Rocky Point, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rocky Point, North Carolina had a total population of 1,020, the 456th largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $69,514, which is 4% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Only 7.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
Rocky Point Quick Facts
How Rocky Point 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 | 1,045 | 1,020 | -2.4% |
| Median household income | $52,591 | $69,514 | +32.2% |
| Median home value | $115,500 | $163,500 | +41.6% |
How Rocky Point 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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rocky Point Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Pender County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampstead | 9,292 | $91,745 | 9.5% | $402,100 |
| Burgaw | 3,850 | $67,853 | 19.7% | $242,200 |
| Wallace | 3,457 | $51,250 | 30.4% | $178,000 |
| St. Helena | 544 | $75,313 | 20.6% | $215,600 |
| Atkinson | 485 | $59,886 | 13.6% | $155,100 |
| Topsail Beach | 406 | $93,250 | 7.6% | $691,200 |
| Watha | 271 | $48,125 | 16.6% | $143,300 |
| Long Creek | 206 | N/A | 23.3% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Rocky Point
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnetsville | 1,063 | N/A | N/A | 5.1% | 62.8% |
| Highlands | 1,074 | $71,509 | $700,900 | 57.8% | 7.9% |
| Maysville | 1,022 | $59,432 | $160,500 | 14.3% | 22.9% |
| Five Points | 940 | N/A | $344,100 | 22.2% | 21.7% |
| Woodlawn | 1,085 | $72,734 | $327,600 | 26.3% | 0.0% |
Population Overview
Rocky Point is a small community located in North Carolina, within Pender County. The total population is 1,020. It ranks as the 456th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rocky Point is 41.1 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. With 28.2% of the population under 18, Rocky Point has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rocky Point is $69,514. This is 4% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 14% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%. This is 52% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Rocky Point, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $163,500. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $288,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Rocky Point is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rocky Point is White (non-Hispanic), making up 54.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 18.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (18.9% vs 11.3%).
Education
7.5% 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 79% 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 70.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rocky Point, 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 Rocky Point, North Carolina?
Rocky Point, North Carolina has a population of 1,020 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rocky Point, NC?
The median household income in Rocky Point is $69,514, which is 14% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Point, NC?
The poverty rate in Rocky Point is 19.8%. This means approximately 198 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rocky Point, North Carolina?
Rocky Point's population is 54.7% White, 16.0% Black, 18.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rocky Point, NC?
The median home value in Rocky Point is $163,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Rocky Point, North Carolina?
7.5% of adults (25+) in Rocky Point hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.