Raeford city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Raeford city, North Carolina has a total population of 4,545, the 185th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $43,311, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Raeford city Quick Facts
How Raeford city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Raeford city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Raeford city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edenton town | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | 23.6% | 35.7% |
| Beaufort town | 4,613 | $48,111 | $319,700 | 36.0% | 14.2% |
| Franklin town | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | 22.2% | 21.6% |
| Ahoskie town | 4,798 | $40,762 | $123,800 | 23.8% | 24.4% |
| Erwin town | 4,617 | $50,077 | $150,400 | 16.0% | 11.5% |
Population Overview
Raeford city is a small community located in North Carolina. The total population is 4,545. It ranks as the 185th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Raeford city is 36.2 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Raeford city is $43,311. This is 38% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%. This is 78% 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 5.2%. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $177,900. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 58.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Raeford city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 38.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (41.5% vs 20.3%).
Education
20.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 86.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Raeford city, 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 Raeford city, North Carolina?
Raeford city, North Carolina has a population of 4,545 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Raeford city, NC?
The median household income in Raeford city is $43,311, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Raeford city, NC?
The poverty rate in Raeford city is 23.5%. This means approximately 981 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Raeford city, North Carolina?
Raeford city's population is 38.2% White, 41.5% Black, 6.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Raeford city, NC?
The median home value in Raeford city is $177,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
How educated is Raeford city, North Carolina?
20.4% of adults (25+) in Raeford city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.