Charlotte, NC
Population 886,283 · North Carolina
About Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 886,283 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,438 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 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 Charlotte features a median home value of $351,500, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Charlotte in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,504, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 390,835 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (186,045 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (175,055 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charlotte shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charlotte have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.4% of Charlotte 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 6.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 9.3% Asian residents, with 18.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charlotte Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC
Compared to national averages, Charlotte has a median household income of $78,438 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $351,500, which is 44% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,504 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Charlotte's income is 22% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 54% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,438, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average.
Charlotte has a population of 886,283 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Charlotte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Charlotte
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | 470,763 | $82,424 | $377,800 | Compare |
| Greensboro | 298,564 | $58,884 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Durham | 288,465 | $79,234 | $355,300 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem | 250,887 | $57,673 | $208,200 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 209,692 | $56,395 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Cary | 176,686 | $129,399 | $525,200 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 118,578 | $63,900 | $350,300 | Compare |
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | 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 Charlotte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlotte
What is the population of Charlotte, NC?
The population of Charlotte, NC is 886,283 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 Charlotte?
The median household income in Charlotte, NC is $78,438 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charlotte?
The median home value in Charlotte, NC is $351,500, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charlotte?
The median monthly rent in Charlotte, NC is $1,504, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charlotte?
The unemployment rate in Charlotte, NC is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charlotte, NC a good place to live?
Charlotte offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 886,283 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Charlotte, NC?
47.4% of residents in Charlotte 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 Charlotte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charlotte, NC: median home value is $351,500 (44% above national), median rent is $1,504/month, and median household income is $78,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Charlotte?
The poverty rate in Charlotte, NC is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte's population is 6.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 9.3% Asian, and 33.7% two or more races. 18.1% of residents are foreign-born.