Whiteville, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,696
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,167/yr
-18.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,060
-2.4% year-over-year change

Whiteville population

How many people live in Whiteville

Whiteville is home to 4,696 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Whiteville locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
4,696
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
2,297
Female
51.1%
2,399
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,297 48.9% -3.4%
Female 2,399 51.1% 2.4%
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 Whiteville is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.8% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.8%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,072 22.8% 12.4%
15 to 24 485 10.3% 1.0%
25 to 44 1,251 26.6% -9.5%
45 to 64 1,050 22.4% 10.6%
Over 65 838 17.8% -12.3%
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 Whiteville, 94.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 32.9% of locals are Caucasian, 50.3% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. Another 10.1% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 2.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,458 94.9% -3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 126 2.7% 133.3%
Non-citizens 112 2.4% 133.3%
Racial breakdown
White
32.9%
Black or African American
50.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
10.1%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 1,544 32.9%
Black or African American 2,364 50.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 476 10.1%
Asian 144 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0.7%
Two or more races 129 2.8%
Other 8 0.2%

Households in Whiteville

A peek inside Whiteville households

Whiteville has 1,812 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.8% are families, while the remaining 49.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,812
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
891
Family households
921
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 891 49.2% 19.9%
Family households 921 50.8% -12.6%
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 Whiteville

The housing landscape of Whiteville

Whiteville's housing consists of 2,060 units, with 53.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 13% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,060
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,096 53.2%
1 unit, attached 28 1.4%
2 units 61 3%
3 or 4 units 153 7.4%
5 to 9 units 228 11.1%
10 to 19 units 53 2.6%
20 to 49 units 143 6.9%
50 or more units 30 1.5%
Mobile home 268 13%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whiteville

In Whiteville, the median construction year is 1971. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% 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 174 8.4% -36.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 225 10.9% 41.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 300 14.6% -7.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 276 13.4% 18.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 417 20.2% 3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 189 9.2% -40.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 155 7.5% 23.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 81 3.9% -13.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 243 11.8% 34.2%
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.

Whiteville occupancy rates

Out of the 1,812 occupied housing units in Whiteville, 48.6% are owner-occupied, while 51.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,812
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
931
Owner occupied
881
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 931 51.4% -3.7%
Owner occupied 881 48.6% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

Whiteville housing costs

Housing costs in Whiteville come to a median of $855 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $773.

Median housing costs per month
$855/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 Whiteville
$773/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 Whiteville

Whiteville education at a glance

About 45.8% of the population in Whiteville went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 10.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 27 0.8% 35.0%
High school diploma 1,609 45.8% 4.7%
College diploma 846 24.1% -7.8%
Associate degree 288 8.2% -28.5%
Bachelor's degree 368 10.5% -11.1%
Graduate degree 374 10.6% -0.5%
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 Whiteville

How much people earn in Whiteville

The average annual household income in Whiteville was $57,237 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,167, reflecting a -18% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whiteville
$57,237/year
-4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whiteville
$31,167/year
-18.0% year-over-year change

Whiteville income by age

In Whiteville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $24,313. Overall, 78.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $24,313 N/A
Over 65 $27,083 N/A
Above poverty level
3,455
Below poverty level
923
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,455 78.9% -7.2%
Below poverty level 923 21.1% 26.8%

Average renter income in Whiteville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whiteville, their median household income was $22,554 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,554
Rent-to-income ratio
41.1%
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 Whiteville

Workforce and job types in Whiteville

The job market in Whiteville is powered by 1,883 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,883
-7.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,420
Blue collar
463
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,420 75.4% -7.8%
Blue collar 463 24.6% -4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 244 13% 6.1%
Private companies 1,218 64.7% -6.9%
Governmental workers 227 12.1% -13.7%
Not for profit companies 194 10.3% -13.8%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-28.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whiteville stands at 3.2%, 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 Whiteville

How people get around in Whiteville

In Whiteville, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,682 91.4% -8.5%
Walk 88 4.8% 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 Whiteville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28472 16,780 6,629 $42,003 $65,902

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FAQs about Whiteville demographics 

What is the total population of Whiteville?

Whiteville has a total population of 4,696 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whiteville?

The gender ratio in Whiteville is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (2,297 residents)
  • 51.1% females (2,399 residents)

What is the median age in Whiteville?

The median age in Whiteville is 35.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whiteville?

The age distribution in Whiteville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.8% (1,072 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (485 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (1,251 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (1,050 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (838 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whiteville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whiteville is as follows:
  • White: 32.9% (1,544 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.3% (2,364 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 10.1% (476 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (144 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (129 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.9% of the population in Whiteville.

How many housing units are there in Whiteville?

There are 2,060 housing units in Whiteville, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Whiteville has a total of 1,812 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whiteville?

Whiteville has a median household income of $31,167, representing a -18.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Whiteville, with a workforce of 1,883 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.4% (1,420 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.6% (463 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (244 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (1,218 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (227 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (194 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