Carrboro, NC
Population 21,170 · North Carolina
About Carrboro, NC
Carrboro is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 21,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,927 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carrboro features a median home value of $507,100, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carrboro in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,337, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,159 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (4,104 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (5,311 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carrboro shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carrboro have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.4% of Carrboro residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 6.8% Asian residents, with 15.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carrboro Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Carrboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Carrboro has a median household income of $85,927 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $507,100, which is 107% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,337 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Carrboro's income is 33% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 122% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Carrboro, NC?
Carrboro offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,927, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 70.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $507,100. However, Carrboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carrboro has a population of 21,170 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Carrboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Carrboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waxhaw | 21,565 | $128,115 | $506,300 | Compare |
| Clemmons | 21,574 | $84,326 | $306,900 | Compare |
| Shelby | 21,868 | $50,705 | $185,400 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | 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 Carrboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carrboro
What is the population of Carrboro, NC?
The population of Carrboro, NC is 21,170 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Carrboro?
The median household income in Carrboro, NC is $85,927 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carrboro?
The median home value in Carrboro, NC is $507,100, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Carrboro?
The median monthly rent in Carrboro, NC is $1,337, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carrboro?
The unemployment rate in Carrboro, NC is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carrboro, NC a good place to live?
Carrboro offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,170 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carrboro, NC?
70.4% of residents in Carrboro aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Carrboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carrboro, NC: median home value is $507,100 (107% above national), median rent is $1,337/month, and median household income is $85,927. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carrboro?
The poverty rate in Carrboro, NC is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carrboro, NC?
Carrboro's population is 3.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 12.8% two or more races. 15.3% of residents are foreign-born.