Fayetteville, NC
Population 209,692 · North Carolina
About Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 209,692 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,395 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 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 Fayetteville features a median home value of $171,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fayetteville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,179, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 91,309 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (37,857 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (43,642 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fayetteville shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fayetteville have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Fayetteville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.3% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fayetteville Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Fayetteville, NC
Compared to national averages, Fayetteville has a median household income of $56,395 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,900, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,179 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Fayetteville's income is 13% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 25% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Fayetteville, NC?
Fayetteville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $171,900, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,395) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Fayetteville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fayetteville has a population of 209,692 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Fayetteville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Fayetteville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary | 176,686 | $129,399 | $525,200 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem | 250,887 | $57,673 | $208,200 | Compare |
| Durham | 288,465 | $79,234 | $355,300 | Compare |
| Greensboro | 298,564 | $58,884 | $221,300 | 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 |
| Asheville | 94,369 | $67,221 | $411,000 | 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 Fayetteville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fayetteville
What is the population of Fayetteville, NC?
The population of Fayetteville, NC is 209,692 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 Fayetteville?
The median household income in Fayetteville, NC is $56,395 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fayetteville?
The median home value in Fayetteville, NC is $171,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fayetteville?
The median monthly rent in Fayetteville, NC is $1,179, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fayetteville?
The unemployment rate in Fayetteville, NC is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fayetteville, NC a good place to live?
Fayetteville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 209,692 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fayetteville, NC?
28.6% of residents in Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fayetteville, NC: median home value is $171,900 (30% below national), median rent is $1,179/month, and median household income is $56,395. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fayetteville?
The poverty rate in Fayetteville, NC is 18.1%, 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 Fayetteville, NC?
Fayetteville's population is 4.3% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 41.0% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.