Garner, NC
Population 32,543 · North Carolina
About Garner, NC
Garner is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 32,543 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,496 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garner features a median home value of $320,300, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Garner in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,452, 25% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,961 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (8,385 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (4,552 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garner shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Garner have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.8% of Garner 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 7.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garner Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Garner, NC
Compared to national averages, Garner has a median household income of $77,496 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $320,300, which is 31% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,452 is 25% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Garner's income is 20% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 40% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Garner, NC?
Garner offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,496, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average.
Garner has a population of 32,543 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Garner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Garner
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Monroe | 35,596 | $67,265 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | 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 Garner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garner
What is the population of Garner, NC?
The population of Garner, NC is 32,543 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Garner?
The median household income in Garner, NC is $77,496 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garner?
The median home value in Garner, NC is $320,300, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garner?
The median monthly rent in Garner, NC is $1,452, which is 25% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garner?
The unemployment rate in Garner, NC is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Garner, NC a good place to live?
Garner offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,543 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garner, NC?
45.8% of residents in Garner 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 Garner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garner, NC: median home value is $320,300 (31% above national), median rent is $1,452/month, and median household income is $77,496. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Garner?
The poverty rate in Garner, NC is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Garner, NC?
Garner's population is 7.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 25.9% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.