West Marion, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Marion, North Carolina had a total population of 1,066, the 445th largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $36,715, which is 49% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 49% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
West Marion Quick Facts
How West Marion 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 | 1,018 | 1,066 | +4.7% |
| Median household income | $38,523 | $36,715 | -4.7% |
| Median home value | $123,300 | $161,600 | +31.1% |
How West Marion 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+)
West Marion Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in McDowell County
Cities Similar to West Marion
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% |
| Ellerbe | 1,036 | $34,808 | $78,000 | 8.4% | 28.4% |
| Vanceboro | 1,030 | $34,514 | $148,400 | 9.6% | 36.8% |
| Flat Rock | 1,062 | $42,018 | $95,400 | 18.6% | 11.9% |
| Magnolia | 1,024 | $39,406 | $114,400 | 12.8% | 41.3% |
Population Overview
West Marion is a small community located in North Carolina, within McDowell County. The total population is 1,066. It ranks as the 445th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Marion is 35.8 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. 13.1% 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 West Marion is $36,715. This is 49% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 55% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%. This is 16% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The survey records no unemployed residents in West Marion, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $161,600. Housing costs are 44% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
West Marion has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.8%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 20.0%.
Education
15.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 56% 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 87.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Marion, 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 West Marion, North Carolina?
West Marion, North Carolina has a population of 1,066 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Marion, NC?
The median household income in West Marion is $36,715, which is 55% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Marion, NC?
The poverty rate in West Marion is 15.1%. This means approximately 161 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Marion, North Carolina?
West Marion's population is 86.5% White, 0.6% Black, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Marion, NC?
The median home value in West Marion is $161,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
How educated is West Marion, North Carolina?
15.7% of adults (25+) in West Marion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.