Cary, NC
Population 176,686 · North Carolina
About Cary, NC
Cary is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 176,686 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,399 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cary features a median home value of $525,200, which is 114% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cary in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,621, 39% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 72,634 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (45,082 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (22,882 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cary shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cary have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.2% of Cary 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 3.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 23.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cary Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Cary, NC
Compared to national averages, Cary has a median household income of $129,399 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $525,200, which is 114% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,621 is 39% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Cary's income is 101% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 129% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Cary, NC?
Cary offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,399, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $525,200. However, as a major city, Cary provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Cary has a population of 176,686 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Cary with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cary
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 209,692 | $56,395 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 118,578 | $63,900 | $350,300 | Compare |
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem | 250,887 | $57,673 | $208,200 | Compare |
| Asheville | 94,369 | $67,221 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Greenville | 88,540 | $50,564 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Gastonia | 81,632 | $60,554 | $250,000 | 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 Cary With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cary
What is the population of Cary, NC?
The population of Cary, NC is 176,686 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Cary?
The median household income in Cary, NC is $129,399 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cary?
The median home value in Cary, NC is $525,200, which is 114% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cary?
The median monthly rent in Cary, NC is $1,621, which is 39% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cary?
The unemployment rate in Cary, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cary, NC a good place to live?
Cary offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 176,686 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cary, NC?
70.2% of residents in Cary 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 Cary?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cary, NC: median home value is $525,200 (114% above national), median rent is $1,621/month, and median household income is $129,399. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cary?
The poverty rate in Cary, NC is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cary, NC?
Cary's population is 3.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 7.3% two or more races. 23.7% of residents are foreign-born.