Cornelius, NC
Population 32,009 · North Carolina
About Cornelius, NC
Cornelius is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 32,009 residents. The median household income is $114,688 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Cornelius is 44.8 years.
Housing in Cornelius has a median home value of $512,400 and median monthly rent of $1,571. Of the 14,777 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 9,488 owner-occupied and 4,130 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Cornelius is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 4.4%. 59.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25 minutes.
How Cornelius Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Cornelius, NC
Compared to national averages, Cornelius has a median household income of $114,688 (53% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $512,400, which is 109% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,571 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Cornelius's income is 78% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 124% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Cornelius, NC?
Cornelius offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,688, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 59.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $512,400. However, Cornelius’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cornelius has a population of 32,009 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Cornelius with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cornelius
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Monroe | 35,596 | $67,265 | $270,600 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cornelius
What is the population of Cornelius, NC?
The population of Cornelius, NC is 32,009 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Cornelius?
The median household income in Cornelius, NC is $114,688 per year.
What is the median home value in Cornelius?
The median home value in Cornelius, NC is $512,400.
What is the average rent in Cornelius?
The median monthly rent in Cornelius, NC is $1,571.
What is the unemployment rate in Cornelius?
The unemployment rate in Cornelius, NC is 3.6%.