Nebo, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Nebo, North Carolina had a total population of 1,670, the 367th largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $50,139, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 6.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
Nebo Quick Facts
How Nebo 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 | 1,608 | 1,670 | +3.9% |
| Median household income | $47,907 | $50,139 | +4.7% |
| Median home value | $104,100 | $129,800 | +24.7% |
How Nebo 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+)
Nebo Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in McDowell County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 7,579 | $51,314 | 23.5% | $163,500 |
| West Marion | 1,066 | $36,715 | 15.1% | $161,600 |
| Old Fort | 555 | $47,500 | 13.7% | $135,900 |
| Glenwood | 226 | $120,694 | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Nebo
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoopers Creek | 1,683 | $52,315 | $345,900 | 21.6% | 18.4% |
| Weldon | 1,642 | $48,350 | $100,500 | 17.9% | 17.5% |
| Cove Creek | 1,629 | $52,847 | $295,700 | 29.2% | 22.6% |
| Princeton | 1,658 | $45,500 | $215,400 | 15.3% | 9.7% |
| Princeville | 1,619 | $46,406 | $106,000 | 8.1% | 36.2% |
Population Overview
Nebo is a small community located in North Carolina, within McDowell County. The total population is 1,670. It ranks as the 367th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Nebo is 52.3 years. This is 34% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 13.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Nebo is $50,139. This is 31% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 38% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Nebo, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $129,800. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $288,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Nebo is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Nebo has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (94.2% vs 60.0%). The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 20.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 11.3%.
Education
6.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 81% 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 60.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Nebo, 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 Nebo, North Carolina?
Nebo, North Carolina has a population of 1,670 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Nebo, NC?
The median household income in Nebo is $50,139, which is 38% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Nebo, NC?
The poverty rate in Nebo is 16.9%. This means approximately 282 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Nebo, North Carolina?
Nebo's population is 94.2% White, 0.8% Black, 0.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Nebo, NC?
The median home value in Nebo is $129,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Nebo, North Carolina?
6.8% of adults (25+) in Nebo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.