Williamston, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,112
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,738/yr
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,809
-1.1% year-over-year change

Williamston population

How many people live in Williamston

Williamston is home to 5,112 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.9% of Williamston locals are male, and 57.1% are female.

Total population
5,112
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.9%
2,191
Female
57.1%
2,921
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,191 42.9% -2.7%
Female 2,921 57.1% 0.6%
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 Williamston is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 890 17.4% 11.0%
15 to 24 500 9.8% -20.3%
25 to 44 1,144 22.4% -6.5%
45 to 64 1,455 28.5% 10.1%
Over 65 1,123 22% -5.0%
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 Williamston, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 36.1% of locals are Caucasian, 50.2% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,808 94% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 303 5.9% -17.9%
Non-citizens 1 0% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
36.1%
Black or African American
50.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.1%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,845 36.1%
Black or African American 2,566 50.2%
Asian 111 2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 56 1.1%
Two or more races 534 10.4%

Households in Williamston

A peek inside Williamston households

Williamston has 2,364 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.8% are families, while the remaining 44.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,364
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,045
Family households
1,319
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,045 44.2% -7.8%
Family households 1,319 55.8% 2.9%
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 Williamston

The housing landscape of Williamston

Williamston's housing consists of 2,809 units, with 72.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
2,809
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,043 72.7%
2 units 270 9.6%
3 or 4 units 335 11.9%
5 to 9 units 40 1.4%
10 to 19 units 15 0.5%
20 to 49 units 97 3.4%
50 or more units 9 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Williamston

In Williamston, the median construction year is 1962. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% 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 327 11.6% 12.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 250 8.9% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 745 26.5% -8.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 506 18% 53.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 367 13.1% -15.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 318 11.3% -6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 122 4.3% -54.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 129 4.6% 84.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 45 1.6% 60.7%
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.

Williamston occupancy rates

Out of the 2,364 occupied housing units in Williamston, 50.5% are owner-occupied, while 49.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,364
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,170
Owner occupied
1,194
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,170 49.5% 0.5%
Owner occupied 1,194 50.5% -4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.8%
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.

Williamston housing costs

Housing costs in Williamston come to a median of $787 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $684.

Median housing costs per month
$787/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 Williamston
$684/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 Williamston

Williamston education at a glance

About 50.4% of the population in Williamston went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 236 5.8% -26.0%
High school diploma 2,061 50.4% 3.3%
College diploma 929 22.7% -12.7%
Associate degree 307 7.5% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 383 9.4% 7.3%
Graduate degree 170 4.2% -1.7%
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 Williamston

How much people earn in Williamston

The average annual household income in Williamston was $51,118 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,738, reflecting a -4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Williamston
$51,118/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Williamston
$38,738/year
-4.5% year-over-year change

Williamston income by age

In Williamston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $29,815. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,393 overall. Overall, 63.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $29,815 -16.8%
45 - 64 $78,393 2.3%
Over 65 $24,583 -16.1%
Above poverty level
3,150
Below poverty level
1,807
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,150 63.6% -9.3%
Below poverty level 1,807 36.4% 19.6%

Average renter income in Williamston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Williamston, their median household income was $25,837 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,837
Rent-to-income ratio
31.8%
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 Williamston

Workforce and job types in Williamston

The job market in Williamston is powered by 2,301 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 72.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,301
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,887
Blue collar
414
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,887 82% -3.8%
Blue collar 414 18% 29.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
72.7%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 161 7% -26.5%
Private companies 1,673 72.7% 9.0%
Governmental workers 373 16.2% -15.4%
Not for profit companies 94 4.1% 9.3%
Unemployment rate
9.8%
-25.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Williamston stands at 9.8%, 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 Williamston

How people get around in Williamston

Commuting methods vary: 80.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.1% 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 1,844 80.7% 1.0%
Walk 208 9.1% -10.3%
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 Williamston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27892 13,262 5,854 $48,223 $63,585

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FAQs about Williamston demographics 

What is the total population of Williamston?

Williamston has a total population of 5,112 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Williamston?

The gender ratio in Williamston is as follows:
  • 42.9% males (2,191 residents)
  • 57.1% females (2,921 residents)

What is the median age in Williamston?

The median age in Williamston is 45.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Williamston?

The age distribution in Williamston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (890 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (500 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (1,144 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (1,455 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (1,123 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Williamston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Williamston is as follows:
  • White: 36.1% (1,845 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.2% (2,566 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (111 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.1% (56 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (534 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Williamston.

How many housing units are there in Williamston?

There are 2,809 housing units in Williamston, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Williamston has a total of 2,364 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Williamston?

Williamston has a median household income of $38,738, representing a -4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.2% in Williamston, with a workforce of 2,301 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82% (1,887 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18% (414 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (161 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.7% (1,673 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (373 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (94 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