Goldsboro, NC
Population 33,448 · North Carolina
About Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 33,448 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,005 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Goldsboro features a median home value of $173,700, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Goldsboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,974 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (5,759 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (8,939 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 Goldsboro shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Goldsboro have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Goldsboro 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 2.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Goldsboro Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Goldsboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Goldsboro has a median household income of $47,005 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,700, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Goldsboro's income is 27% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 24% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Goldsboro, NC?
Goldsboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,005) that falls below the national average. However, Goldsboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Goldsboro has a population of 33,448 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Goldsboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Goldsboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Monroe | 35,596 | $67,265 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | 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 |
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 Goldsboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Goldsboro
What is the population of Goldsboro, NC?
The population of Goldsboro, NC is 33,448 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 Goldsboro?
The median household income in Goldsboro, NC is $47,005 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Goldsboro?
The median home value in Goldsboro, NC is $173,700, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Goldsboro?
The median monthly rent in Goldsboro, NC is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Goldsboro?
The unemployment rate in Goldsboro, NC is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Goldsboro, NC a good place to live?
Goldsboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 33,448 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Goldsboro, NC?
21.4% of residents in Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Goldsboro, NC: median home value is $173,700 (29% below national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $47,005. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Goldsboro?
The poverty rate in Goldsboro, NC is 20.8%, 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 Goldsboro, NC?
Goldsboro's population is 2.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 53.1% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.