Canton, NC
Population 4,417 · North Carolina
About Canton, NC
Canton is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 4,417 residents. The median household income is $64,034 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Canton is 36.3 years.
Housing in Canton has a median home value of $226,400 and median monthly rent of $850. Of the 2,018 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,247 owner-occupied and 536 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Canton is 1.2% and the poverty rate is 11.8%. 15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.3 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Canton
What is the population of Canton, NC?
The population of Canton, NC is 4,417 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Canton?
The median household income in Canton, NC is $64,034 per year.
What is the median home value in Canton?
The median home value in Canton, NC is $226,400.
What is the average rent in Canton?
The median monthly rent in Canton, NC is $850.
What is the unemployment rate in Canton?
The unemployment rate in Canton, NC is 1.2%.