Graham, NC
Population 17,537 · North Carolina
About Graham, NC
Graham is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 17,537 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,783 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Graham features a median home value of $200,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Graham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $990, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,516 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (4,047 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (3,704 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Graham shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, 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 Graham have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of Graham 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 12.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 13.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Graham, NC
Compared to national averages, Graham has a median household income of $54,783 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $200,600, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $990 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Graham's income is 15% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 12% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Graham, NC?
Graham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $200,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $990/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,783) that falls below the national average. However, Graham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Graham has a population of 17,537 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Graham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Graham
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morganton | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Murraysville | 17,307 | $75,720 | $281,600 | Compare |
| Hope Mills | 17,823 | $60,671 | $176,300 | Compare |
| Mount Holly | 17,928 | $75,928 | $286,400 | Compare |
| Pinehurst | 17,992 | $104,955 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Albemarle | 16,527 | $52,825 | $186,100 | Compare |
| Stallings | 16,495 | $106,074 | $381,700 | 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 Graham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Graham
What is the population of Graham, NC?
The population of Graham, NC is 17,537 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 Graham?
The median household income in Graham, NC is $54,783 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Graham?
The median home value in Graham, NC is $200,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Graham?
The median monthly rent in Graham, NC is $990, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Graham?
The unemployment rate in Graham, NC is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Graham, NC a good place to live?
Graham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,537 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Graham, NC?
23.5% of residents in Graham 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 Graham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Graham, NC: median home value is $200,600 (18% below national), median rent is $990/month, and median household income is $54,783. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Graham?
The poverty rate in Graham, 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 Graham, NC?
Graham's population is 12.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 23.5% two or more races. 13.6% of residents are foreign-born.