Granite Falls, NC
Population 4,921 · North Carolina
About Granite Falls, NC
Granite Falls is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,921 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,250 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Granite Falls features a median home value of $203,100, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Granite Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $845, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,793 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,157 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (540 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Granite Falls shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Granite Falls have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Granite Falls 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 4.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Granite Falls, NC
Compared to national averages, Granite Falls has a median household income of $74,250 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,100, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $845 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Granite Falls's income is 15% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 11% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Granite Falls, NC?
Granite Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $845/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,250) that falls below the national average. However, Granite Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Granite Falls has a population of 4,921 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Granite Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Granite Falls
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creedmoor | 4,957 | $77,799 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Wadesboro | 4,966 | $34,125 | $98,600 | Compare |
| Long View | 4,967 | $44,156 | $142,900 | Compare |
| James City | 4,859 | $63,835 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Garden | 4,989 | $88,482 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Carolina Shores | 4,843 | $74,310 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Midway | 4,826 | $75,208 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Seven Lakes | 4,823 | $91,495 | $365,500 | 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 Granite Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Granite Falls
What is the population of Granite Falls, NC?
The population of Granite Falls, NC is 4,921 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Granite Falls?
The median household income in Granite Falls, NC is $74,250 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Granite Falls?
The median home value in Granite Falls, NC is $203,100, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Granite Falls?
The median monthly rent in Granite Falls, NC is $845, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Granite Falls?
The unemployment rate in Granite Falls, NC is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Granite Falls, NC a good place to live?
Granite Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,921 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Granite Falls, NC?
27.2% of residents in Granite Falls 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 Granite Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Granite Falls, NC: median home value is $203,100 (17% below national), median rent is $845/month, and median household income is $74,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Granite Falls?
The poverty rate in Granite Falls, NC is 15.1%, 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 Granite Falls, NC?
Granite Falls's population is 4.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.