Canton, NC
Population 4,417 · North Carolina
About Canton, NC
Canton is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,417 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,034 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Canton features a median home value of $226,400, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Canton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,018 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,247 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (536 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Canton shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Canton have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Canton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Canton Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Canton, NC
Compared to national averages, Canton has a median household income of $64,034 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,400, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Canton's income is 1% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 1% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Canton, NC?
Canton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $226,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,034) that falls below the national average. However, Canton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Canton has a population of 4,417 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Canton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Canton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 4,428 | $76,091 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Shallotte | 4,465 | $75,642 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Edenton | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | Compare |
| North Wilkesboro | 4,348 | $39,288 | $231,400 | Compare |
| China Grove | 4,487 | $53,717 | $207,500 | Compare |
| Farmville | 4,493 | $50,870 | $184,900 | Compare |
| Sunset Beach | 4,326 | $84,934 | $354,300 | Compare |
| Royal Pines | 4,528 | $105,956 | $369,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Canton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Canton
What is the population of Canton, NC?
The population of Canton, NC is 4,417 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Canton?
The median household income in Canton, NC is $64,034 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Canton?
The median home value in Canton, NC is $226,400, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Canton?
The median monthly rent in Canton, NC is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Canton?
The unemployment rate in Canton, NC is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Canton, NC a good place to live?
Canton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,417 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Canton, NC?
15.0% of residents in Canton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Canton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Canton, NC: median home value is $226,400 (8% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $64,034. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Canton?
The poverty rate in Canton, NC is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Canton, NC?
Canton's population is 2.6% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.