Cherokee, NC
Population 1,631 · North Carolina
About Cherokee, NC
Cherokee is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,631 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,173 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cherokee features a median home value of $192,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cherokee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $799, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 923 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (487 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (285 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cherokee shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cherokee have an average one-way commute time of 11.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Cherokee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 82.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cherokee, NC
Compared to national averages, Cherokee has a median household income of $48,173 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,700, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $799 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Cherokee's income is 25% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 16% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Cherokee, NC?
Cherokee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $799/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,173) that falls below the national average. However, Cherokee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cherokee has a population of 1,631 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Cherokee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cherokee
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpsburg | 1,629 | $39,792 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Hoopers Creek | 1,623 | $64,792 | $297,300 | Compare |
| Plain View | 1,647 | $75,058 | $205,700 | Compare |
| Vander | 1,614 | $63,611 | $219,900 | Compare |
| Stedman | 1,613 | $105,491 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Nebo | 1,608 | $47,907 | $104,100 | Compare |
| Lake Waccamaw | 1,666 | $79,844 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | 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 Cherokee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherokee
What is the population of Cherokee, NC?
The population of Cherokee, NC is 1,631 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 Cherokee?
The median household income in Cherokee, NC is $48,173 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cherokee?
The median home value in Cherokee, NC is $192,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cherokee?
The median monthly rent in Cherokee, NC is $799, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cherokee?
The unemployment rate in Cherokee, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cherokee, NC a good place to live?
Cherokee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,631 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cherokee, NC?
20.3% of residents in Cherokee 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 Cherokee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cherokee, NC: median home value is $192,700 (21% below national), median rent is $799/month, and median household income is $48,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cherokee?
The poverty rate in Cherokee, NC is 25.0%, 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 Cherokee, NC?
Cherokee's population is 1.1% White, 82.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.