Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

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Valdese, NC

CSACharlotte-Concord MSAHickory-Lenoir-Morganton#8/24 Income

Valdese, NC Population, Income & Demographics 2026

Census

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Demographicsi2024 ACS 5-Year EstimatesCensus

4,704population

52.6median age

This community is a community of 4,704 with a median age of 52.6. The population is predominantly White (86.2%) with a significant Hispanic/Latino community (5.2%). Median household income is $50,740. 94.5% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher, and 37.2% have a bachelor's degree. The homeownership rate is 72.9%, with a median home value of $209,800.

Race & Ethnicityi

White

86.2%4,057

Hispanic/Latino

5.2%246

Black

3.3%153

Asian

3.1%144

Two or More

2.2%102

American Indian/Alaska Native

0%2

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

4.9%178

High School Diploma

23.8%869

Some College (<1 yr)

7.9%289

Some College (1+ yr)

9.2%336

Associate's Degree

11.4%414

Bachelor's Degree

22.9%834

Master's Degree

10.6%387

Professional Degree

3.5%127

Doctorate

0.3%10

HS or Higher

94.5%

BA or Higher

37.2%

Graduate+

14.4%

Housingi

$209,800median home value

$665median rent

72.9%homeownership

2,427total units

2%vacancy

Tenure

Owner 72.9%

Renter 27.1%

Home Values

Under $50K

10.8%187

$50K–$100K

2.6%45

$100K–$150K

21.2%368

$150K–$200K

12.3%214

$200K–$300K

20.9%362

$300K–$500K

21.1%365

$500K–$1M

8.9%154

$1M+

2.2%38

Rent Distribution

Under $500

217

$500–$750

102

$750–$1,000

$1,000–$1,250

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2020 or later

3%72

2010–2019

0.3%8

2000–2009

9.1%222

1990–1999

11.2%273

1980–1989

8.9%216

1970–1979

12.4%300

1960–1969

22.2%540

1950–1959

7.3%177

1940–1949

10.6%258

1939 or earlier

14.9%361

Heating Fuel

Electricity

68.2%1,621

Utility Gas

18.3%436

Fuel Oil

6.7%160

Bottled/LP Gas

2.3%54

No Fuel

2%48

Wood

1.7%40

Solar

0.8%19

Household Economyi

$50,740median household income

$41,651per capita income

12.5%poverty rate

5.8%unemployment

2,276labor force

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

4%94

$10K–$15K

2.1%51

$15K–$20K

7.9%188

$20K–$25K

12.4%295

$25K–$30K

3.2%75

$30K–$35K

3.2%75

$35K–$40K

3.5%83

$40K–$45K

2.3%54

$45K–$50K

9.6%229

$50K–$60K

8.8%209

$60K–$75K

5.2%124

$75K–$100K

14.3%339

$100K–$125K

7.5%179

$125K–$150K

5.4%128

$150K–$200K

4.9%116

$200K+

5.8%139

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

192

Residentsi

306

Avg. Tenant Renti

$377/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

24 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing120 homes95% occupied$383/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers8 homes

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 864 homes92% occupied$367/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $50,740/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $15K/yr

64.9%

Very low income$15K–$25K/yr

28.5%

Low income$25K–$41K/yr

5.9%

Moderate / aboveOver $41K/yr

0.7%

Who Receives This Housing

75.1% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

3.9% of subsidized households are minority

16.6% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

52.4% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Foreign-Born Populationi

Foreign-Borni

2665.7%

By Region

Top Countries

Mexico

156

Philippines

102

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

2,106

Avg. Commutei

26.5 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

2,144

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

306(7.9% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

96.9%Insured

3.1%Uninsured