Whittier, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,787
-8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,713/yr
12.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,680
-9.3% year-over-year change

Whittier population

How many people live in Whittier

Whittier is home to 5,787 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.6% of Whittier locals are male, and 46.4% are female.

Total population
5,787
-8.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.6%
3,103
Female
46.4%
2,685
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,103 53.6% 3.0%
Female 2,685 46.4% -19.4%
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 Whittier is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 7.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.8% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
7.6%
25 to 44
28.8%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
23.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 964 16.7% -9.9%
15 to 24 439 7.6% -11.8%
25 to 44 1,665 28.8% -6.1%
45 to 64 1,371 23.7% -15.8%
Over 65 1,349 23.3% -2.1%
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 Whittier, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. Another 6.7% are Indigenous American, 2.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,517 95.3% -9.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 155 2.7% 154.1%
Non-citizens 115 2% -35.4%
Racial breakdown
White
78.8%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.7%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.5%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 4,562 78.8%
Black or African American 72 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 386 6.7%
Asian 35 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 147 2.5%
Two or more races 487 8.4%
Other 99 1.7%

Households in Whittier

A peek inside Whittier households

Whittier has 2,385 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.6% are families, while the remaining 30.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,385
-12.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
724
Family households
1,661
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 724 30.4% -28.2%
Family households 1,661 69.6% -3.4%
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 Whittier

The housing landscape of Whittier

Whittier's housing consists of 3,680 units, with 64.7% 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 32.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,680
-9.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,380 64.7%
1 unit, attached 49 1.3%
2 units 31 0.8%
3 or 4 units 7 0.2%
Mobile home 1,180 32.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 33 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
92
9.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whittier

In Whittier, the median construction year is 1993. About 3.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 143 3.9% 376.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 34 0.9% -58.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 113 3.1% 43.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 193 5.2% 4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 437 11.9% -26.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 602 16.4% -24.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 911 24.8% -3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 661 18% -9.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 494 13.4% -8.0%
Built in 2020 or later 92 2.5% 9.5%
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.

Whittier occupancy rates

Out of the 2,385 occupied housing units in Whittier, 73% are owner-occupied, while 27% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 35.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,385
-12.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
644
Owner occupied
1,741
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 644 27% -33.9%
Owner occupied 1,741 73% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
35.2%
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.

Whittier housing costs

Housing costs in Whittier come to a median of $529 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $990.

Median housing costs per month
$529/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 Whittier
$990/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 Whittier

Whittier education at a glance

About 49.2% of the population in Whittier went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 120 2.6% -39.4%
High school diploma 2,302 49.2% -5.6%
College diploma 735 15.7% -3.5%
Associate degree 431 9.2% -10.9%
Bachelor's degree 606 13% 4.5%
Graduate degree 480 10.3% -22.5%
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 Whittier

How much people earn in Whittier

The average annual household income in Whittier was $81,609 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,713, reflecting a +12.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whittier
$81,609/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whittier
$51,713/year
12.4% year-over-year change

Whittier income by age

In Whittier, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,435. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,147 overall. Overall, 79.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $59,435 48.1%
45 - 64 $68,147 -21.5%
Over 65 $41,786 21.9%
Above poverty level
4,578
Below poverty level
1,189
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,578 79.4% 0.3%
Below poverty level 1,189 20.6% -30.9%

Employment in Whittier

Workforce and job types in Whittier

83% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 61.4% are employed by private companies, and 24.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,954
Blue collar
400
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,954 83% -7.0%
Blue collar 400 17% 13.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
61.4%
Governmental workers
24.2%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 211 9% -5.0%
Private companies 1,446 61.4% 8.3%
Governmental workers 569 24.2% -20.0%
Not for profit companies 128 5.4% -31.2%

Transportation in Whittier

How people get around in Whittier

Commuting methods vary: 99.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,081 99.9% -6.6%
Walk 3 0.1% -25.0%
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 Whittier by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28789 5,788 2,385 $51,713 $81,600

Explore more communities

FAQs about Whittier demographics 

What is the total population of Whittier?

Whittier has a total population of 5,787 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 -8.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whittier?

The gender ratio in Whittier is as follows:
  • 53.6% males (3,103 residents)
  • 46.4% females (2,685 residents)

What is the median age in Whittier?

The median age in Whittier is 42.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whittier?

The age distribution in Whittier is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (964 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.6% (439 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.8% (1,665 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (1,371 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.3% (1,349 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier is as follows:
  • White: 78.8% (4,562 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (72 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.7% (386 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.5% (147 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (487 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (99 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Whittier.

How many housing units are there in Whittier?

There are 3,680 housing units in Whittier, reflecting a -9.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Whittier has a total of 2,385 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whittier?

Whittier has a median household income of $51,713, representing a +12.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Whittier?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83% (1,954 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17% (400 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (211 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.4% (1,446 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.2% (569 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (128 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