Middlesex, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Middlesex, North Carolina had a total population of 867, the 492nd largest town in North Carolina, with a median household income of $48,281, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in North Carolina (diversity index: 72/100).
Middlesex Quick Facts
How Middlesex 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 | 1,005 | 867 | -13.7% |
| Median household income | $49,931 | $48,281 | -3.3% |
| Median home value | $213,800 | $216,900 | +1.4% |
How Middlesex 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Middlesex Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Nash County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mount | 54,297 | $55,534 | 19.7% | $165,700 |
| Nashville | 5,729 | $61,000 | 16.9% | $205,300 |
| Red Oak | 3,405 | $90,214 | 2.2% | $271,800 |
| Sharpsburg | 1,605 | $54,709 | 19.3% | $121,900 |
| Spring Hope | 1,387 | $38,393 | 11.1% | $161,000 |
| Elm City | 1,292 | $36,150 | 33.7% | $109,300 |
| Dortches | 1,158 | $74,500 | 9.4% | $247,600 |
| Whitakers | 494 | $48,869 | 10.5% | $148,300 |
| Bailey | 422 | $60,208 | 17.8% | $155,700 |
| Momeyer | 398 | $65,278 | 30.4% | $98,800 |
Cities Similar to Middlesex
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newland | 866 | $46,006 | $241,700 | 27.8% | 22.3% |
| Ellenboro | 901 | $49,769 | $164,400 | 7.4% | 18.3% |
| Hoffman | 821 | N/A | $72,900 | 7.0% | 58.2% |
| Belwood | 893 | $51,299 | $214,500 | 17.0% | 14.8% |
| Northwest | 885 | $53,214 | $225,900 | 25.8% | 19.1% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 867, Middlesex's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Middlesex is a small community located in North Carolina, within Nash County. The total population is 867. It ranks as the 492nd most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Middlesex is 36.2 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. 10.3% 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 Middlesex is $48,281. This is 33% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 40% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Middlesex, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $216,900. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x. 63.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Middlesex is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 29.8%.
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% 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 89.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Middlesex, 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 Middlesex, North Carolina?
Middlesex, North Carolina has a population of 867 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Middlesex, NC?
The median household income in Middlesex is $48,281, which is 40% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Middlesex, NC?
The poverty rate in Middlesex is 12.7%. This means approximately 110 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Middlesex, North Carolina?
Middlesex's population is 39.2% White, 29.8% Black, 13.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Middlesex, NC?
The median home value in Middlesex is $216,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
How educated is Middlesex, North Carolina?
20.5% of adults (25+) in Middlesex hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.