Willard, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,009
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,388/yr
13.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,323
0.4% year-over-year change

Willard population

How many people live in Willard

Willard is home to 5,009 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Willard locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
5,009
9.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
2,537
Female
49.4%
2,472
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,537 50.6% 9.1%
Female 2,472 49.4% 9.5%
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 Willard is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.8% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 34.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.8%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
34.6%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 840 16.8% 18.0%
15 to 24 517 10.3% 2.6%
25 to 44 1,158 23.1% 24.2%
45 to 64 1,733 34.6% -4.5%
Over 65 761 15.2% 22.4%
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 Willard, 92.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,637 92.6% 8.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 162 3.2% 0.6%
Non-citizens 211 4.2% 25.6%
Racial breakdown
White
72.6%
Black or African American
17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 3,635 72.6%
Black or African American 895 17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Two or more races 254 5.1%
Other 225 4.5%

Households in Willard

A peek inside Willard households

Willard has 2,084 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.9% are families, while the remaining 27.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,084
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
564
Family households
1,520
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 564 27.1% -19.2%
Family households 1,520 72.9% 13.3%
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 Willard

The housing landscape of Willard

Willard's housing consists of 2,323 units, with 68.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 30.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,323
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,584 68.2%
10 to 19 units 21 0.9%
Mobile home 719 30.9%
Homes built since 2020
33
266.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Willard

In Willard, the median construction year is 1992. About 10.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 253 10.9% -5.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 104 4.5% -2.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 194 8.3% -36.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 94 4% -33.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 192 8.3% -15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 225 9.7% 33.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 417 17.9% -4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 496 21.3% 20.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 317 13.6% 32.1%
Built in 2020 or later 33 1.4% 266.7%
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.

Willard occupancy rates

Out of the 2,084 occupied housing units in Willard, 90.8% are owner-occupied, while 9.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,084
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
192
Owner occupied
1,892
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 192 9.2% -23.8%
Owner occupied 1,892 90.8% 5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
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.

Willard housing costs

Housing costs in Willard come to a median of $667 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $718.

Median housing costs per month
$667/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 Willard
$718/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 Willard

Willard education at a glance

About 55.7% of the population in Willard went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 12.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 85 2.1% -12.4%
High school diploma 2,218 55.7% 7.6%
College diploma 750 18.8% -0.4%
Associate degree 353 8.9% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 508 12.8% 23.9%
Graduate degree 71 1.8% -12.3%
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 Willard

How much people earn in Willard

The average annual household income in Willard was $94,767 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,388, reflecting a +13.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Willard
$94,767/year
15.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Willard
$73,388/year
13.2% year-over-year change

Willard income by age

In Willard, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,287. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,206 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $87,213, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,346 in earnings. Overall, 86% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $87,213 3.9%
25 - 44 $76,287 19.8%
45 - 64 $77,206 1.5%
Over 65 $38,346 -4.4%
Above poverty level
4,258
Below poverty level
695
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,258 86% 11.3%
Below poverty level 695 14% 2.2%

Employment in Willard

Workforce and job types in Willard

53% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.7% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,253
Blue collar
1,111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,253 53% -1.8%
Blue collar 1,111 47% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
12.7%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 301 12.7% -21.0%
Private companies 1,562 66% 3.4%
Governmental workers 370 15.6% 16.0%
Not for profit companies 132 5.6% 7.3%

Transportation in Willard

How people get around in Willard

Commuting methods vary: 99.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 2,229 99.5% -2.4%
Walk 12 0.5% 71.4%
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 Willard by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28478 5,017 2,087 $73,388 $94,892

Explore more communities

FAQs about Willard demographics 

What is the total population of Willard?

Willard has a total population of 5,009 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 +9.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Willard?

The gender ratio in Willard is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (2,537 residents)
  • 49.4% females (2,472 residents)

What is the median age in Willard?

The median age in Willard is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Willard?

The age distribution in Willard is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.8% (840 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (517 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (1,158 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.6% (1,733 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (761 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Willard?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willard is as follows:
  • White: 72.6% (3,635 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.9% (895 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (254 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (225 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.6% of the population in Willard.

How many housing units are there in Willard?

There are 2,323 housing units in Willard, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Willard has a total of 2,084 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Willard?

Willard has a median household income of $73,388, representing a +13.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Willard?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 53% (1,253 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47% (1,111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.7% (301 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (1,562 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (370 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (132 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