East Spencer town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, East Spencer town, North Carolina has a total population of 1,309, the 413th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $34,696, which is 50% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 28.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 50% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (28.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 11.6% is notably above the national average.
East Spencer town Quick Facts
How East Spencer town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
East Spencer town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to East Spencer town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Hope town | 1,334 | $35,577 | $142,400 | 10.8% | 18.4% |
| South Henderson CDP | 1,274 | $36,417 | N/A | 5.7% | 41.1% |
| West Canton CDP | 1,369 | $35,583 | $190,200 | 14.2% | 9.1% |
| Murphy town | 1,356 | $36,989 | $221,100 | 24.6% | 20.6% |
| Belhaven town | 1,421 | $33,958 | $98,200 | 12.1% | 45.5% |
Population Overview
East Spencer town is a small community located in North Carolina. The total population is 1,309. It ranks as the 413th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in East Spencer town is 53.6 years. This is 37% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 11.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in East Spencer town is $34,696. This is 50% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 56% lower. The poverty rate stands at 28.9%. This is 120% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.6%. This is 140% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $108,500. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 52.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in East Spencer town is Black or African American, making up 78.1% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 9.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (9.3%) is well below the state average of 60.7%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (78.1% vs 20.3%).
Education
10.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 70% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for East Spencer town, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of East Spencer town, North Carolina?
East Spencer town, North Carolina has a population of 1,309 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in East Spencer town, NC?
The median household income in East Spencer town is $34,696, which is 56% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in East Spencer town, NC?
The poverty rate in East Spencer town is 28.9%. This means approximately 377 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of East Spencer town, North Carolina?
East Spencer town's population is 9.3% White, 78.1% Black, 9.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in East Spencer town, NC?
The median home value in East Spencer town is $108,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
How educated is East Spencer town, North Carolina?
10.3% of adults (25+) in East Spencer town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.