Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina had a total population of 2,728, the 278th largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $79,594, which is 10% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Sneads Ferry Quick Facts
How Sneads Ferry 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 | 2,556 | 2,728 | +6.7% |
| Median household income | $59,783 | $79,594 | +33.1% |
| Median home value | $233,500 | $269,300 | +15.3% |
How Sneads Ferry 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sneads Ferry Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Onslow County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 71,279 | $57,697 | 12.7% | $210,100 |
| Piney Green | 14,078 | $72,177 | 10.8% | $227,600 |
| Half Moon | 7,378 | $68,946 | 7.9% | $182,500 |
| Holly Ridge | 4,904 | $104,788 | 0.8% | $360,300 |
| Surf City | 4,396 | $81,433 | 5.5% | $512,300 |
| Swansboro | 3,997 | $114,425 | 14.1% | $378,700 |
| Richlands | 2,335 | $65,163 | 11.1% | $248,800 |
| Pumpkin Center | 1,636 | $64,102 | 2.9% | $189,600 |
| North Topsail Beach | 784 | $121,250 | 6.5% | $473,600 |
Cities Similar to Sneads Ferry
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobaccoville | 2,664 | $80,263 | $234,200 | 28.3% | 8.5% |
| Cape Carteret | 2,703 | $86,136 | $375,700 | 37.9% | 6.1% |
| Neuse Forest | 2,671 | $84,500 | $228,000 | 31.0% | 4.6% |
| Valley Hill | 2,675 | $86,599 | $353,100 | 43.6% | 7.9% |
| Belville | 2,573 | $81,944 | $282,600 | 28.7% | 10.7% |
Population Overview
Sneads Ferry is a small community located in North Carolina, within Onslow County. The total population is 2,728. It ranks as the 278th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sneads Ferry is 37.9 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. 12.4% 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 Sneads Ferry is $79,594. This is 10% higher than the state median of $72,388. It is also 1% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%. This is 2% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 76% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $269,300. Housing costs are 7% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 76.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Sneads Ferry is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 6.4%. The Black or African American population (6.4%) is well below the state average of 20.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.7%) is well below the state average of 11.3%.
Education
24.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 94.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sneads Ferry, 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 Sneads Ferry, North Carolina?
Sneads Ferry, North Carolina has a population of 2,728 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sneads Ferry, NC?
The median household income in Sneads Ferry is $79,594, which is 1% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Sneads Ferry, NC?
The poverty rate in Sneads Ferry is 13.3%. This means approximately 362 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina?
Sneads Ferry's population is 74.8% White, 6.4% Black, 3.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sneads Ferry, NC?
The median home value in Sneads Ferry is $269,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Sneads Ferry, North Carolina?
24.8% of adults (25+) in Sneads Ferry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.