Cary, NC
Population 176,686 · North Carolina
About Cary, NC
Cary is a major city in North Carolina with a population of 176,686 residents. The median household income is $129,399 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Cary is 39.8 years.
Housing in Cary has a median home value of $525,200 and median monthly rent of $1,621. Of the 72,634 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 45,082 owner-occupied and 22,882 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Cary is 3.4% and the poverty rate is 5.3%. 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cary
What is the population of Cary, NC?
The population of Cary, NC is 176,686 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Cary?
The median household income in Cary, NC is $129,399 per year.
What is the median home value in Cary?
The median home value in Cary, NC is $525,200.
What is the average rent in Cary?
The median monthly rent in Cary, NC is $1,621.
What is the unemployment rate in Cary?
The unemployment rate in Cary, NC is 3.4%.