construction year is 1972. About 10.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% 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 254 10.7% -2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 201 8.5% -17.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 348 14.7% 42.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 237 10% -51.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 680 28.7% 27.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 311 13.1% 29.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 283 11.9% 61.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 31 1.3% -20.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 28 1.2% -54.1%
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.

Wadesboro occupancy rates

Out of the 1,996 occupied housing units in Wadesboro, 63.1% are owner-occupied, while 36.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,996
6.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
736
Owner occupied
1,260
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 736 36.9% -4.2%
Owner occupied 1,260 63.1% 14.2%
Unoccupied housing units
15.9%
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.

Wadesboro housing costs

Housing costs in Wadesboro come to a median of $697 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $906.

Median housing costs per month
$697/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 Wadesboro
$906/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 Wadesboro

Wadesboro education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in Wadesboro went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 14.6% earned an associate degree and 12.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 86 2.2% 68.6%
High school diploma 1,825 47.2% -2.2%
College diploma 752 19.4% -4.0%
Associate degree 564 14.6% 51.2%
Bachelor's degree 471 12.2% 7.3%
Graduate degree 173 4.5% 88.0%
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 Wadesboro

How much people earn in Wadesboro

The average annual household income in Wadesboro was $67,430 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +24.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,667, reflecting a +25% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wadesboro
$67,430/year
24.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wadesboro
$42,667/year
25.0% year-over-year change

Wadesboro income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,290 overall. Overall, 73.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $46,290 29.0%
Over 65 $33,302 7.1%
Above poverty level
3,448
Below poverty level
1,260
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,448 73.2% 3.7%
Below poverty level 1,260 26.8% -5.3%

Average renter income in Wadesboro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wadesboro, their median household income was $28,297 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,297
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Wadesboro

Workforce and job types in Wadesboro

The job market in Wadesboro is powered by 2,214 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 75.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,214
14.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,380
Blue collar
834
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,380 62.3% 37.3%
Blue collar 834 37.7% -10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
75.2%
Governmental workers
15.3%
Not for profit companies
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 155 7% 49.0%
Private companies 1,665 75.2% 10.8%
Governmental workers 338 15.3% 17.0%
Not for profit companies 56 2.5% 27.3%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-41.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wadesboro stands at 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 Wadesboro

How people get around in Wadesboro

In Wadesboro, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.1% 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
31 min
14.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,884 85.1% 11.3%
Walk 24 1.1% -48.9%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Wadesboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28170 10,103 4,145 $39,548 $59,324

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FAQs about Wadesboro demographics 

What is the total population of Wadesboro?

Wadesboro has a total population of 4,972 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wadesboro?

The gender ratio in Wadesboro is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (2,501 residents)
  • 49.7% females (2,471 residents)

What is the median age in Wadesboro?

The median age in Wadesboro is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wadesboro?

The age distribution in Wadesboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (901 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (635 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (1,062 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (1,382 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (992 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wadesboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wadesboro is as follows:
  • White: 27.4% (1,365 residents)
  • Black or African American: 64.5% (3,207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (214 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.2% (111 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (54 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.4% of the population in Wadesboro.

How many housing units are there in Wadesboro?

There are 2,373 housing units in Wadesboro, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wadesboro has a total of 1,996 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wadesboro?

Wadesboro has a median household income of $42,667, representing a +25.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in Wadesboro, with a workforce of 2,214 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.3% (1,380 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.7% (834 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (155 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.2% (1,665 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.3% (338 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.5% (56 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