Carrboro, NC
Population 21,170 · North Carolina
About Carrboro, NC
Carrboro is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 21,170 residents. The median household income is $85,927 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Carrboro is 34 years.
Housing in Carrboro has a median home value of $507,100 and median monthly rent of $1,337. Of the 10,159 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,104 owner-occupied and 5,311 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Carrboro is 3.9% and the poverty rate is 11.3%. 70.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.2 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Carrboro
What is the population of Carrboro, NC?
The population of Carrboro, NC is 21,170 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Carrboro?
The median household income in Carrboro, NC is $85,927 per year.
What is the median home value in Carrboro?
The median home value in Carrboro, NC is $507,100.
What is the average rent in Carrboro?
The median monthly rent in Carrboro, NC is $1,337.
What is the unemployment rate in Carrboro?
The unemployment rate in Carrboro, NC is 3.9%.