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.

Spencer, NC Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

3,349

Median Agei

44.2

Race & Ethnicityi

White

50.7%1,697

Black

41%1,372

Hispanic/Latino

5.6%186

Two or More

2.1%71

Other

0.5%17

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2%6

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

6.8%169

High School Diploma

23.3%579

Some College (<1 yr)

7.7%192

Some College (1+ yr)

10.1%251

Associate's Degree

8.8%220

Bachelor's Degree

16.7%415

Master's Degree

6.7%167

Professional Degree

1.6%41

Doctorate

0.6%14

HS or Higher

82.4%

BA or Higher

25.6%

Graduate+

8.9%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$201,700

Median Renti

$1,000

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

72.7%996

Renter-Occupied

27.3%374

Total Units

1,632

Homeownership

72.7%

Vacancy Rate

16.1%

Home Values

Under $50K

7.4%74

$50K–$100K

5%50

$100K–$150K

21%209

$150K–$200K

15.8%157

$200K–$300K

34%339

$300K–$500K

10.4%104

$500K–$1M

6.3%63

Rent Distribution

Under $500

$500–$750

$750–$1,000

$1,000–$1,250

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2020 or later

0.8%13

2010–2019

0.3%5

2000–2009

13.8%226

1990–1999

6.4%105

1980–1989

2.8%46

1970–1979

9.3%151

1960–1969

5.2%85

1950–1959

11.3%184

1940–1949

16%261

1939 or earlier

34.1%556

Heating Fuel

Electricity

44.7%613

Utility Gas

39.3%538

Fuel Oil

10%137

Bottled/LP Gas

6%82

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$65,465

Mean Household Incomei

$82,469

Per Capita Incomei

$34,584

Poverty Ratei

11%

Unemploymenti

7.1%

Labor Forcei

1,541

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

4.9%67

$10K–$15K

1.8%25

$15K–$20K

4.2%57

$20K–$25K

4.9%67

$25K–$30K

5.9%81

$30K–$35K

2.7%37

$35K–$40K

4.7%65

$40K–$45K

7.5%103

$45K–$50K

5.6%77

$50K–$60K

4.1%56

$60K–$75K

19.6%269

$75K–$100K

8.5%117

$100K–$125K

10.4%142

$125K–$150K

6.1%84

$150K–$200K

5.8%79

$200K+

3.2%44

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

Residentsi

142

Avg. Tenant Renti

$542/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

20 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers47 homes88% occupied$542/mo rent

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

Project Based Section 81 homes

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

811/PRAC10 homes

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $65,465/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $20K/yr

59%

Very low income$20K–$33K/yr

31%

Low income$33K–$52K/yr

10%

Who Receives This Housing

93% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

93% of subsidized households are minority

12% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

20% 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

591.8%

By Region

Top Countries

Mexico

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

1,387

Avg. Commutei

32 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

1,431

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

240(8.8% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

92.6%Insured

7.4%Uninsured