Carthage, NC
Population 2,840 · North Carolina
About Carthage, NC
Carthage is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,840 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,177 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carthage features a median home value of $194,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carthage in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,331 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (918 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (212 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carthage shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carthage have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Carthage residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carthage Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Carthage, NC
Compared to national averages, Carthage has a median household income of $62,177 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,100, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Carthage's income is 4% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Carthage, NC?
Carthage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,177) that falls below the national average. However, Carthage’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carthage has a population of 2,840 with a median age of 45.9 years. Compare Carthage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Carthage
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pembroke | 2,823 | $22,940 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 2,814 | $43,504 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 2,870 | $97,174 | $498,300 | Compare |
| Mar-Mac | 2,802 | $53,125 | $139,800 | Compare |
| River Bend | 2,896 | $68,314 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Fairfield Harbour | 2,898 | $69,661 | $278,800 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 2,782 | $28,257 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Lake Junaluska | 2,903 | $82,115 | $329,600 | 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 Carthage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carthage
What is the population of Carthage, NC?
The population of Carthage, NC is 2,840 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 Carthage?
The median household income in Carthage, NC is $62,177 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage, NC is $194,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carthage?
The median monthly rent in Carthage, NC is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carthage?
The unemployment rate in Carthage, NC is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carthage, NC a good place to live?
Carthage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,840 and a median age of 45.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carthage, NC?
28.0% of residents in Carthage 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 Carthage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carthage, NC: median home value is $194,100 (21% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $62,177. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carthage?
The poverty rate in Carthage, NC is 13.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Carthage, NC?
Carthage's population is 0.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 16.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.