Selma town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Selma town, North Carolina has a total population of 6,611, the 136th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $37,440, which is 46% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 46% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Selma town Quick Facts
How Selma town 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+)
Selma town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Johnston County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton town | 28,043 | $73,348 | 8.1% | $292,400 |
| Smithfield town | 11,798 | $37,827 | 31.4% | $217,000 |
| Pine Level town | 2,072 | $72,663 | 7.4% | $228,000 |
| Micro town | 788 | $51,094 | 21.9% | $212,500 |
Cities Similar to Selma town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamlet city | 6,000 | $38,500 | $103,800 | 9.8% | 22.1% |
| Forest City town | 7,368 | $35,897 | $142,100 | 17.2% | 33.6% |
| Cullowhee CDP | 7,300 | $35,076 | N/A | 29.4% | 51.3% |
| Marion city | 7,594 | $44,472 | $131,100 | 14.2% | 24.2% |
| Roxboro city | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | 20.7% | 33.7% |
Population Overview
Selma town is a small city located in North Carolina, within Johnston County. The total population is 6,611. It ranks as the 136th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Selma town is 33.6 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Selma town is $37,440. This is 46% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 52% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.1%. This is 106% 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 3.2%. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $161,100. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 43.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Selma town is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 30.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (22.8%) is well below the state average of 60.7%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (42.4% vs 20.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (30.4% vs 10.9%). The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.
Education
12.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 64% 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 80.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Selma town, 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 Selma town, North Carolina?
Selma town, North Carolina has a population of 6,611 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Selma town, NC?
The median household income in Selma town is $37,440, which is 52% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Selma town, NC?
The poverty rate in Selma town is 27.1%. This means approximately 1,793 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Selma town, North Carolina?
Selma town's population is 22.8% White, 42.4% Black, 30.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Selma town, NC?
The median home value in Selma town is $161,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is Selma town, North Carolina?
12.5% of adults (25+) in Selma town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.