Lake Royale, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lake Royale, North Carolina had a total population of 3,168, the 253rd largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $107,806, which is 49% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 49% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in North Carolina.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
Lake Royale Quick Facts
How Lake Royale Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,959 | 3,168 | +7.1% |
| Median household income | $96,250 | $107,806 | +12.0% |
| Median home value | $263,000 | $280,400 | +6.6% |
How Lake Royale Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lake Royale Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Franklin County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisburg | 3,263 | $38,036 | 34.1% | $262,500 |
| Youngsville | 3,011 | $86,528 | 14.3% | $434,100 |
| Franklinton | 2,645 | $59,464 | 17.2% | $249,100 |
| Bunn | 466 | $68,289 | 6.4% | $256,300 |
| Centerville | 202 | $143,523 | 0.0% | $162,900 |
Cities Similar to Lake Royale
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nags Head | 3,160 | $91,264 | $490,800 | 50.9% | 2.4% |
| Wallburg | 3,150 | $88,406 | $343,700 | 35.1% | 2.4% |
| Southern Shores | 3,139 | $131,429 | $712,300 | 59.1% | 0.6% |
| Avery Creek | 2,887 | $113,261 | $412,900 | 38.6% | 1.4% |
| Mineral Springs | 3,314 | $91,500 | $389,900 | 35.2% | 4.2% |
Population Overview
Lake Royale is a small community located in North Carolina, within Franklin County. The total population is 3,168. It ranks as the 253rd most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lake Royale is 47.9 years. This is 23% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 12.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lake Royale is $107,806. This is 49% higher than the state median of $72,388. It is also 34% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%. This is 44% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.3%. This is 72% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $280,400. Housing costs are 3% lower than the state median of $288,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Lake Royale is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 94.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 42% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Royale has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.6% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 6.6%. The Black or African American population (6.6%) is well below the state average of 20.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.8%) is well below the state average of 11.3%.
Education
22.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lake Royale, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lake Royale, North Carolina?
Lake Royale, North Carolina has a population of 3,168 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lake Royale, NC?
The median household income in Lake Royale is $107,806, which is 34% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Royale, NC?
The poverty rate in Lake Royale is 7.3%. This means approximately 231 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lake Royale, North Carolina?
Lake Royale's population is 85.6% White, 6.6% Black, 4.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lake Royale, NC?
The median home value in Lake Royale is $280,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Lake Royale, North Carolina?
22.1% of adults (25+) in Lake Royale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.